8-13-26 Villager

$2 Each

Since 1982

L O C A L

N E W S

M A T T E R S

Scan here read online at www.villagerpublishing.com

VOLUME 44 • NUMBER 38 • AUGUST 13, 2026

44 Years of Award-Winning Journalism

We are your source for local news GV adopts emergency parking restrictions for two neighborhoods near Cherry Creek High School See page 7

Cherry Hills Village to elect a mayor and three City Council members in November See page 7

Cinematic Symphony: The Music of Star Wars at Centennial Center Park Amphitheater See page 10

CHV to ask voters to affirm local authority over land use and zoning in its home rule charter See page 7 The sunflower is the official August birth

month flower. This is the Helianthus pumilus (Little Sunflower) growing locally in Colorado.

Photo by Jeff Birek www.inaturalist.org

Scan to Subscribe and Pay

PRINT & ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS/ADVERTISING 720-270-2018

Luxury Home, Condo & Auto Insurance Specialist Call for a quote

Builder’s Risk Policies | High-Value New Builds Excess Liability $1M–$100M+

Sean O’Donnell, based in Greenwood Village • 303‑741‑2009

PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

Life’s Best Moments Happen Here

Experience the freedom of maintenance-free living at St. Andrew’s Village. Our Active Independent Living and Assisted Living community offers engaging social, educational, devotional, and recreational opportunities.

Pursue favorite hobbies, build meaningful friendships, enjoy community events, and spend more time doing what you love in a warm, welcoming setting designed to help you make the most of each day.

Take time to unwind in our indoor pool

Enjoy Colorado sunshine and fresh air

SAVE 50% ON RENT FOR 3 MONTHS

Move in by the 15th and enjoy additional savings.*

Schedule Your Tour Today and Enjoy Lunch On Us!

720.684.5913 StAndrewsVillageSeniorLiving.com 13801 East Yale Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014 Active Independent Living | Assisted Living Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Available On-Site** *Offer valid for new residents only on select apartment homes. Must move in by the 15th to qualify for additional savings. Offer expires at month-end and may be modified or withdrawn without notice. ** Skilled Nursing Operated Independently by: The Ensign Group, Inc. ©2025 Discovery Management Group. All Rights Reserved. Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. Managed and Operated by TerraBella Senior Living. Assisted Living Facility License #23G126. STAN-0146 06/26

August 13, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

“Why?” Her answer was shockThe Power of Persuasion: ing.

She told him that most of the students live in single-parent, unmarried households and Words Matter that he was shaming them.

Words are invisible, yet they can move people. A sentence can inspire a frightened person, heal a broken heart, or persuade an entire audience that something is worth fighting for. Words can also wound, manipulate, deceive, and destroy. Those who understand the power of persuasion wield extraordinary influence.

Being persuasive is more than being articulate. It is knowing how to connect words to emotion, values, hopes, fears, and dreams. The most persuasive people understand that individuals rarely make decisions based on facts alone. We make decisions based on emotional connections to the issue. Consider the difference between saying, “You need tåo change.” That comment creates resistance. Instead, one can declare, “You were made for more. Somewhere inside you is the person you always hoped you would become. Don’t let another day pass without meeting that person.” Same message. Radically different impact. That is the power of words.

A dangerously articulate person knows precisely where the emotional pressure points are.

But persuasion becomes dangerous when the speaker understands emotion better than integrity. Charismatic candidates use lines like, “They took everything from you. They laughed at your pain. They don’t respect you. But I do, and together, we will make them pay.” Or “I will ensure we tax those billionaires. They do not care about you, but I do. Life is so unfair, and I will make sure you have health care, affordable housing, universal childcare, and groceries.” Those words can transform sadness into rage.

Additionally, imagine someone whispering to a vulnerable teenager, “Nobody understands you as I do. Your parents don’t really see you. Your friends don’t really care. But I do.” These words may sound compassionate, but they can be the first link in a chain of manipulation. That is why being articulate is not enough. Words require character and truth. History, politics, advertising, religion, business, romance, and even ordinary family conversations reveal the extraordinary power of language.

A husband can say, “You’re overreacting,” or he can say, “I can see that I’ve hurt you. Help me understand.” One closes a door.

The other opens one.

A parent can say, “I’m disappointed in you,” or “I know you can do better, and I refuse to give up on you.” A leader can say, “We have problems,” or “We have challenges, and we have the courage, creativity, and determination to overcome them.”

Last night, my 13-year-old grandson told me he did not feel confident about his friend group.

He wondered whether they really liked him. I told him to reframe his thinking. Instead of wondering whether they like him, he

should think about whether he likes them.

He was empowered.

Sometimes ideology trumps persuasion. A few years ago, a speaker from the Center for Relationship Education was teaching a high school class on relationship and life skills. He asked the students about their life goals. The lesson covered goals related to education, job choices, future marriage and family, travel adventures, health and wellness, exercise, charity, and service to others.

The teacher stopped the guest speaker and asked him to leave, stating that marriage and family formation could not be part of the lesson. Perplexed, he asked,

I talked with the teacher. I asked her whether she would feel the speaker was shaming the students if he talked about finishing their education, even if their parents did not, or about obeying the law if their parents were incarcerated. The teacher became frustrated and emotional, even madder, and told me that my argument was a “Red Herring.”

I realized at that point that even though I was dangerously articulate, I was fighting a losing battle. We removed the speaker from the classroom and decided not to continue serving this high school, which is sad because the students will not receive a life script that gives them a pathway to human flourishing.

Let us not become weary in persuading others. joneen@ narme.org

STAY CONNECTED THIS SUMMER WITH

Healthy Hearing From backyard BBQs to lakeside chats, make sure you’re part of the conversation.

Call for your evaluation today!

720.457.5113

CENTENNIAL 7180 E Orchard Rd, Ste 302

Julie Link,

Doctor of Audiology (CO Lic. #: AUD.0000725)

Brittany Vaggalis, Doctor of Audiology (CO Lic. #: AUD.0000959)

TheAudiologyMethod.com

Veterans Coffee Club Join Arapahoe County Veteran Services in honoring service and community through coffee and conversation among fellow veterans.

Every third Friday of the month from 8–10 a.m.

Buck Recreation Center, Topeka Room 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton All veterans are welcome.

Breastfeeding Support Join Arapahoe County Public Health every Tuesday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Aurora South WIC office at 15192 E. Hampden Ave. for a free, informal breastfeeding support group.

Learn more at bit.ly/ACPH_BabyCafe

arapahoeco.gov

Visit arapahoegov.com/osmasterplan to read the DIVE summary report.

WEEK OF AUG. 10

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

Hats off to the visionaries and leaders who built Colorado

During the 45 years we have published The Villager newspaper in Arapahoe County, we have had the privilege of meeting an enormous number of wonderful people.

Some of Colorado’s strongest leaders have come from Arapahoe County. We have watched visionaries build the Denver Tech Center, construct skyscrapers, create businesses, provide thousands of jobs and transform the communities around us.

George Wallace and John Madden were among those great visionaries. They were builders. They saw what could be done, and then they went out and did it.

Sometimes we need to stop and say thank you to the visionaries and strong leaders who have helped build this state.

Leadership is not easy.

It is particularly difficult today because criticism has become so common. Whether you agree with President Donald Trump or not, it is difficult to deny that he is a visionary and a strong leader.

He has a willingness to take on big issues and attempt to change things.

His recent efforts to revive the American mining industry are particularly important to Colorado. The Trump administration has announced a series of investments totaling nearly $1 billion to advance and scale mining, processing and manufacturing technologies across the domestic critical-minerals supply chain.

The effort includes major investments in mining education and workforce development. Colorado School of Mines in Golden is slated to receive $32.7 million for a critical-minerals technology development hub. The investment will help train the engineers, scientists and skilled workers needed to develop America’s domestic mineral resources.

The Department of Energy has also announced $45.7 million for 19 projects aimed at strengthening domestic critical-minerals supply chains, with additional funding directed toward recovering rare earth elements and other critical materials from domestic resources.

That is important news for Colorado and especially meaningful in a state whose history was built on mining.

This is not simply about digging more minerals out of the ground. It is about developing the technology, workforce and domestic supply chains necessary to explore, mine, process and manufacture the materials America needs.

Critical minerals are esAnd Colorado has some sential to modern technolovery big problems that regy, manufacturing, quire more than critaerospace, defense icism. and energy. AmeriI saw one of them ca needs to become firsthand Friday aftermore self-sufficient noon while returning instead of depending from the mountains. so heavily on foreign BY BOB SWEENEY Traffic heading sources. west on Interstate 70 PUBLISHER We also need to was backed up for bring manufacturing and miles. It appeared to stretch jobs back to America. Those from the Eisenhower Tunnel efforts could create billions nearly to Genesee, creating of dollars in investment and what looked like a parking thousands of jobs for Amer- lot of cars trying to get into icans. the mountains.

You don’t have to agree Denver was also shrouded with everything a president in smoke from wildfires in does to recognize the impor- the Northwest. tance of having a president It was a miserable afterwilling to tackle difficult noon for motorists and a problems. poor welcome for visitors We need that same spirit coming to Colorado. here in Colorado.

My wife asked a simple I have been disappointed question: Why doesn’t the watching some of what has highway patrol stop the happened across our state in traffic or close the highway recent years. But I also bewhen conditions become that lieve in giving credit where bad? credit is due.

I don’t pretend to have the Gov. Jared Polis deserves answer. But somebody needs recognition for his work in to be asking the question. education.

We are spending hunI knew the governor bedreds of millions of dollars fore he became governor, on highway improvements, and we worked together on including the massive Floyd education projects, particuHill project. Yet motorists larly in early childhood edu- still find themselves sitting cation. One of the goals was for hours in traffic. making sure children had acAnd when visitors finally cess to a hot lunch at school get into Colorado, they are and expanding access to free sometimes greeted by highpreschool. way signs that are faded, Those were important damaged or missing letters. efforts.

What impression does that Gov. Polis has now served leave with a tourist who has Colorado for nearly eight just spent hours sitting in years. He has worked hard, traffic trying to get here? developed programs and Colorado should be weltaken on difficult issues. coming visitors, not frustratRecently, he has come under ing them. criticism from members of Denver, our beautiful his own political party.

Queen City of the West, is I think that is unfortunate. another example of the work We can disagree with our that needs to be done. It is a elected officials without for- wonderful city with tremengetting the years of public dous potential, but it is facservice they have given to ing serious challenges.

Colorado.

We need leaders with That applies to everyone vision who are willing to ad— Democrats, Republicans dress those challenges. and independents.

I have many friends who It applies to governors, are Democrats. We may dismayors, county commission- agree about taxes, spending ers, city council members or the role of government, and members of the Legisbut most of the Democrats I lature. have known throughout my Criticism is part of delifetime were not socialists or mocracy. Constructive criti- communists. cism is necessary.

For most of the past cenBut there is a difference tury, Democrats and Repubbetween constructive critilicans have competed vigorcism and simply throwing ously while still finding ways rocks at the people who are to compromise and govern. trying to govern.

That competition helped If you believe an elected build America. official is doing something We need to remember wrong, tell us how you that. would do it better.

America was built by peoWhat would you do if you ple who were willing to work were sitting in the governor’s together when necessary, chair? compromise when possible What would you do if you and lead when leadership were the mayor? was required.

What would you do if you I believe President Trump were the county commission- is the strongest leader we er? have had in many years.

Those are fair questions.

Others will disagree with me,

Opinion

and that is their right.

But leadership should be judged not only by the criticism it receives, but also by what it accomplishes.

Colorado needs that kind of vision.

We need governors, mayors, county commissioners, legislators and city council members who are willing to think beyond the next election and build for the next generation.

We also need informed citizens.

That is why The Villager works so hard to keep readers informed. One of our greatest assets is our governmental reporter, Freda Miklin.

Follow Freda has become an important part of The Villager. Freda is a certified public accountant by trade, and past Greenwood Village City council member and her financial background allows her to cut through complicated government budgets, financial reports and legislation and explain what they mean to the average reader.

Every week, she produces two pages of government reporting, keeping close watch on legislation, elected officials and the issues affecting our communities.

If you want to know what is happening in Colorado government and how it could affect you, Follow Freda.

An election is coming.

There will be candidates, ballot questions and constitutional amendments that deserve our attention.

Read your newspaper.

Stay informed. Make sure you are registered to vote.

If your Villager subscription is due for renewal, please take a moment to renew it. If you are not already a subscriber, we invite you to become one. A full year of The Villager is $85 for 52 weeks. You can subscribe or renew by calling 720-2702018.

A strong newspaper depends on its readers, and paid subscribers are essential to keeping local journalism alive and independent.

Let’s give our leaders something they don’t hear nearly enough: appreciation for their willingness to serve.

We don’t have to agree with every decision they make. But we should recognize that leadership takes courage, vision and hard work.

Colorado was built by visionaries. Now we need a new generation of leaders willing to build its future.

Let’s encourage them, hold them accountable and, when they do something right, give them a pat on the back.

They deserve it.

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 $85 per year. Single copies available for $2 per issue.

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

USPS # 431010 ISSN 1539-6274 (Print) ISSN 2993-7280 (Online) Postmaster: Send address changes to The Villager, 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016 Deadlines: Display Advertising, Legal Notices, press releases, letters to the editor, 4:00 p.m. Friday.

Classified Advertising, noon Monday.

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 Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 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!”

2026 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK QUOTE WEEK There of arethe certain

persons for whom pure Truth is a poison.

– Andre Maurois

August 13, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

TWO SCOOPS

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • June 25, 2026

A TRUE FOODIE

Restaurant Reviews and Recipes with Food Columnist Jessica

jessbcarrington@gmail.com

Serving Arapahoe County for 44 Years Keep up on your city, people, politics & social events RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!

Only $85 year

Call today to

order your subscription: 720-270-2018

Y’ALL FOLLOW ALONG FOR THIS DELECTABLE JOURNEY

SUMMER PASTA SALAD RECIPE Try this fresh and delicious recipe when wanting to use all that beautiful yellow squash, zucchini, and summer tomatoes!

12 oz. dried pasta (I like fusilli for this) 1 zucchini cut how you like 1 yellow squash cut how you like 1/2 onion chopped a bit of English peas or asparagus 1 pint or so of cherry tomatoes cut in half 1.5 cups small mozzarella balls 1/4 cup pine nuts (or leave out) 1 1/4 tsp of Italian seasoning For the pesto dressing I either grab a good store bought brand like Gotham Greens Pesto, or blend together 1/2 cup of fresh

basil, 1/4 cup of pine nuts (cashews work well too), 1/2 cup of olive oil, 2 tsp of red or white wine vinegar , juice of 1 lemon, 1 clove of garlic, 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper, and if you’d like 1/3 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.

The Parmesan cheese part isn’t required but its a yummy option.

Cook your pasta and rinse with cold water.

Saute all your veggies in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper until softened.

Add pasta to large bowl with the softened vegetables and mozzarella balls. Stir in the Italian seasoning and pine nuts. Pour your pesto dressing over everything until completely coated. Top with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

f o 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

Doug Tisdale and Cherry Hills Village to elect a mayor and Mayor current CHV City CounMember Dave Heller up materials for the three City Council members in November cilpicked November 3 election, as did Cherry Hills Village voters will elect a mayor and City Council representatives for Districts 2, 4, and 6 on November 3, 2026.

Council members may serve up to two four-year terms, while the mayor may serve up to four two-year terms.

All incumbents whose seats are on the ballot this

year are eligible to seek another term. Mayor Katy Brown has served two two-year terms, while City Council Members Earl Hoellen in District 2, Susan Maguire in District 4, and Rob Eber in District 6 are completing their first fouryear terms and may run again. Hoellen also served from 2014-2018 but term

limits only apply to consecutive terms.

On August 4, CHV held an open meeting for prospective candidates to receive information and pick up materials needed to gather signatures for election or re-election to the four seats. Petitions with the required signatures are due to the CHV City Clerk

by close of business Monday, August 24.

At the August 4 meeting, no candidates for the three City Council seats, other than the incumbents, came to receive information or pick up signature materials.

Although others could have done so afterward, none had as of this writing.

For mayor, former CHV

CHV to ask voters to affirm local authority over land use and zoning in its home rule charter In recent years, the Colorado legislature and governor have enacted several laws intended to increase housing availability statewide. Those measures have included efforts to shift control over land-use rules to the state and away from home rule cities that have traditionally made those decisions with input from residents.

On August 4, responding to the State of Colorado’s efforts to assert authority over municipal land use and zoning, the Cherry Hills Village City Council unanimously voted to ask residents to approve an amendment to the city’s Home Rule Charter. The amendment is intended to

preserve local control over land-use and zoning decisions within Cherry Hills Village.

At the council’s request, CHV City Attorney Kathie Guckenberger drafted Council Bill 8, Series of 2026. The bill explains that Cherry Hills Village was incorporated in 1945 after residents sought to protect the area from the possible development of a nearby airport. Soon after, the Town adopted its first zoning ordinance, long known as Ordinance No. 9, Series of 1945, following extensive discussions about lot size, residential uses that allowed livestock, and the absence of a need for commercial development in the

Village. In the 1940s and 1950s, as growth pressures increased across metro Denver, the Town appointed planning and adjustment boards, hired a planner, and adopted a plan focused on preserving single-family residential properties and the Village’s open, semi-rural character. In 1966, after further growth and annexations, residents elected 21 convention members to draft a charter making Cherry Hills Village a home rule city. In later years, CHV successfully defended its ability to limit development inconsistent with its community values. The city updated its Master Plan in 1970 and in later years to guide growth and protect its

semi-rural character, most recently adopting a new Master Plan in December 2022 after a broad public process that included surveys, open houses, advisory groups, and more than 4,600 community contacts.

Because the City Charter gives CHV “local self-government and home rule power,” and because the city and its local government partners are responsible for evaluating how proposed land uses could affect the community, the council believes recent state laws— including HB24-1152 on accessory dwelling units and HB24-1313 on housing in transit-oriented communities—attempt to impose land-use rules that “usurp

current Mayor Katy Brown.

The Villager spoke with all three potential mayoral candidates. Each expressed a certain level of interest in the position, but none of the three will be considered an official candidate unless they submit petitions with the required number of valid signatures by August 24.

Stay tuned. the constitutionally granted plenary home rule authority to regulate zoning and land use at the local level.”

The council also contends those laws do not reflect best planning practices and were adopted without sufficient outreach to affected local governments about their unique circumstances and challenges. If voters approve the proposed ordinance, CHV’s charter would state that authority to plan for, zone, regulate density, determine land uses, control the location and character of structures, and oversee real property development within the city are local and municipal matters vested in the city by the Colorado Constitution and the charter, and may be regulated only under the charter.

Ballot measures on road transportation funding and natural gas rights have been added to the November 3 ballot

Two additional measures have been certified by the Secretary of State for the November 3, 2026, general election ballot: 1. Ballot Measure #177 — Right to Natural Gas, a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution, would create a new right for consumers to buy natural gas for cooking or heating in homes and businesses and for distributors and utilities to sell it to them. It would prohibit state or local governments from requiring electricity or another energy source instead of natural gas, a fossil fuel, for cooking, heating, or other residential or business uses.

2. #175 — State Revenue Supporting Road Transportation, also a proposed amendment to the

Colorado Constitution, would revise existing transportation funding law by increasing the amount of state revenue dedicated exclusively to road transportation. It would require revenue from various transportation-related sources to be used only for road transportation, including building and repairing roads and bridges, improving driver safety, planning and engineering costs, and funding the Colorado State Patrol. This would reduce funding for other transportation-related services and multiple programs provided by state and local governments.

We previously reported in the July 2, 2026, issue of The Villager that the General Assembly passed, and

Gov. Polis signed, HB261430, on June 4, 2026, to block the impact of this ballot issue if voters approve it. Lawmakers took this unusual step because they concluded the measure would force more than $1 billion to be transferred from education, health care, and other priorities to roads between January and June 2027, and more than $2 billion to be redirected similarly during the next fiscal year.

On March 5, we reported on five ballot questions that had been approved or were in the approval process for the November 3 ballot: 1. Increased Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes 2. Law Enforcement Reporting Requirements to Federal Authorities 3. Increased Penalties for Human Trafficking of a

Minor 4. No Biological Males in Women’s Sports 5. Prohibit Gender-Altering Surgeries on Minors All five of those measures are now approved for the November 3 general election ballot, bringing the total to seven and counting.

As of this writing, signatures have been submitted by the deadline for seven additional ballot measures.

All seven are under review by the Secretary of State’s Office to determine whether they qualify for the November 3, 2026, ballot.

If all pending measures qualify, Colorado voters will be asked to decide 14 significant changes to state law and/or the Constitution without hearings, witness testimony, questioning, or evidence—the safeguards that would apply if proponents pursued their

goals through the normal legislative process. Instead, they are using the legal ballot-measure process, which relies on signatures collected by paid solicitors.

Anyone who has carefully read the complete language of a ballot measure on a petition before signing it may have found that the solicitor’s explanation was, at best, incomplete, and, at worst, misleading.

While some issues, such as changes in the state’s income tax rate, passed in prior years, are straightforward, most are not.

They can be difficult to understand and often carry consequences that paid signature gatherers do not mention or explain clearly when presenting petitions to voters, who may be rushed or uncertain about what they are supporting when they sign.

August 13, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

f o l l ow F R E DA

GV adopts emergency parking restrictions for two neighborhoods near Cherry Creek High School; area council representative votes no

At its August 3 regular meeting, the Greenwood Village City Council adopted two emergency ordinances restricting school-hour parking to residents and their guests with city-issued permits in Cherry Creek Village on the Lake (CCVOL) and in the northern and western portions of Cherry Creek Village North (CCVN).

CCVOL is a 28-home neighborhood east of the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) campus, which includes Cherry Creek High School, Campus Middle School and Belleview Elementary. CCVOL is bounded by E. Belleview Ave. to the south, E. Chenango Ave. to the north and S. Dayton Street to the west.

CCVN is a large neighborhood directly north of the CCSD campus. Permit parking is already in place in its southeastern portion.

The emergency ordinances passed 7-1, with Council Member Katrin Mezger voting no. Mezger represents GV District 4, where CCVOL and CCVN are located. During discussion, she said affected residents had raised concerns about permit-parking signage and warned that using the emergency process lacked public input. “We are bypassing public input, so I would expect to get a lot of resistance by homeowners,” she said.

Mezger questioned whether the situation justified emergency action, adding, “We would have ample time to get this done with the regular process, without bypassing our residents.”

After the council meeting, The Villager asked Mezger why she voted against the emergency action. She said, “Council had to decide whether potential parking overflow into two neighborhoods justified an emergency ordinance.

Supporting the ordinance would advance parking permit

Cherry Creek Village on the Lake, shown in yellow, where parking is now restricted to residents and guests during school hours.

districts without input from CCVN and CCVOL residents, even though it is unclear how many students will seek parking in these neighborhoods.”

She continued, “Further, parking permit districts could potentially shift overspill parking to other nearby residential areas and would not address drop-off and pick-up traffic congestion in CCVN and CCVOL. In my view, this situation is not a health or safety threat to an extent warranting an emergency ordinance that bypasses public input.

Ultimately, this issue will be resolved only if students use CCSD’s added buses, carpool lawfully, or walk or bike when possible until the additional parking lot is completed.”

In response to a question from Tom Stahl, the other GV District 4 council representative, Public Works Engineering Manager Justin Williams said signs stating that parking is restricted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday when school is in session “will be placed at approximately every 150 to 300 feet along

the roadway,” as they are in neighborhoods where permit parking already exists.

Acting GV City Attorney Kathy Guckenberger said emergency ordinances are commonly used in municipal law to let city councils enact short-term measures for urgent matters affecting public health, safety and welfare. She said the ordinances, if approved, could remain in effect for up to 180 days but could be rescinded at any time. Making the restrictions permanent would require a more extensive process, including public input, which is not required for an emergency ordinance.

Since these were emergency ordinances, the GV City Council held no public hearing and took no public testimony before approving them on August 3.

During discussion before the vote, GV Police Chief Dave Oliver told council the restrictions are needed because Cherry Creek High School lacks enough authorized parking for juniors and provides none for sophomores. (Addi-

Cherry Creek Village North—red shows the area with existing parking restrictions; yellow shows the newly restricted area.

tional parking for juniors is to be available beginning in January 2027, but no sophomore parking is expected for the foreseeable future.)

Oliver said he expects students to park in the affected neighborhoods if restrictions are not imposed. Because many are inexperienced drivers, he said they may be “not as respectful of the neighborhoods as the residents who live there.” He also said it was reasonable to expect “speeding, stop sign violations, careless driving issues, and endangerment of the public,” including jaywalking and failure to use crosswalks. He cited concerns about crowded streets, blocked resident parking, trash and litter, excessive noise pollution and increased wear on neighborhood roads.

GV City Manager John Jackson and Chief Oliver assured council that, if the emergency ordinances passed, city staff would adequately inform

affected CCVOL and CCVN residents about the permit parking program before school starts on August 17.

Council Member Donna Johnston, who represents GV District 3, asked whether the city would track the cost of the effort, including staffing and the effect on other neighborhoods that may receive fewer police services for cut-through traffic and speeding. Chief Oliver said code enforcement officers from animal control and neighborhood services—not patrol officers—would handle initial enforcement of the restricted parking in CCVOL and CCVN. Mayor George Lantz, responding to a question from District 2 Council Member Bob Doyle, said the city planned to begin the regular process soon, including public input, to determine whether CCVOL and CCVN residents want and need a permanent parking permit program.

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

E

-Bikes are currently prohibited on trails, including the High Line Canal Trail, in Cherry Hills Village. In 2021, the CHV City Council decided that E-Bikes would fall under the City’s longstanding prohibition of motorized vehicles on its trails. But that was when they were first starting to become popular. Things have changed.

The City’s Parks, Trails, & Recreation Commission had planned to revisit the policy this year but has since deferred the conversation to 2027. In the meantime, CHVPD is patrolling its trails to

ensure safety for users, but they are there primarily to provide education, not write tickets. For most trail users, the biggest concern about any sort of bikers is their speed. ________________________

O

n the Square, a new fresh seafood restaurant is coming to Shea Properties mixed-use development on Belleview Avenue and Ulster Street in DTC. That is the word from Sean Huggard, whose company, Shucking Good Hospitality, is responsible for Blue Island Oyster and Ash & Agave in Denver’s Cherry

Creek neighborhood, and for Oliver’s Italian in Greenwood Village. He hopes to bring the feeling and flavor of Nantucket to the Denver Tech Center. The restaurant is planned to be about 4,000 square feet. ________________________

T

he United States Postal Service posted a loss of $2.5 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, which is an improvement over its loss for the same period in 2025; that was $3.1 billion. USPS operating revenue for the third fiscal quarter of 2026 was $19.9 billion, six per-

cent more than for the third quarter of 2025, but still a continuation of a non-sustainable business model.

Last March, Postmaster General David Steiner told the Associated Press that, at current rates, USPS is expected to run out of cash by early 2027. Since the bulk of USPS’ revenue comes from the sale of first-class stamps, expect to see the cost of a forever stamp keep going up from the current rate of 82 cents. Forever means forever—they don’t expire---so it’s not too soon to buy them for next year or the year after that.

T

________________________

he Greeley City Council has voted to award 11 affordable housing projects $2.4 million in federal funds. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of a yearly allocation that is distributed by the state. The City’s Housing Solutions Department and the Housing for All Advisory Board selected the 11 projects from 19 applications received in May and June, prioritizing the value to the community and how ready they were to be built.

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

August 13, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

Sean O’Donnell Producer Virtus Insurance Agency Based in Greenwood Village

CALL TODAY FOR A QUOTE 303-741-2009

Strategic Protection for Modern Wealth

Virtus is an insurance brokerage and consulting firm bringing a fresh approach to a stagnant industry.

Luxury Home, Condo & Auto Insurance Specialist Builder’s Risk Policies | High-Value New Builds Excess Liability $1M–$100M+

The

CERTIFIED ARBORISTS

MOVING/STORAGE

A better way to manage personal insurance

INTERIOR DESIGN

BEST BEST of the

INSURANCE

VETERINARY SERVICE PET WALKING SERVICE

Thank you for supporting local Villag er advertisers

for Call Susan g advertisin info for this page 18 720-270-20

FOR QUALITY RESULTS CALL ONE OF THESE EXPERIENCED & TRUSTED EXPERTS PET WALKING SERVICES

INSURANCE

Other People’s Dogs LLC is thrilled to offer professional, safety-first pet care to our community.

At OPD, we are dedicated to loving your dogs with the same passion we have poured into this community for decades.

(720) 689-3762 www.otherpeoplesdogs.net

We’re revolutionizing a tired industry and challenging the antiquated perception that insurance is a “necessary evil.” We’re problem solvers, creative thinkers and strategists who proudly partner with our clients to develop tailored programs they actually need.

303-741-2009 virtusinsurance.com

MOVING/STORAGE

Choose The Colorado Mover That Makes Your Life Easier Moving & Storage For: Commercial, Residential, Load and Hold (303)789-2200 cowboymoving.com

INTERIOR DESIGN With more than 25 years of experience in residential design and renovation, I approach every project with thoughtfulness and care. From tailored layouts to custom furnishings, my work balances sophistication with everyday ease.

Partnering closely with architects, builders, and clients, I oversee each stage of the process to create spaces that are timeless, livable, and uniquely personal.

561-702-3009 TMKinteriors.com

CERTIFIED ARBORISTS

Tree Service, Lawn Care & Pest Control Experts.

Leave the Hard Work to Us. Enjoy a Beautiful and Healthy Property.

(303) 229-8777 joshuatreeexperts.com/denversouth-co

VETERINARY At MoVET, we believe preventative care and wellness are the foundation of a long, healthy life for your pet. Our team offers a full range of services in-clinic or at home, with the same personalized, stress-free approach every time.

(720) 507-PETS (7387) movetcare.com

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

HUMOR - Spying on the Hard Workers Next Door

TRAVEL TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY WITH SYMPHONY OF THE ROCKIES AS WE PRESENT CINEMATIC SYMPHONY: THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS AT CENTENNIAL CENTER PARK AMPHITHEATER. JOIN US FOR THIS FREE CONCERT IN THE PARK! Experience the power, adventure, and wonder of one of the most beloved film scores ever written as a full symphony orchestra brings the music of Star Wars to life under the Colorado sky. From heroic fanfares and thrilling battles to unforgettable themes of hope and destiny, this family-friendly concert is perfect for Jedi, Rebels, droids, Wookiees, and music lovers of all ages.

Pack a picnic, bring your blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of live symphonic music beneath the stars.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 VIP Reception: 4:30 PM Concert: 5:30 PM to 7:15 PM Location: Centennial Center Park Amphitheater, Centennial, Colorado

TICKET DETAILS

Concert: FREE VIP Experience: $30

VIP EXPERIENCE

Enhance your adventure with our exclusive VIP Experience, hosted by the Centennial Arts & Cultural Foundation.

Your VIP ticket includes: • Exclusive pre-concert reception featuring wine, craft beer, and light bites

• Reserved premium grass seating for the concert • Opportunities to connect with community leaders, arts supporters, and fellow Star Wars fans • Behind-the-scenes insights into Symphony of the Rockies and their upcoming season • A special Star Wars-themed gift bag

Over the summer I watched the teenager next door build a flowerbed in his family’s front yard. Throughout the year I watch him and his three younger siblings mow their lawn, rake the leaves and shovel the snow in their driveway.

When they’re inside I imagine them dusting, vacuuming and talking about how their nosey neighbor lady is always spying on them.

I’m not nosey. What I am is nostalgic. When I’m watching them I’m thinking back to when I had a child at home to rake and vacuum for me. Those were the days—me delegating, knowing all would be done to my expectations and without complaint. I miss hearing my son say, “Yes Mother. I’d be happy to mop the kitchen floor. Would you like me to clean the bathroom too?”

Maybe it wasn’t quite like that. Nor, I imagine, was it like that when my parents were assigning chores to me and my siblings. Nostalgia is, after all, the false sense that things were better when they happened so long ago we can’t remember them accurately.

I don’t know how it goes next door, but when I’m honest with myself, I know that the busier I was the less inclined I was to even ask my son for help. And the childrearing years were busy.

Along with raising him, I was caring for my mother and working full-time. And the busier I got the less vital I considered some chores to be. It was hard to tell him to clean his room when he’d seen what mine looked like.

Plus teaching the skills necessary to complete certain tasks took time neither of us had. When he was in the middle of homework or extracurricular activities, I

couldn’t very well teach him to cook. I probably couldn’t have anyway.

And like many other parents, I often found it easier and more efficient to just do it myself.

When my son washed dishes, he needed to mop the floor too.

Who had time for both?

Once when he was very young and his newly folded clothes looked more like a heap than a stack, I asked him if he was folding his T-shirts the way I’d taught him to. He said, “Mine are like snowflakes. They’re all different.” It was a lovely sentiment. Unfortunately, when every shirt was different, his dresser drawer wouldn’t close.

Delegating to older children often involves a fight.

My son had only me and my husband to argue with. But a mother of two once told me about an argument that broke out between her son and daughter over whose turn it was to load the dishwasher. She intervened when she sensed the dishes were about to start flying across the kitchen.

Eventually the dishwasher was running and the children were in their bedrooms cooling off. All was well—until later that evening. When my friend unloaded the dishwasher she discovered, there among the clean dishes, a broken glass and a couple of really, clean chicken bones.

The kids next door are so well behaved and responsible. I can’t believe they ever fight about chores or run chicken bones through the dishwasher. I’m ashamed to admit this, but for some reason I’d be reassured to learn that they do. There’s only one way to find out.

One of these days I’m going to sneak over and peek in the windows.

Support Free Enterprise and The Villager Family-owned for 44 years

Join us before the concert for great conversation, refreshments, and a chance to support the arts while enjoying one of the region’s most beloved summer traditions.

Subscribe, advertise & read weekly

Register for FREE or reserve your VIP tickets today: www.simpletix. com/e/cinematic-symphony-returnstickets-265750

Call 720-270-2018 The Villager Appreciates Your Support

August 13, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

Shucking Good Hospitality to bring The Coastal Service, a new seafood and oyster bar, to Denver Tech Center

Maureen Shul, executive director of Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research, with Drs. Martina Nebbia and Marco Del Chiaro of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, whose research is funded in part by Wings of Hope

2026 a hopeful year for pancreatic cancer, despite ongoing challenges

have been a number of incredible breakthroughs concerning the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and you realize how critical the collaboration is among doctors,

BY PETER JONES institutions and public-private 2026 continues to be a big partnerships to keep the research year for the pancreatic cancer progress moving.” community, especially here in the Among the breakthroughs that Centennial state, where a broad have taken place this year: range of groundbreaking research, · A Spanish biochemist ansupported by Wings of Hope nounced a new triple-combifor Pancreatic Cancer Research, nation therapy that achieved continues to take place at the Unicomplete regression of tumors versity of Colorado Cancer Center in mice models. on the Anschutz Medical Campus · A personalized MRNA vaccine in Aurora. was custom built at New York’s Sadly, this has also been yet Memorial Sloan Kettering another year of tragedy. One of Cancer Center from genetic the most difficult of cancer diagmaterial taken from a patient’s noses has so far claimed the lives own tumors. of more than 30,000 Americans, · A vaccine against pancreatic including Grammy winner D’Ancancer at Johns Hopkins progelo, former Pittsburgh Pirates duced a targeted immune reinfielder Phil Garner and Chris sponse in 90% in human trials.

Affleck, the mother of actors Ben · Scientists at Northwestern and Casey. Nearly 150 die every University developed a highly day in the United States. sensitive blood test that can deThe reasons for pancreatic tect traces of pancreatic cancer cancer being so challenging range missed by standard testing. from the physical placement of the Perhaps the biggest news has pancreas in been the body to For tickets, sponsorships the anthe dearth nounceand more information, of effective ment of please visit treatments a new and screencancer wingsofhopepcr.org. ing and the drug, darelative failure of many experiraxonrasib, which has prolonged mental drugs. the survival of patients with metaBut there is more than a glimstatic pancreatic cancer and is now mer of hope. being fast-tracked for approval by In the face of both increasing the Food and Drug Administrachallenges and inspiring breaktion. throughs, the second annual These breakthroughs are the Rocky Mountain Pancreatic Candirect result of organizations such cer Symposium was held April 30 as Wings of Hope that provide at the CU Cancer Center. The con- the seed money for the early ference—presented by the Cancer trials that lead to the large-scale Center in partnership with Wings government-funded research that of Hope and the CU Division of eventually saves lives.

Surgical Oncology—attracted Wings of Hope, founded by prestigious oncologists from as far Shul after losing her mother and away as Germany, Sweden, Japan brother to pancreatic cancer, is and South Korea. an all-volunteer organization The timely gathering at a facil- dedicated to raising both awareity that has become an epicenter ness and funding for the research for trailblazing exploratory trials taking place every day at the CU was a rare opportunity for physiCancer Center. cians and researchers from around The nonprofit’s biggest fundthe world to share their recent raiser of the year is Evening of work and their perspectives on the Hope, which will take place Sept. everchanging worlds of research, 19 at The Inverness Denver, 200 diagnosis and surgical advanceInverness Dr. West in Douglas ment.

County.

“To have these brilliant minds The evening will begin at 5:30 come together to share with one p.m. with a cocktail reception another their latest innovations on followed by dinner and a live all things pertaining to pancreatic auction. Supporters will also hear cancer was incredibly fascinatdirectly from the CU researchers ing,” said Maureen Shul, Wings about the promising clinical trials of Hope’s founder and executive they are supporting by attending director. “Just this year, there Evening of Hope.

Evening of Hope fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 19 at The Inverness Denver

New Concept w from Founder Sean Huggard to Open Early 2027

S

hucking Good Hospitality, the local restaurant group led by Founder and President Sean Huggard, has signed a lease to bring The Coastal Service, a new East Coast-inspired seafood and oyster bar, to On The Square in the Denver Tech Center on Belleview Avenue and Ulster Street.

The restaurant is slated to open in early 2027 and will become the newest concept in the group’s growing portfolio.

The Coastal Service is a sibling concept to Shucking Good Hospitality’s flagship oyster bar, Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood, sharing the same East Coast roots. Where Blue Island is built around the group’s own oyster farm on Long Island’s Great South Bay, The Coastal Service draws its inspiration from Huggard’s years working as a chef on Nantucket.

The concept took shape after Huggard identified a gap for an oyster bar in the Denver Tech Center. The Coastal Service will offer a raw bar, fresh seafood, seasonal coastal dishes, premium steaks, and an extensive wine, martini, and cocktail program. The name nods to the Postal Service, swapping mail for fresh seafood and oysters delivered with the same reliability.

The Coastal Service joins Shucking Good Hospitality’s thriving Italian concept, Oliver’s Italian, in nearby Greenwood Village, expanding Huggard’s presence in the Denver Tech Center while continuing to bring the traditions, hospitality, and energy of East Coast dining to Denver.

“This is the restaurant I’ve always hoped I’d get to build,” said Huggard. ​ “DTC didn’t have an oyster bar, and this gave me the chance to create one shaped by my years as a chef on Nantucket rather than by the farm in New York. The two restaurants are siblings: same East Coast roots, same standards, different experiences.”

Sean Huggard

“This is the restaurant I’ve always hoped I’d get to build, DTC didn’t have an oyster bar, and this gave me the chance to create one shaped by my years as a chef on Nantucket rather than by the farm in New York. The two restaurants are siblings: same East Coast roots, same standards, different experiences.”

- Sean Huggard, Founder and President of Shucking Good Hospitality Built for everyday visits as much as special ones, The Coastal Service will anchor business lunches, happy hours and weeknight dinners in the Denver Tech Center, backed by fresh seafood, attentive service and a lively dining room.

Additional details, including menu offerings, design elements, and opening timeline, will be announced in the coming months.

About Shucking Good Hospitality

Shucking Good Hospitality (SGH) is a Denver-based restaurant and

hospitality group led by chef and restaurateur Sean Huggard. SGH operates three celebrated concepts across the Denver area: Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood in Cherry Creek North and Lone Tree, Oliver’s Italian in Greenwood Village, and the newly opened Ash and Agave in the iconic Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

Built on a fervent passion for exceptional dining and genuine hospitality, SGH has earned a reputation for freshness, consistency, and thoughtfully executed menus. From East Coast-inspired oyster bars to Italian-American comfort food and wood-fired coastal Mexican, SGH’s diverse portfolio reflects a deep understanding of what makes a hospitality brand thrive: connection, quality, and operational excellence.

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

Fine line separates Hall of Fame coaches No coach was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last weekend, even though there are several deserving candidates—in addition to the Tom Brady-blessed Bill Belichick.

That got me thinking about the 29 who are in, and those who aren’t but should be.

Lombardi, Shula, Halas, Brown and some others—Landry, Ewbank, Lambeau, Noll and Parcells among them—are no-brainers.

But then the debate begins. Here’s a quiz to make my point.

Following are pairs of coaches. In each, can you tell who IS NOT in the HOF (but maybe deserves to be).

The brief descriptions are intended to help you decide—or make it harder to distinguish one from the other.

(Answers below.)

Tom Flores and Chuck Knox—Flores won 10 more regular-season games than he lost in 12 years as head coach of the Seahawks and Raiders but won two Super Bowls after succeeding John Madden as Oakland’s head coach.

“Ground Chuck,” as he was called, was an NFL head coach for three teams over 22 years; won a total of 193 games; was voted NFL Coach of the Year three times; and the three franchises he coached reached the postseason a combined 11 times but never won the big one.

Tom Coughlin and George Allen—Coughlin coached Jacksonville for the first eight years of the franchise’s existence—twice leading the Jaguars to within one game of the Super Bowl—then led the New York Giants for 12 years, winning two Super Bowls.

Inveterate trader Allen, who made 131 “the future is now” swaps in his 12-year career, never had a losing season as an NFL head coach and ranked 10th all-time in NFL coaching victories at the time of his retirement with a 118-54-5 record.

George Seifert and Bud Grant—Seifert succeeded Bill Walsh as head coach of the 49ers in 1989 and won his first of two Super Bowls that season. Seifert coached San Francisco to a 98-30 record and seven playoff berths in eight years, then later coached Carolina for three seasons. Grant, who won 108 games in 10 seasons in the Canadian League before moving to the NFL, coached Minnesota for 18 seasons, winning 168 games and 11 division titles and advancing to the Super Bowl four times but never winning one.

Marv Levy and Mike

Holmgren—Levy guided Buffalo to the postseason eight times in 11 years, including an unprecedented four straight trips to the Super Bowl (where the Bills lost each time).

Holmgren had seven straight winning seasons in Green Bay and won a Super Bowl, then spents10 years as head coach in Seattle, where he went to another Super Bowl but lost. His overall head coaching record was 174-122.

Dick Vermeil and Mike Shanahan—Vermeil’s overall NFL head coaching record was 126-114, including a loss with Philadelphia in one Super Bowl and a victory with the St. Louis Rams in another.

Shanahan spent 14 seasons as Denver’s head coach, winning two Super Bowls and posting an overall record of 146-91. He also coached the Raiders for two seasons and Washington for four. * * * As I hope is obvious, there are five coaches in the comparisons above who are not among the 29 currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Those five are Chuck Knox, Tom Coughlin, George Seifert, Mike Holmgren and Denver’s Mike Shanahan And as I hope is equally obvious, little separates those already inducted from those who are still waiting.

Vermeil, who was inducted in 2022, boycotted the 2026 ceremonies in Canton last weekend as his way of protesting the snubs of Belichick, winner of six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, and Holmgren, who also won two Super Bowls as 49ers’ offensive coordinator under Bill Walsh.

“When Holmgren and then Belichick don’t get in,” Vermeil said, “all that does is delay the Mike Shanahans and the Tom Coughlins and those type of people from getting in.”

With all due respect to Flores, Allen, Grant, Levy and Vermeil himself, I have a hard time distinguishing them, as Hall of Famers, from the five I’ve identified who are on the outside looking in.

Shanahan should be a leading contender for his coaching tree alone: Gary Kubiak, son Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, brothers Matt and Mike LaFleur, Mike McDaniel, Robert Saleh and Kevin Stefanski— all head coaches.

Here’s hoping The Mastermind gets voted in before any of his proteges. ______________________ Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net.

August 13, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Dear Readers, 10 Personal Representative Mistakes That Cause Probate Problems When a Court appoints you as the Personal Representative of an estate, you agree to act as a fiduciary and become legally and ethically required to put the interests of beneficiaries ahead of your own.

The primary duties of a Personal Representative are the duty of care, duty of disclosure, duty of confidentiality, duty of providing a full accounting and duty of good faith. A Personal Representative manages and settles a deceased person’s estate, including opening the estate, locating and inventorying assets, notifying creditors and heirs, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to the beneficiaries.

Personal Representatives can breach their duties pursuant to the following mistakes: 1. Failing to file the Will with the Court promptly. This failure delays the entire probate process. In Colorado, the person holding the Will must deliver

(lodge) it with the appropriate court within 10 days of a person’s death, even if no formal probate case is opened.

2. Distributing assets before all debts are confirmed (and paid or settled).

The Personal Representative becomes personally liable for the shortfall.

3. Not formally notifying creditors opens the estate to Claims long after assets are distributed.

4. Selling estate property below market value without Court approval.

5. Failing to file the Estate Income Tax Return.

This is a separate tax return from the deceased person’s personal income tax return and carries penalties.

6. Mixing estate funds with the Personal Representative’s personal funds.

This is the most common

fiduciary breach among family Personal Representatives.

7. Not communicating with beneficiaries regularly.

This failure creates legal exposure even when the Personal Representative is doing everything correctly.

8. Ignoring foreign property or digital assets.

Both require separate handling and are consistently overlooked.

9. Distributing assets unequally among equally entitled heirs, even with good intentions. Such unequal distribution triggers legal challenges.

10. Not keeping detailed records of every single transaction. The estate can be audited at any point during administration.

It is always best to consult with an experienced probate attorney regarding the proper, legal handling of a probate estate by a Personal Representative.

What are the four key medical/estate plan documents you need now?

Many of my clients have asked: “What are the critical estate plan documents to have?” Merely being married does not give you

the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency.

To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package: 1. Healthcare Power of Attorney; 2. General Financial Power of Attorney; 3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and 4. Will (or a Will with a Trust).

Careful medical/estate planning should include preparation and signing of these documents, to accom-

A 30% REDUCTION ON ESTATE PLAN DOCUMENTS IS CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED! FOR A FREE TELEPHONE OR VIDEO CONSULTATION, PLEASE CALL:

8:05 pm: Drone show

Sunday, August 30, 5:30–8:30 pm CHERRY KNOLLS PARK

7077 S. Elizabeth St., Centennial

5675 DTC Boulevard, Suite 250 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: (303) 758-0999 FAX: (303) 758-1091 E-mail: Donald@PetersonLaw.CO

Website: www.donpetersonlawfirm.com

Arapahoe Libraries invites the community to an evening of live music and family fun. All ages welcome!

5:30–7:30 pm: Live music, activities, food trucks

plish your goals and protect you, both during your lifetime, and at the time of passing. The Power of Attorney documents allow you to designate those agents whom you authorize to help you on your behalf during your lifetime, and the Will/ Trust documents allow you to nominate others to help with your estate after your passing, as well as to identify the beneficiaries and the distributions to them, to accomplish your estate planning goals.

As a courtesy, there is no charge for my initial consultation with clients. I have served seniors and their families for over 48 years regarding their medical and estate planning needs.

For more information, scan the QR code or visit arapahoelibraries.org/ colorado150

LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

Because the public has a right to know 1st place - 2018

1st place - 2018, 2nd place - 2023

COURTS NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION District Court - Arapahoe County, Colorado Court Address: 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112 In the Interest of: Danna Valentina Mancipe Ruge Case Number: 26PR348 Division: 12 Courtroom: Virtual

HEARING CONCERNING ANTHONY FOWLER

NOTICE

You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected and adopt the prepared treatment plan for you in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

To: JOHN FREDDY MANCIPE MORENO Last Known Address: CR 100 131 A 44, Bogotá, Colombia Title of Pleading: PETITION GUARDIAN FOR MINOR Relief Requested: PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR MINOR DANNA VALENTINA MANCIPE RUGE Hearing Date: September 2, 2026 Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Webex Meeting No. 2598 388 77 51 Person Giving Notice: LUZ ADRIANA RUGE RUGE Address: 16861 E Caley Pl, Aurora, CO 80016 Phone: 720-692-2893 Email: adrirugedam@gmail.com Published in The Villager First Publication: July 30, 2026 Last Publication August 13, 2026 Legal # 31419 ________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: ISAIAH AZRYEL ANGELO XANDER BLEA, Child, and concerning, ALEXIS SHAIYANNE BLEA, AND ANTHONY ANDRE FOWLER, Respondents.

Madeline Doerr, Reg. #60483 Assistant Co Attorney Office of the County Attorney Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive, Aurora, CO 80012 mdoerr@arapahoegov.com Phone: 720-874-3244 Case No: 2026JV001 Division: 22 NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding ANTHONY FOWLER is set on SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. in Division 34 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112.

The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via

NOTiCE to CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Brian D. Collier Sr, Deceased Case Number 2026PR360 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado on or before November 30, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

The original of this document is on file at the law office of Donald Shynnelle L. Collier 3327 S. Richfield Way Aurora CO 80013 Published in The Villager First Publication: July 30, 2026 Last Publication: August 13, 2026 Legal # 31423 ________________________ NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Bree Alexander Schoen, aka Bree A. Schoen, aka Bree Schoen, Deceased Case Number: 2026PR30643 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, or on or before December 7, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Stephanie D. Smith, Personal Representative c/o Otis & Bedingfield, LLC 2725 Rocky Mountain Avenue, Suite 300 Loveland, CO 80538 Published in The Villager First Publication: August 6, 2026 Last Publication August 20, 2026 Legal # 31424 ________________________

GLENDALE

Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •https://www.coloradojudicial. gov/m/3-34 •Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

•Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.

•If you do not have a device that will support a video connection,

you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664.

When prompted enter Access code: 2594 408 0614 then press #, # (no person ID is needed).

If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Respectfully submitted August 9, 2026.

Madeline Doerr, #60483 Assistant Co Attorney Published in The Villager Published: August 13, 2026 Legal # 31428 ________________________

CITY OF GLENDALE PUBLIC NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE The following ordinance was passed before the City Council of the City of Glendale, Colorado, on the 4th day of August 2026 and was ordered published by said Council: Ordinance No. 2, Series of 2026, 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 this ordinance is on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

Dated the 6th day of August 2026 City of Glendale, Colorado Veronica Marvin, City Clerk Published in The Villager Published: August 13, 2026 Legal # 31427

SPECIAL DISTRICTS INVITATION TO BID Bid proposals for the Havana Water and Sanitation District’s “2026 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation” project will be received by Kennedy Jenks Consultants via email. Contractors are to send a PDF to JeffKillingsworth@kennedyjenks.com by 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Bids received after that time will not be accepted.

Bids will not be opened publicly, but results will be shared with plan holders.

Contract Documents, complete with plans and specifications, will be available electronically starting on August 6, 2026, at www.questcdn. com under Login for a charge. The user will be directed to enter a project code of 10302118. Contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration and downloading this digital project information.

Project Description: Project located in City of Greenwood Village and unincorporated Arapahoe County, Colorado. The sewer rehabilitation project for Havana Water and Sanitation District encompasses trenchless rehabilitation of approximately 3,800 linear feet (19 segments) of 8-inch sanitary sewer mains using cure-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining due to cracks, infiltration and root intrusions, and miscellaneous manhole repairs, all as described in the Contract Documents.

2025 PIPE REHABILITATION PROGRAM (CPR25 PIPE REHABILITATION PROGRAM C-1) Notice is hereby given that at 9 a.m. on September 4th, 2026, Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority shall make final payment to Insituform Inc. 9654 Titan Ct. Littleton, CO 80125 in connection with full payment for all services rendered, materials furnished, and for all labor performed in and for the above-referenced PROJECT. 1. ...................................Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has an unpaid claim against the said PROJECT for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such CONTRACTOR or any SUBCONTRACTOR in or about the performance of said WORK contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the WORK whose claim therefore has not been paid by the CONTRACTOR or the SUBCONTRACTOR may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

2. .. All such claims will be filed with Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority, 7437 South Fairplay Street, Centennial, Colorado, 80112, on or before the above-mentioned date and time of final settlement.

A 10 percent bid bond or certified check payable to Havana Water and Sanitation District shall be submitted with each bid.

3. ..................Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority from any and all liability for such claim.

The Bidder to whom a contract is awarded will be required to furnish “Performance and Maintenance” and “Labor and Material Payment” bonds to the District. The “Performance and Maintenance” and “Labor and Material Payment” bonds shall be furnished in the amount of 100 percent of the contract, in conformity with the requirements of the Contract Documents.

Published in The Villager First Publication: August 13, 2026 Last Publication August 20, 2026 Legal # 31429 ________________________ NOTICE OF HEARING ON 2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT

The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to accept that proposal or combination of proposals, if any, which in its sole and absolute judgment, will under all circumstances best serve the District’s interest. No proposal will be accepted from any firm, person, or corporation, who is a defaulter as to surety or otherwise, or is deemed incompetent, irresponsible, or unreliable by the District Board of Directors.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed budget amendment for the year of 2025 has been submitted to the Fiddlers Business Improvement District (“District”). Such budget amendment will be considered at a meeting and public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held virtually at https://spencerfane.zoomgov.com/j/165 1915016?pwd=nqikRMdIX9MgdxNJyvN3Ebx1vUhPUq.1 at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

No bids will be considered which are received after the time mentioned, and any bids so received after the scheduled closing time shall be returned to the bidder unopened.

Copies of the amended 2025 budget is available for public inspection at the offices of Spencer Fane LLP at 1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000, Denver, CO 80203. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to final adoption of the amended 2025 budget file or register any objections thereto.

Havana Water and Sanitation District Published in The Villager First Publication: August 6, 2026 Last Publication August 13, 2026 Legal # 31426 ________________________ 00 65 33 NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

FIDDLERS BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT By: /s/ Ronald Fano, District Counsel Published in The Villager Published: August 13, 2026 Legal # 31430 ________________________

August 13, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15 Cancer League of Colo. Call 303-534-4317. denvserovertheedge.com 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.

of Outdoor Arts all day celebration of music WINGS OF HOPE - EVENING & arts. Weekend bundle tickets available. Call OF HOPE 281-702-3943.

SEPT. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Inverness Denver, 200 Inverness Dr. West. CU 15TH ANNUAL AFFORDABLE researchers present promising clinical trials.

ARTS FESTIVAL Tickets: wingsofhopecr.org Maureen Shul SUN., AUG. 30, Arapahoe Community is the Wings of Hope founder an executive College Campus. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Art sold for director. $150 or less. Coffee & pastries by vendors.

PEPPER’EM WITH LOVE. AUG. 19, 5:30 -10 pm. Mission Ballroom, Admission $12.

QUEEN’S TEA 2026 Denver. A benefit for Pepper’s Senior Dog BENEFITING THE MS. 22ND ANNUAL HDSA HEROES COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA Sanctuary. Concert by Benatar and Giraldo. & VILLAINS TEAM HOPE 5 K Tikets: psds.org/gala PAGEANT WALK & RUN SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 2 –5 p.m. Heritage SAT., SEPT. 12. Denver’s CentralPark.

DOUGLAS COUNTY Eagle Bend Golf Course – Antero Ballroom.

Sponsored by the Rocky Mtn Chapter of the 23155 E. Heritage Parkway, Aurora 80016.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

SAT AUGUST 22. Red White & Blue BQ Enjoy an afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches, fundraiser for Republican Candidates. 11:00 Registration 8 a.m., event starts at 9 a.m. sweet treats, live entertainment, and AM - 2:30 PM, The Barn/Museum at Rancho The fundraising event takes place in over 100 silent & live auctions. Wear your favorite Via Con Dios. 485 S. Peak View, Castle Rock. cities. Info: bateskath@gmail.com tea party attire and fabulous hat while Attire: Western (Best Dressed Cowboy & supporting the nonprofit Ms. Colorado Cowgirl Contest), Championship BBQ, Live & TAPS BENEFIT Senior America organization. Tickets: $40 Silent Auctions, Entertainment, Line Dancing, SAT., SEPT 12, 5 p.m. cocktail reception General Admission | $50 VIP. Tickets: https:// and silent auction, 6 pm. dinner and Americana Boutique, Build Your Own Ice mcsap2026queenstea.eventbrite.com. program. TAPS Legacy Award presented Cream Sundae Bar and More! $76. per Info: Terri Mongait (720) 467-4143 terri@ person in honor of 1776. RSVP ASAP: DCRW. to Kimberly Delp-McCloskey and James beginagainranch.com McCloskey. Event Chairs: Barbara & Frank org/Events Kelley III; Event Directors: Laura Benton and SOUTH METRO DENVER CINEMATIC SYMPHONY - THE George R Dempsey. Honor the courage CHAMBER WOMEN IN and sacrifice of our nation’s fallen heroes MUSIC OF STAR WARS. BUSINESS CONFERENCE SAT., AUG. 22, 5:30-7:15 PM. Centennial at an intimate concert featuring Nashville THURS., SEPT. 24, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

CenterPark (13050 E. Peakview Ave.”Tickets songwriters Deborah Allen, Billy Montana, Speakers: Katie Mares, Best Selling Author, and Frank Myers as they share the personal CustomHER experience; Reagan Cannon, available at centennial.gov/events. Free stories behind their country music hits. admission /VIP tickets $25 with premium International Leadership Speaker & Coach; Where? Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Barbara Brooks, Speaker & Entrepreneur. Buy viewing area, a pre-concert reception and Museum. colorado@taps.org a movie-themed gift bag. Bring a picnic, tickets at BestChamber.com/WIBC blankets or lawn chair.

GRANDPARENTS 4 KIDS DAYS CSU 50-YEAR CLUB AWARDS SEPT. 13. Send a title of a book you LOCAL CANCER SURVIVORS LUNCHEON love reading to your grandkids. G4K will CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF OCT. 2-the Friday of Homecoming & purchase books to donate to schools.

HEALING Family Weekend. Induct the class of 1976 SAT., AUG 22, 4-8 p.m. Sites and Insights Looking for grandparent-approved favorites and present the Public Service and Career so every child can discover the joy of a truly Achievement Award winners. Held at the will celebrate 10 years of providing free great book. Deadline for submitting your mindful arts programs to Colorado cancer Hilton Fort Collins, 425 W. Prospect Rd., Fort survivors and caregivers at 2 Penguins Tap & favorite book title is Aug. 31. Send to info@ Collins. Info: 970-491-6533. grandparents4kids.org Grille in Centennial. Founded by metastatic CLUB NEWS breast cancer survivor Vicky Mackie.

WARD VI TOWN HALL MEETING VETERANS COFFEE CLUB WED., SEPT. 16 6-8 p.m. Heritage Eagle Every Third Friday of the month from 8-10 MUSEUM OF OUTDOOR ARTS Bend Golf Club, 23155 E. Heritage Parkway, a.m. Buck Recretion Center Topeka Room, & FIDDLER’S GREEN 1-DAY Parker. Info 303-739-7015.

MUSIC FESTIVAL 2004 W.Powers Ave., Littleton. Coffee AUG. 23, 1:00 p.m. -10:30 p.m. Talent like provided by Littleton Elks Lodge CANCER LEAGUE RAPPEL Shovels & Rope, Langhorne Slim, and the band Loula. Marjorie Park at Fiddlers Green. OVER THE EDGE OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SEPT 17-19. Kimpton Claret Hotel.

Coincides with Caamp’s two-day weekend SOUTH extravaganza at Fiddler’s Green and Museum Rappel 195 ft. (19 stories). Fundraiser for 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.

ASH & AGAVE RESTAURANT NOW OPEN Inspired by the shores of the Mexican Rivierabringing coastal Mexican flavor to the table where smoke, salt, and citrus lead the way.

Fresh seafood and fire-kissed meats. Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Lower Level near Neiman Marcus. 720-464-3819.

RODIZIO GRILL “THE BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE” LOCATED IN THE DTC AT 125 & Dry Creek and Downtown Denver, 18th & Wynnkoop

& Operated.Free estimates. Call 303-5002017. www.coloradotreeremoval.com COWBOY MOVING & STORAGE Commercial & Residential Moves - Also, load & hold. Call 303-789-2200.

THE AUDIOLOGY METHOD Schedule a hearing test. 7180 - E. Orchard Rd., Ste. 302, Centennial. 720-457-5113.

HOST YOUR EVENT AT THE JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT FREE ENTERPRISE CENTER FIRST AMERICAN STATE BANK In Greenwood Village. Events @ Locally Owned and operated. 8390 E. Cres- JARockyMountain.org cent Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village.

PRIVATE AIRPORT WHAT’S NEW? TRANSPORTATION + MORE MOVET - PRIMARY CARE ARNOLD PALMER CUP 5 Star Google Reviews. Transportation VETERINARY SERVICES COMING TO CHERRY HILLS In Home, In Clinic or Virtual. Locally woman Executive Services LLC. Call 720-969-5386.

COUNTRY CLUB owned business. 4912 S. Newport St., JUNE 7-13, 2027. The event was hosted Denver. Call 720-507-7387 MovetCare.com ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE in 2026 by Trails Golf Links in Ireland. The SENIOR LIVING cup now includes 12 men and 12 women Upscale dining, engaging events and NEED AN ATTORNEY? per team.

Call Donald Peterson for a free telephone or activities. Call 720-684-5913. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora. video consultation. 303-758-0999. Email: ARAPAHOE COUNTY HIRING Donald@PetersonLaw.Co. Located at 5675 BIPARTISAN ELECTION DTC Boulevard, Suite 250, Greenwood Village. SEMION BARBERSHOP JUDGES FOR ALL - MEN, WOMEN & For the June & Nov. elections. Flexible CHILDREN AISLYN DERMATOLOGY schedules, variety of positions open, open 5910 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village.

Dr. Aislyn Nelson MD, PhD dermatologist to citizens from any county. Go to jobs.

720-531-3998. is located in Lincoln Medical Center, 11960 ArapahoeCo.gov or call 303-795-4511 Lioness Way, Ste. 225, Parker. 719-992-0127.

THE EYEWEAR COLLECTION www.aislynderm.com“We Do It All.” SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS Owner Aaron Mozes is a CCHS graduate.

Arapahoe County is hiring. Visit jobs.

Comprehensive Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, JOSHUA TREE EXPERTS arapahoeco.gov. This is a new site.

Contacts. 5910 S. University. Blvd., Unit D4, CERTIFIED ARBORISTS Greenwood Village.

Schedule a Winter Arborist Inspection “BLACK BASEBALL’S HEYDAY” to develop a tree care plan for the Capturing an Era in Art and Words, Written BKC KITCHEN & BATH winter time.303-229-8777. www.

by Villager author Denny Dressman and Art joshuatreeexperts.com/denver-south-co Free consultation & estimate. Visit showroom

by Anthony High. Pre-Order Now! https:// at 4151 S. Natches Ct., Englewood. 303www.mcfarlandbooks.com/product/Black- ROGERS & SONS INC. 761-7477.

Baseballs-Heyday/ ELEVATED CLIMATE CONTROL FALL PARTIES/EVENTS? BOOK Curated Cooling & A/C Services; Radiant RENEW YOUR VEHICLE TODAY Heating & Snow Melt Integration; WholeREGISTRATION Rocky Mountain Valet. Visit www.

Home Humidification and more. Private Renewal kiosks are fast, easy and issue you rockymntvalet.com Consultations: 720-408-7411. https:// tags on the spot? Go to COMVExpress.com to rogershvac.com find a location near you.

KIMPTON CLARET HOTEL Host your next special event at The Kimpton CARLA’S A CLASSIC DESIGN BUSINESS NEWS From unique gifts to festive decor. Shop small Claret. www.clarethotel.com OLIVER’S HOST A and local at The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 CELEBRATION PARKSIDE VILLAGE S. Gaylord St., Centennial. 303-683-0372 Host a celebration on the full-private terrace.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Accommodates 60 guest seated for dinner or GE TREE SERVICE 14501 E. Crestline Drive, Aurora. Lunch is on up to 85 guests for a cocktail reception. RSVP: Trusted & Reliable for 20 years. A Certified us - schedule your tour today. 720-315-7778 nicole@oliveritalian.com Arborist, Licensed & Insured, Family Owned or visit ParksideVillageRetirement.com

Black Beauty: 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD I enjoyed driving a 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige Black this past week. It was, quite simply, a black beauty.

The shiny black paint, black brake calipers, blacked-out trim and 22-inch black alloy wheels give this large, all-wheel-drive luxury SUV a sensational look. It has a presence that gets your attention without being flashy.

The Prestige Black is one of those vehicles that looks even better when you see it in person.

The suggested retail price of this Genesis is $83,250.

The only additional feature on the vehicle I tested was the special Vik Black exterior paint, priced at $650. Genesis lists the 3.5T Prestige Black AWD with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

That powertrain is terrific.

I had a chance to put the GV80 through its paces in the mountains this past week on a trip to Vail. Coming home, I swung over through Central City and Black Hawk, giving the Genesis plenty of

opportunity to demonstrate what it could do on mountain roads.

The traffic coming out of Denver on Friday afternoon was some of the worst I have ever seen going west. Traffic was backed up from the Eisenhower Tunnel nearly to Genesee. Rather than sit in that mess, we took a side road and headed toward Central City and

Black Hawk, where we did a little visiting with friends before coming back down.

Even late in the afternoon, the traffic jam remained enormous.

Denver was also covered in smoke from wildfires in the Northwest, making an already difficult travel day even more unpleasant.

Through it all, the black beauty

handled wonderfully.

The 3.5T twin-turbo V-6 has plenty of power for climbing mountain grades and passing when necessary. Genesis offers Eco, Comfort and Sport drive modes. Because of the power available from the turbocharged engine, I drove much of the trip in Eco mode.

The official EPA rating is 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. But here’s where my real-world experience gets interesting: Coming back from Vail, I averaged 28.8 mpg in Eco mode. That’s considerably better than the official highway figure and was an impressive result for such a large, powerful luxury SUV. The GV80 is loaded with advanced safety technology.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the blind-spot monitoring system.

The blind-spot view provides a picture of the lanes behind the vehicle, while the warning system alerts you when another vehicle is approaching from either side. On a busy highway, that is technology I want working for me.

The head-up display is another feature I really enjoyed. It puts im-

portant information directly in your line of sight, including speed limits and other driving information. It means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to check the instrument panel.

Inside, the GV80 is every bit as impressive as it is on the outside.

The power front seats have four-way power lumbar adjustment, power extension bolsters and Genesis’ Ergo Motion system for the driver. The seats are covered in soft Nappa leather, and the front seats are heated and ventilated. The second row is heated as well, and power rear sunshades are especially welcome on a hot Colorado afternoon.

One feature I had not encountered before was a heated front console armrest. It may sound like a small thing, but these are the kinds of details that separate an ordinary automobile from a luxury vehicle.

The 27-inch OLED instrument cluster and navigation display is beautiful and easy to see. The multimedia system is comprehensive, and the Bang & Olufsen premium audio system produces excellent sound.

The Prestige Black treatment continues inside with a dark interior, open-pore black ash wood trim and black Nappa leather with exclusive quilting. Genesis has done an excellent job creating an interior that feels expensive without

By H. Throttle

becoming gaudy.

And then there are those wheels.

The 22-inch black alloy wheels with floating center caps, combined with the black brake calipers and dark exterior trim, make this GV80 one of the best-looking SUVs I have driven. It really is a black beauty.

The GV80 is built in Korea, with the engine and transmission also produced in Korea. Genesis backs its gas-powered vehicles with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty covering the engine and transmission, along with a five-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty.

After spending a week with this Genesis, I came away impressed.

It has the power to handle Colorado’s mountains, the comfort to make a long highway trip enjoyable, the technology to make driving safer and easier, and the styling to make you turn around and look at it one more time after you park.

The 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige Black is a wonderful automobile.

Beautiful inside. Beautiful outside. Powerful, comfortable and exceptionally well equipped.

In fact, after a week behind the wheel, there was only one thing I didn’t like about this black beauty, I had to give it back.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • August 13, 2026

money sense

Estate planning for a digital world These tips from Merrill can help you ensure your heirs and executor have access to all the information you have stored online — while protecting your privacy.

Practically every aspect of our lives is inextricably tied to our devices and networks, and the digital assets we have accumulated have become just as critical as anything else we possess. We need to account for these assets in our estate plans, taking all eventualities into account.

What are “digital assets”? The term refers to any electronic record to which an individual has a right or interest.

These can be financial assets, including bill pay sites or virtual currencies; business assets, which might include a domain name or client data; personal assets like photos; and social assets like Facebook or LinkedIn accounts.

It is more than simply a matter of making sure your account information is safely stored and your passwords are secure. You also need a plan for how and when the people you trust can gain access. As you develop that plan, consider the following five tips.

Create a legal framework

Make an inventory of your digital assets “Creating a road map of the assets you own could be the most important thing you can do,” says Korzec. Documenting everything you do online will help ensure your heirs will not miss anything. Jot down the key accounts and assets you own and use, organized by type, including: • Financial: Include bank and brokerage accounts, online payment tools, credit cards, digital wallets and NFTs (nonfungible tokens).

• Business: If you own a business, those digital assets might include tax software, proprietary business software, client data, domain names, patents and more.

• Personal: This long list may cover email accounts, texts, contacts, medical records, photos, digital music, loyalty programs, streaming services, online shopping accounts and even gaming avatars.

Why not just give your heir, executor or fiduciary the passwords for your laptop, smartphone and other devices?

Unfortunately, this strategy can weaken your personal security. “Many people do not fully appreciate that digital assets are different animals from traditional assets such as bank accounts,” says Colin Korzec, head of Trust and Estate Settlement Services at Bank of America Private Bank. “They are often subject to terms of service agreements as well as state and federal laws.” In other words, others will likely need your explicit permission to go into these accounts.

• Social: Some social media sites have settings that let you designate what happens to them if you die.

Nonetheless, be sure to make your wishes known.

As you consider granting access to others, be aware of potential tradeoffs. Your personal email account, for example, might contain a trove of information that could help in settling your estate. Yet you may want to keep some messages private. Balancing those two needs requires a thoughtful approach. You can grant access to some digital accounts while excluding others or choose different people to receive access to different accounts.

One way of keeping your digital assets inventory and passwords safe is to save them on separate password-protected documents. Tools such as a password vault can serve as a secured central storage location, not only for passwords but also for key account information and documents your heirs and executors may need. Alternately, you can write down passwords and store them in a locked safe or a safe deposit box or keep them with your attorney.

Keep passwords separate While the inventory document gives you a place to note usernames, Korzec cautions against including passwords.

“Those passwords may have expired by the time the inventory is accessed,” he says. “Plus, the person with your inventory may not be authorized to access those accounts.”

Whichever way you choose, the executor you name in your will should be granted access to both the inventory and your passwords.

Engage experts when you need to In some cases, it may be worthwhile to call on a digital expert. That third party, for example, can examine a device for any references to a digital wallet or an NFT. “We had one client who had a relatively valuable painting on consignment that no heirs knew about — until a forensic computing expert found a reference to it stored electronically,” says Korzec. “It turns out it was worth a significant amount.”

Revisit your plan from time to time Just as you update your estate planning documents every couple of years or if something major changes, like a marriage or the birth of a grandchild, you will want to periodically take another look at your digital asset inventory.

Keeping track of those assets, Korzec says, “will ensure your loved ones and heirs are not spending an already difficult time scrambling for account access — which is probably not the legacy you intended to leave.”

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

Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA.:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Deposits

Are Not Bank Guaranteed Are Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency

May Lose Value Are Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity

© 2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved | MAP8431196 | WP-01-26-2414 | 472503PM-0126 | 02/2026

Connect with Merrill: