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Choose Your Hard
Being overweight is hard; getting fit is hard. Being in debt is hard, being financially disciplined is hard, divorce is hard, working together toward a healthy relationship is hard, communicating is hard, and not communicating is hard. Choose your hard.
If asked, “What do you want out of life?” most people would say health, happiness, a great job, family, friends, a lovely house in a vibrant community, and success. These answers are common. A more interesting, thought-provoking question is, “For what are you willing to struggle?”
Of course, everyone wants a great job and financial independence, but not everyone is willing to endure 60hour workweeks, weekend obligations at the office, long commutes, piles of paperwork, or working with people who are at best mediocre. People seek financial security and the rewards that come from hard work, preparation, education, training, sacrifice, and delayed gratification necessary to build wealth.
The next level of wealth building might be the drive to start a business. No one becomes a successful entrepreneur without taking huge risks, making sacrifices, facing uncertainty, working crazy hours, and dealing with repeated failures with no guarantee of success.
Most people want a great relationship, but not everyone is willing to face the tough conversations, awkward silences, hurt feelings, and the give and take that come with it. This involves swallowing pride, practicing forgiveness, and handling emotional dramas that vibrant and healthy relationships require.
Most people aim to be fit, strong, and healthy, but achieving this goal requires discipline, including regular gym visits, the ability to endure sweat and soreness, and committing to regular workouts. Few are willing to intentionally adjust their food intake and give up the pleasures of sugar-rich, high-calorie foods.
Some people might dream of being a famous musician or sports superstar. However, this doesn’t happen without years of lessons, coaching, and practice. Thinking about screaming fans is appealing, but all of this is just a fantasy if you’re not willing to endure the hard work of preparing, organizing gigs and rehearsals, hauling speakers and equipment, not getting paid, and... and... and.
At the core of our common humanity, our needs are more alike than different. Positive experiences are easy to handle. It is our negative experiences and obstacles that require struggle, grit, resolve, and tenacity. What we experience in life is not determined by the good we desire, but by what we are willing to sustain and work toward overcoming the difficulties and intense feelings that arise from the negative. This is the process required to get to the reward of what we desperately want. What determines success isn’t, “What do you want to enjoy?” but rather, “What
pain or struggle are you willing to endure?”
Many are in love with the results of a great job, financial security, a robust relationship, fitness, and health, as well as being a musical rock star or sports superstar, but are not dedicated to the process of what it takes to get there.
The question remains, “For what are you willing to struggle?”
Answering this question reveals the cry of our heart. Once we know what we really want and go after it with reckless abandon, knowing that this will require blood, sweat, and tears, there will be a sweet reward for a struggle worth pursuing. Choose your hard. joneen@ narme.org
C NVERSATIONS
The Media and Democracy Fall is in the air, and I can recall taking the kids to Glenwood Springs for the Labor Day weekend decades ago; it snowed about 6 inches of heavy wet snow and the pipes in the old Colorado Hotel were popping as the boiler began to fire up for the cold spell. It’s seems like a short summer, it always does, because Colorado is such a pleasant place to be in the summertime. The highways and city streets are crowded with cars at record levels with natives, newbies, and tourists. If you’ve traveled West into the mountains, you may have experienced the highway delays at the Floyd hill construction site with blasting rocks and widening the traffic lanes funded for $700 million over a fiveyear project to relieve traffic jams at the location. U.S. 70 westward is also showing the wear and tear of burgeoning traffic and is in dire need of resurfacing. It is embarrassing for such a beautiful state to have pothole highways and CDOT signage missing letters.
Colorado is now factually
a strong blue state, increasing during the Biden administration with two Democrat U.S. Senators, both from Denver and four Democrat members of Congress. Democrat Governor Polis has been popular with Colorado voters and has earned national recognition as chair of the Democratic Governor’s caucus. This team has been very successful in bringing the federal “Gravy Train” to Colorado. The state had to be at the top of President Biden’s favorite list. Giving credit where credit is due, U.S. Representatives in Congress are judged on bringing home the bacon, and this has been a Colorado breakfast smorgasbord.
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
ambitious president prevails in many instances. He never seems to tire and is like the “energizer bunny,” hosting and working.
President Trump’s progress, or lack of it, depending upon your political affiliation or intuition.
The tide has turned with a new red state regimes prevailing and President Donald Trump returning as the 47th President, along with a very ambitious agenda. Depending upon your politics, or lack of it, there are now more unaffiliated voters in history. This majority is either pleased, disgruntled, or turned off by politics as this
Being in the media, I watch a lot of news every night. My wife Gerri tires of my incessant evening news programs that range from FOX, CNN, now Newsmax and News Nation. Gerri would rather watch the Hallmark channel. I’ve always liked FOX, but tiring over the constant chatter about old issues; time to move on. I don’t care for Gutfield, too crude for me, so I have been switching to Newsmax during that hour and back to FOX for the 9 p.m. news recap. TV media can be very confusing where viewers can watch FOX for one opinion and turn to CNN for an entirely different take on almost the same issue. FOX, rooting for Trump, CNN going in the opposite direction, but good at hard news and international events with less talk. I watch “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning to see what Democrats are complaining about over
I have always been a believer in the two-party system that has made us the envy of the world with the competitive spirit for leadership. It is very apparent at this time in history that there is a power struggle ongoing between the three branches of our government… Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Every branch is under some criticism over who’s in charge and best in following the Constitution that defines our democracy and destiny.
Good government begins at home with city and county governments and active citizen participation. It is not up to them, or they, it is up to me, you, us, to be well-informed. We need to participate in elections, listen to all candidates, give them financial support, and most importantly vote in person or by mail. Every honest vote counts, now more than ever, and the will of the people must prevail.
Those old western cowboy movies are pretty good too!
Monetary Collusion at the Highest Level
“Unconventional policies such as quantitative easing should be used only in true emergencies, in coordination with the rest of the federal government. There must also be an honest, independent, nonpartisan review of the entire institution, including monetary policy, regulation, communications, staffing and research,” - WSJ - Mr Bessent, U.S. Treasury secretary- September 8, 2025
in 2008. The Fed Reserve, Treasury, Congress and President Obama decided to enter into one of the most incestuous monetary transactions of all time.
Quantitative Easing (QE.)
Treasury Department issued bonds, for which there were no foreign buyers, the Fed Reserve “printed” $9 Trillion US Dollars and “bought” those bonds from Treasury. This act should be illegal and is immoral.
In the normal course of monetary policy implementation the Treasury Department would issue Treasury bonds, notes and bills which foreign nations, predominantly, would purchase thus creating cash flow to the Congress who would spend that money. Then, in 2008, poor fiscal and monetary policy from decades earlier came home to roost. Foreign nations did not buy our Treasury’s. They did not trust the Federal Reserve to maintain the dollars value. Disregarding the inability to sell our treasury bonds on the open market, Congress and President Obama kept spending, kept demanding the Fed Reserve and Treasury feed their addiction to spending.
Two critical, pivotal and destructive events happened
This act created the fuel that sparked massive inflation a decade later by devaluing the purchasing power of every other US Dollar in circulation. Further, this immoral act placed massive debt on the shoulders of every citizen alive and soon to be born. We taxpaying citizens pay back the debt created when Treasury issues bonds. And we are paying off that debt with highly devalued dollars and Fed Reserve induced high interest rates. So we taxpayers must pay down debt that we never agreed to undertake, with dollars that are worth less and pay a high interest rate.
Monetary policy hurts every citizen and encumbers future generations so that politicians can continue spending, ie buying votes.
This is self serving and immoral.
The second, critical and destructive act was that the President and Congress refused to moderate their spending, to live within their means and prevent today’s crisis. Make no mistake, every promise a politician or bureaucrat makes is paid for by the tax paying citizen.
The government doesn’t make money, it takes.
The “government” will never live within its means as long as the citizen allows it to get away with their immoral schemes. All the government does, no matter the immediacy of the current program, is spend other people’s money, yours.
Until the American citizen and taxpayer demands an accounting, these federal bureaucrats will continue running their illegal schemes.
Our government can’t be all things to all people. At some point the individual must take responsibility and solve their own problems instead of kicking the can down the road and creating some new, but impotent, government agency to solve some manufactured problem.
Our nation’s monetary and fiscal policy is no longer in compliance with our founding Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
The founders were wise men and women. They perceived today’s problems and gave us a roadmap to put government back in place.
The entire Constitution is dedicated to limiting the power of federal bureaucrats and agencies, including congress and the administrative function. The entity named government is addicted to spending other people’s money. Look at the convoluted, immoral ways they go about attracting more power to themselves, at our expense.
The Declaration of Independence is just as relevant today as 250 years ago. The inalienable, G-d given rights to life, liberty and ownership of property are just as relevant today. Along with freedom, comes responsibility. We citizens and tax payers have a moral obligation to right these wrongs. We do so by understanding the cause, then proceeding to limit government incursion in our lives. If we want limited government then we must demand less spending, lower tax rates and less regulation.
Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank. He is a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. He believes there is a direct connection between individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.
GOVERNMENTAL
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
– Lyndon B. Johnson
MEET THE GV CANDIDATES
Jack Coffey believes community planning should be done by communities
BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
Jack Coffey got his bachelors and master’s degrees in engineering at Notre Dame, finishing in 1967. He worked on environmental and natural resource legislation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for 10 years before moving to Chevron to head up their legislative affairs unit, from which he is retired.
Coffey entered the race for GV City Council District Two because “my wife pushed me out the door. She reminded me that our lives weren’t finished and the thing I know is politics.”
When we asked what ideas he had to improve the quality of life for GV residents, he said, “I wish I had a bunch of ideas. I don’t...I
intend to ask people...I think people in GV are happy with their government, but I think they’re going to be surprised at some of the development issues that come up over the next couple of years.”
On whether he had plans to bring to the job of city council representative, Coffey said, “No, I want to do what the people of Greenwood Village want this community to be. I’m going to have to go out and listen to everybody. I think the one big issue that was resolved recently was the Marilyn Hickey area. It’s a very complicated plan that needs to be held to what they’ve agreed…The question is, is it going to be carried out?”
Coffey also told us, “I think home rule is very important to communities like GV because it lets the people decide what kind
of community they want to live in,” continuing, “I think state politicians are tired of dealing with state issues they can’t solve. They want to interject, into the local planning system, issues like climate change, which is under attack, nationwide. I think they’re all committed to it but they don’t know why they’re committed to it.”
On the question of what the state is trying to do that caused GV and other cities to sue, he said, “I don’t think there’s that big a plan, that they’ve got it spelled out, but I know that it would be a mistake to take away community planning from communities.”
On the proposal to build 90 homes on 13 acres south of the Landmark Towers, Coffey said, “That’s a small area and I don’t think they have enough parking.”
Rich Easton wants to be on city council to be part of the solution
BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
Rich Easton, city council candidate in GV District Two, is a retired consultant at Accenture who has served on the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission (P & Z) since 2018.
When we asked him what ideas he had to improve the quality of life for residents of GV, he told us he would like to “improve communications across the board, both internally (in city government) and with constituents.”
On what he might do as a member of city council to address the office vacancy rate in GV, which has not been under
20% since the pandemic ended, Easton said, “To the extent that it starts to become an issue for us, I would be more than interested in diving into it and trying to solve the problem.”
To the question of whether he thought any aspect of the city’s trash and recycling program should be considered for change, Easton told us, “I haven’t been in any city council or P & Z meeting where the plan has come up.”
On the question of specific ideas or plans he would bring to the job, Easton said, “We conduct a survey of our constituents that I think could be improved…I’ve had the thought, maybe we should make ourselves a little more vulnerable in terms of the questions we ask and how we ask them. It may provide some insight into how
Donna Johnston is running for re-election in GV Dist. 3
SUBMITTED BY DONNA
JOHNSTON
I have served on Greenwood Village City Council District Three for the past six years. Together with Libby Barnacle and council, we’ve worked hard to preserve, protect and enhance the services we provide to the city. Safety is a top priority: We increased patrols to stop speeding in our neighborhoods and added 20 license plate readers around
town to reduce crime and maintain safety. The council has implemented “tough on crime” ordinances as our state legislature continues to pass laws reducing penalties.
Protecting Your Voice in Land-Use Decisions: In May, Mayor Lantz and a unanimous council filed a lawsuit against the state and Governor Polis to protect our Colorado constitutional right to Home Rule after the legislature issued top-
we can improve.” (The last time the city council sent a survey to residents was 2018.)
Easton also noted that it’s important to maintain good relationships with our representatives in the state legislature.
On the topic of future development, Easton told us he believes the municipal code and the comprehensive plan “provide a vision of what we want to do in GV,” and we should “continue to adhere to that, but sometimes there can be exceptions.” He pointed to the city’s sign code, administered by P & Z, as an example of something that was simplified to help businesses.
Asked how he would increase the input GV receives from its citizens, Easton told us, “Town halls can be effective. They have a limited attendance but I would
down, one-size-fits-all, land use rulings that eliminate years of local land use planning and resident’s right to have a say on local development.
My work on the Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable, along with the voices of many residents, reduced training traffic over our homes. The latest report shows a 32 percent reduction in touch-and-go traffic north of Arapahoe Road comparing yearly 2nd quarter results.
I am also the city’s liaison to the South Metro Chamber of Commerce and its legis-
On the topic of increasing citizen input on city issues, Coffey told us that if he were on the city council, he would hold meetings of concerned citizens in his district because, “I’m not going to know everything.”
Asked his vision for future development and redevelopment in GV, Coffey said, “I think most of the future development in GV is going to be residential, as opposed to commercial, though some will be both, like the Marilyn Hickey project. There are pressures to increase housing across the state because we are still getting an influx of people in the Denver area. If I look back at the last 10 years in the Village, a lot of major residential projects have been approved and gone through.”
When we asked how he would address the 20%+ office vacancy rate in GV that has remained constant since the pandemic, Coffey said, “That’s a pretty good number. There are
be willing to have them.”
We asked what he thought about the plan for the city to take ownership of Greenwood Athletic Club (Club Greenwood) in 2030. Easton told us he was not familiar with that plan.
We asked Easton his opinion on whether GV residents should be heard if they have something to contribute at informal city council study sessions. He told us, “I think the management of the study session is probably better without having people there making all sorts of comments…I can’t think of any reason why a constituent who has something to say can’t call their council member and make the point.”
Regarding the proposal to build 90 vertical homes on 13 acres near the Orchard Light Rail Station, Easton told us, “I’ve just heard rumors about the property south of Landmark. Planning & Zoning doesn’t get much time to review a project like that (or) think about all the elements,
lative committee. I sit on Greenwood Village’s land-use committee, which reviewed and simplified outdated and redundant sections of the city code, and the Arapahoe Entertainment District committee, which fosters business redevelopment in that area.
Prior to council, I served on the Greenwood Village Board of Adjustments and Appeals and the Sundance Hills HOA.
I am a former AT&T executive and have worked in many public relations and public policy positions. Please re-elect me, and
lots of communities worse off than that.”
Coffee believes the city’s trash and recycling program is fine as it is and wouldn’t change anything about it.
On the implications of the city taking ownership of Club Greenwood (Greenwood Athletic Club) in 2030, Coffey told us he thought the question should be put to a vote of the city’s residents.
but… If we had more time, would we take more time?”
The candidate added that, if elected, “I’m committed to doing the best job I can, but if I don’t hear the vibes from my constituency, I’m done. I don’t care about getting re-elected. Why did I get involved? I have been very disappointed with government in general, and I feel like, rather than complain, I should do something.”
Libby Barnacle, for Greenwood Village City Council, District Three.
Jack Coffey
Rich Easton
Donna Johnston
Four people are running for two seats on the Cherry Creek School Board
BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
On November 4, residents of the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) will select two new members to represent Director Districts D and E on the five-person CCSD board of directors.
Director District D comprises the easternmost part of CCSD and includes Cherokee Trail and Eaglecrest High Schools. Kelly Bates has represented Director District D for the past eight years and is term-limited. Seeking to replace Ms. Bates are her husband, Terry Bates, and Amanda Thayer.
learning. He lists endorsements from three current and three former school board members, as well as a former CCSD superintendent of schools.
Mr. Bates’ campaign website is terrybatesforccsd.com. It says he is a parent of five graduates of CCSD and has “over two decades of experience as a Chief Financial Officer for major corporations.” Bates’ top three priorities are listed as maintaining CCSD’s commitment to excellence, financial stability and transparency, and innovative partnerships to foster career
In announcing his intent to run for the board at the August 11 CCSD board meeting, Bates said he is “committed to working with parents, teachers, and administrators to maintain our 75 years of tradition and excellence, and to explore innovative improvements over the next 75 years.”
Ms. Thayer’s campaign website is amanda4ccsd.com. It says she has two children who have attended schools in CCSD and she “has spent most of her career building business strategies, improving processes, and
keeping an eagle eye on finances in large organizations.” She is a member of the District Accountability Committee, has an education degree, and has been a substitute teacher. Thayer sees opportunities for improving student achievement, prioritizing parent partnerships, supporting teachers and staff, expanding community engagement, and creating fiscal accountability at CCSD.
Director District E is in the geographic center of CCSD and includes the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and Grandview High School. It has been represented for the past four years by Kristin Allen, who has chosen not to run for re-election. Seeking to replace Ms. Allen are Mike Hamrick and Tatyana Sturm.
Mr. Hamrick’s campaign website is hamrickforccsd.com
It describes him as a “veteran, father of two CCSD graduates, married to a lifelong CCSD educator.” The website lists Hamrick’s priorities as workforce development, supporting educators, ensuring all students are treated with respect and dignity and supported, and championing CCSD’s Pathway of Purpose. He also has a Facebook page with the title, Mike Hamrick for CCSD, that says, “Mike is currently serving on the Cherry Creek Long Range Facility Planning committee. He has served as HOA President, Metro District President, on the Arapahoe County Citizens Budget committee, Centennial Home Rule Charter Commission and more.” He lists endorsements from all current CCSD board members, two former board members, the state board of education president,
and a former CCSD superintendent.
The Villager was informed that Tatyana Sturm’s website, Tatyana4ccsd.com, is under construction and will have additional content soon.
CCSD will be holding four candidate forums so that students, families, and community members can have an opportunity to get to know each of the candidates before the November 4 election.
The candidate forums’ will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on the dates listed in the auditoriums of the CCSD high schools shown:
Thursday, September 25th
Cherokee Trail High School 25901 E. Arapahoe Road Aurora, CO 80016
Monday, September 29th
Grandview High School 20500 E. Arapahoe Road Aurora, CO 80016
Wednesday, October 8th Cherry Creek High School 9300 E. Union Avenue Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Thursday, October 9th
Overland High School 12400 E. Jewell Avenue Aurora, CO 80012
The forums will be recorded so that they can be viewed afterwards on the Cherry Creek TV YouTube website.
& Come Meet The Greenwood Village City Council Candidates
hosting a public candidate forum for Greenwood Village City Council, Thursday Sept. 18, 2025. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Forum begins at 6:00 p.m.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT, 6500 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Free parking on site. Light Refreshments served.
Terry Bates Amanda Thayer Mike Hamrick Tatyana Sturm
Daniel Zhukov D3
Bob Doyle D2
Donna Johnston D3
Ann Nelson D1
Gary Kleeman D4
Jack Coffey D2
Libby Barnacle D3
Paul Wiesner D1
Richard Easton D2
Katrin Mezger D4
Jay Schneiderman D2 Tom Stahl D4
Kingsbury Open Golf Tournament scores more than $50,000 for cutting-edge science
11th annual event supports Colorado’s Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research
The 11th Kingsbury Open collected more than $50,000 last month, pushing the annual golf tournament over the half-million-dollar mark in total funds raised for the groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research taking place at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
“In 2014, a couple friends
it’s turned into,” said Lisa Goodman, who co-founded the Kingsbury Open after her father, Tom Kingsbury, an avid golfer, died of pancreatic cancer in 2007.
The tournament, held annually at the Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur, benefits the Colorado-based Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research, founded by former Castle Pines Mayor Maureen Shul after losing both her mother and brother to the disease within a span of several months.
The partnership has since
of mine and I had an idea to start a little humble golf tournament, and this is what
become a winning combination.
“The energy of what they wanted to do and the reason they wanted to do it was just a natural fit,” Shul told the room of golfers during the post-tournament luncheon on Aug. 28.
The Wings of Hope founder also introduced the Kingsbury entrants to several aces in cancer research who are driving breakthroughs and leading the way toward improved treatments, thanks to the money raised at events such as this golf tournament.
Andrea Bonetto, Ph.D. is leading research into something called cachexia, the debilitation or whittling away of the body, which is marked by the muscle-mass loss that often accompanies pancreatic cancer. The condition can interfere with a patient’s tolerance for chemotherapy
and can even take a person’s life before the actual tumors pose that threat.
Bonetto said it all largely comes down to the bacterial deviations associated with cancer.
“We hope to change the expression of certain proteins so that we can prolong life in the animal models and potentially apply the same approach in patients,” the researcher said. “If we counteract cachexia, we can also prolong life.”
If recent successes at the Cancer Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora are any indication, the ongoing Wings of Hope-supported research is on the fairway to discovery. Post-surgery immune-based therapy research was recently published in a peer-reviewed journal, in which the
impressive results were reported.
“There wasn’t a doubling of preventing the cancer from coming back or tripling or quadrupling— there was a nine-fold improvement,” said Christopher Lieu, M.D., CU’s associate director of clinical oncology research. “That’s what hope looks like. These are some of the most incredible advances that we’ve ever seen.”
Lieu, who also played in the tournament, won’t be giving up his day job anytime soon.
“When you look at the performance of the University of Colorado golf team this year, it’s clear we’re doing a lot of cancer research and definitely not playing a lot of golf—that’s reflected in our score.”
To support Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research, please visit wingsofhopepcr.org.
THE CAMPAIGN CHRONICLE
Tommy, Joe, Lisa, and Nate Goodman
Maureen Shul and Lisa Goodman
Daniel Zhukov for City Co
Agent: Daniel Zhuko
Ryan Staub’s lesson for us all: Stay at it
Ryan Staub should be the starting quarterback at a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) university somewhere.
Instead, he’s thirdstring for the Colorado Buffaloes.
At least that’s what he was heading into last Saturday’s game against Delaware.
Who knows what he’ll be for CU’s Big 12 opener at Houston tomorrow night.
Staub is an exception in today’s major college football world, a player who resisted the lure of the portal to stick with the program he chose coming out of high school.
By comparison, some quarterbacks have played for a different school each year—four in four years.
“To be honest, I don’t know,” Staub answered when asked why he stayed in Boulder when other players in his situation have jumped for a better opportunity.
“I really enjoyed being here. I enjoyed being in this building, under our coach.”
Delaware has won six second-level national championships (currently known as Football Championship Subdivision or FCS) and was runner-up two other times. The Blue Hens
moved up to FBS this year as members of Conference USA and are adjusting to the higher talent level.
Because of that, Coach Prime viewed this as an opportunity to rotate his three quarterbacks, giving each two series as the game unfolded.
It was similar to a preseason National Football League game. Except this counted, and CU needed a win after dropping an opener that was winnable..
The QBs, in order, were portal transfer Kaidon Salter, prized five-star recruit Julian “JuJu” Lewis, then holdover Staub.
“I was just hoping for an opportunity,” he said postgame. “I wasn’t really expecting to play.”
Salter, who played all of the Buffs’ snaps in the 27-20 loss Georgia Tech, began the game under center, and produced 10 points. Lewis followed with two series that ended in punts.
At that point, Colorado didn’t look much different than the week before.
Delaware scored to cut CU’s lead to 10-7, and 45 seconds were all that was left of the first half when it finally was Staub’s turn.
“I didn’t know my first drive would be a two-minute drill,” he joked.
After two incompletions and a 23-yard run by DeKalon Taylor, Staub completed strikes of 31 yards to Joseph Williams and 21 to Taylor, with an incompletion in between. Just like that— 75 yards in 36 seconds—CU ‘s lead at the half was 17-7.
It took only three plays for Staub to cover 75 yards and increase CU’s lead to 24-7 on the first series of the second half.
Suddenly, momentum was solidly behind the Buffs, and Ryan Staub heard an unfamiliar sound—CU students chanting his name.
“There’s been a lot of days of a lot of work and some selfdoubt,” he admitted. “It’s crazy to be rewarded this way.”
A redshirt sophomore, Staub filled in for an injured Shedeur Sanders once in 2023, passing for 195 yards and one touchdown but losing 23-17 to Utah. Last season he played 20 snaps across four games.
Last Saturday, Staub completed seven of 10 passes for 157 yards and two TDs. Afterward, he was presented with a game ball by his coach.
This is a feel-good story if ever there was one.
Not only did Staub wait his turn, sitting behind Shedeur for two years. But then he watched as Coach Prime chose a fifthyear senior out of the transfer portal and recruited a top freshman prospect.
Yet he stayed.
“He never jumped in the portal,” said Prime, “though he had every right to think that way. He’s just been a great human being and a great young man.”
It’s a lesson for not just athletes, at all levels, but for everyone: Stay at it.
Coach Prime deserves some kudos, too.
Most coaches in big-time college programs wouldn’t give a third-stringer a turn, not even against a 23.5-point underdog.
Some would argue Prime did it almost out of desperation. Kaidon Salter hadn’t established himself at quarterback as Prime thought he would.
But dipping down the depth chart shows a willingness to admit that maybe he sold someone short, that maybe someone deserves another look.
There’s no telling where we go from here with Colorado’s QB situation.
Houston is 2-0 and has allowed only nine points in victories over Stephen F. Austin and Rice.
But for a day, Ryan Staub’s commitment was rewarded.
Denny Dressman’s 17th book, a collaboration with Kansas City artist Anthony High titled Black Baseball’s Heyday – Capturing An Era in Art and Words, will be published late this year. You can write to Denny at denny dressman@comcast.net.
Amazing opportunity in prestigious Diamond Ridge estates overlooking Castle Rock and a panoramic Mountain View.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Kabob (Boneless) Beef Gyro
Centennial Chalk Art Festival Returns Saturday, September 13
Get ready for a burst of color and creativity! The Centennial Chalk Art Festival returns on Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Streets at SouthGlenn. Watch in awe as nearly 100 talented artists transform the pavement into stunning chalk art masterpieces—right beneath your feet!
As you stroll through the festival, browse local merchants and vendor booths, let the kids enjoy a kids chalk zone and rock painting with the Centennial Arts and
Cultural Foundation, and groove to live music at our outdoor concert. New this year, don’t miss the Children’s Entrepreneur Market featuring over 40 booths from youth ages 5 - 17 selling their unique creations.
You’ll also have the chance to vote for your favorite chalk art creations in three exciting categories: Kids Choice, People’s Choice, and Artists Choice. Be sure to cast your vote by 3 p.m. and stick around to see the winners revealed at 3:30 p.m. on the
Commons Park stage.
This year’s Chalk Art Festival has something for everyone: 10 – Noon – Free Pancake Breakfast: Celebrate the kick-off of Centennial’s 25-year anniversary with free pancakes. Afterall, it’s how it all started in 2000.
10 – 11:30 a.m. Something
Vinyl DJ: Groove to a vinyl-only set from one of Denver’s premier DJs, spinning an eclectic mix of oldies, rock, funk, disco, 80’s Pop and everything in between!
12 – 1:30 p.m. The Lunchables: A cover band of educators who love playing good music, having a great time and getting you dancing. Teachers who rock! 2 – 3:30 p.m. Be Kind Rewind: Enjoy all genres of music with this band who delivers a fun and high-energy live music
Fort Collins Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison After Drug and Weapons Arrest in Castle Rock
Albert Gene Vargas had several outstanding warrants when he was pulled over by Castle Rock Police
67 -year-old Albert Gene Vargas of Fort Collins has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following a major drug and weapons bust in Castle Rock. Vargas was arrested on August 14, 2021, at Castle Rock Parkway and Promenade Parkway, after
a flock camera discovered stolen plates on his car.
Upon being pulled over by Castle Rock Police, Vargas told deputies he was a middleman for “some cartel dudes.” He also admitted having a handgun in his cardespite being a convicted felon. A subsequent search uncovered large quantities of fentanyl, hallucinogens, and more than 450 grams of methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia.
Vargas also had multiple outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest- including a felony drug charge in Denver.
Vargas plead guilty to a class one drug felony as a special offender, and felony possession of a weapon by a previous offender.
“This is a textbook example of the excellent partnership that exists between the Castle Rock Police Department and the DA’s Office,”
said Operations Commander Sam Varela. “When you combine exceptional street-level police work with an effective prosecution team, it leads to a safer Castle Rock community.”
Deputy District Attorney Joe Ratner emphasized the significance of the sentence.
“If you’re a felon with a gun and a bag full of meth, Douglas County is the wrong place to test your luck. Thanks to the great
experience.
3 p.m. Voting Deadline: Cast your votes for Kids Choice, People’s Choice and Artists Choice. 3:30 p.m. Chalk Art Winners
Announced: Join us at the Commons Park stage to celebrate the top chalk artists of the day. This free, family-friendly event welcomes all ages, so gather your friends and family and join us for a day of inspiration, creativity, and community at The Streets at SouthGlenn (6851 S. Vine Street).
work of the CRPD, Mr. Vargas will have two decades to reflect on that.”
District Attorney George Brauchler said Vargas’ sentence should serve as a warning to others considering criminal activity in Douglas County. “I will continue to emphasize to those who are incapable or unwilling to follow our laws that Douglas County is inhospitable to you. How long would it have taken this armed convicted felon and claimed middleman in a stolen car to drive around our community? Best guess: less than 20 years.”
Elevated 60+ Active Living in Centennial
A World Without Stinkards
I’ve been thinking about how much more time we’d all have if there were no stinkards in the world. And no scallywags, rotters or spalpeens. You know; people of low character. Yes, I could have just said that, but I felt the need for stronger language—just not so strong I couldn’t use it in this publication.
I was recently robbed of valuable time by a certain stinkard who was really after my money. And it’s some consolation that he didn’t get that too. If he had, I’d have needed even stronger language.
It all started when I saw a charge I didn’t recognize on my bank statement. I spent hours reporting it, visiting the bank to get a new debit card and searching online thesauruses for meaner names to call the person responsible.
The charge was eventually removed, but not before I wasted all that time—time I could have used to clean my office and pull weeds in our flower bed. I probably wouldn’t have but I still blame the stinkard for my messy office and my overgrown flowerbed.
I thought that was the end of it. But then my computer virus software expired. I was sure I’d set it up to renew automatically. And I was right. I had—with my now invalid debit card, a fact I realized only after spending more time researching the issue—time I could have used to mop my kitchen and do my laundry, though there’s no guarantee I would have.
So there I was with no virus protection in a world of rascals, rogues and reprobates. The particular scoundrel who attempted to steal my money not only robbed me of the time it took to panic, report the charge and replace my debit card, he also forced me to spend precious time updating my virus protection. This took longer than I’d expected for reasons I won’t go into because it would take me too long to explain and you too long to read. And I think we can agree too much time has been squandered already.
Suffice it to say I spent many hours over the course of three days on the phone while computer technicians took over my computer remotely. Not only was this a waste of my time and probably theirs too, it was a waste of my husband’s time. He was forced to listen to me rant that if there were no stinkards in the world, we wouldn’t even need virus protection and I could be working. I couldn’t very well write a best-selling novel while someone else had control of my computer, could I?
The fact that I couldn’t anyway is beside the point. Stinkards not only regularly rob me of my time and peace of mind, they keep me from being the productive person I know I could be. Or like to think I could be. As long as the world is full of spalpeens, weasels and rotters I’ll never know what I’m truly capable of.
And it’s not just me. According to some estimates, average Americans waste up to eight hours each year on scam phone calls and 80 hours a year deleting spam emails. Add that to the number of hours we fritter away deleting spam text messages, replacing debit cards, shopping for virus protection and looking up other ways to say “thief.” Then multiply that by the 340 million people living in the United States and you get a grand total of…well…a lot.
Just think what Americans could do with all that time—cure cancer, heal our planet, broker peace deals between political parties, though that may take longer. I dream of a world without stinkards. In the meantime, stealing time is a serious offense and the punishment should fit the crime. I wouldn’t trust the rascal who inspired this tirade to clean my office but I wouldn’t mind watching him pull weeds in my flowerbed.
Dorothy Rosby is an author and humor columnist whose work appears regularly in publications in the West and Midwest. You can subscribe to her blog at www. dorothyrosby.com or contact at www.dorothyrosby.com/contact.
CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT IS CELEBRATING
75TH ANNIVERSARY
IN 1950 SCSD formed eight schools, eight principals, three buses, 43 teachers, and 1,253 students. Today there are 53,000 students.
UPCOMING CLASSES AT CURTIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
SEPT. 17-OCT. 22 6:30-9:00 p.m. PRINTMAKING
SEPT. 20-21 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. HOT ART: BASIC ENCAUSTICS
OCT. 7-NOV. 18 1-3 P.M. COLORED PENCILS
OCT. 4 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. SUMINAGASHI
LITTLETON BUSINESS CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK
SEPT. 5-14. Visit the Littleton Business Chamber home page www. littletonbusinesschamber.org or Restaurant-LittletonBusiness Chamber. Each restaurant creates their own specials.
CURTIS ARTS SOLO EXHIBITION
SEPT. 6-NOV. 1. Exhibit by Jo Stealeyl at 2359 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. Mon.-Fri. 8:30
a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LITTLETON’S DEPOT ART GALLERY FIBER ARTISTS COMPETITION
Show dates: SEPT 9 TO OCT 11. Littleton’s Depot Art Gallery is posting a competition for all fiber artists in Colorado. Check on CaFE (Callforentry.org) for details and the prospectus. The Depot is located at 2069 West Powers, Littleton. For inquiries, contact fiberart@ depotartgallery.org
USED BOOK SALE AT KOELBEL LIBRARY
SEPT. 11-14, 5955 S. Holly St.
CENTENNIAL CHALK ART FESTIVAL
SAT., SEPT. 13, 10 am. - 4 p.m. at the Streets of SouthGlenn. 100 talented artists transform the payment into stunning chalk art masterpieces. New: Children’s Entrepreneur Market featuring over 40 booths from youth ages 5-17 selling their unique creations. Outdoor music concert 2-3:30 p.m. Free Pancake Breakfast 10 a.m.Noon.
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN MOO & PAINT
PARTY
SAT., SEPT. 13, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 16965 Pine Lane, Suite 120, Parker. Step-by-step instruction and all supplies furnished. RSVP: Georgia Reiss at georgia_reiss@adv4 children.org ART ON THE GREEN
SEPT. 13-14. FREE all-Colorado
art fair featuring dozens of artist booths, food trucks, live music and more. Curtis Arts Center. artonthegreencolorado.com
BUILD UP AURORA SURVEY DEADLINE
EXTENDED THRU SEPT. 30
Address the critical capital projects to maintain existing city infracture. Chat with reps at the Town Center at Aurora’s 50th Anniversary “Mallapalooza” celebration SEPT. 13 & 14. Take the 5-minute survey at EngageAurora.org/BuildUpAurora
DENVER GOP MEET & GREET HAPPY HOUR
TUE., SEPT. 16, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 6-7 p.m. Happy Hour. Dinner off the menu. Blackbird Public House, 305 S. Downing Street.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL FORUM
SEPT. 18, doors open 5:30 p.m. forum 6:00 p.m. Planned by The Villager newspaper and The League of Women Voters of Arapahoe and Douglas counties. At Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain in Greenwood Village, 6500 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Free parking. Five incumbents and seven new candidates are running for city council.
PEPPER ‘EM WITH LOVE GALA BENEFITING
PEPPER’S SENIOR DOG
SANCTUARY
SEPT. 18, 6 p.m. at Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St., Denver. Enjoy hors’ doeuvres & cocktails, silent & live auctions, an engaging program and a special performance by Wilson Phillips. Tickets, table, & sponsorships visit www.PSDS.ORG/ EVENTS or email development@ psds.org
BUBBLES & BRUSHES
SEPT. 18, 6-9 p.m. Cherry Hills village Art Commission hosts creative fundraiser at City Hall, 2450 E. Quincy Ave. Drinks, light bites, painting supplies & brushes. Cost $100 for 21 years & older. RSVP: www. cherryhillsvillage.com/art
ARAPAHOE LIBRARY TO HOST CRIME AUTHOR S.A. CROSBY
THURS., SEPT. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Crosby is a New York Times bestselling writer. Embassy Suites DTC (10250 E. Costilla Ave., Centennial.) Free event. Light refreshments with books available for purchase. RSVP: arapahoelibraries.org or call 303542-7279.
BLUE JEAN BASH
SEPT. 18, Seawell Ballroom, DCPA, 1350 Arapahoe St., Denver. RSVP: val@clothestokidsdenver.org
COTTAGE FOOD SAFETY
SEPT. 19, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Learn food safety guidelines and the specifics of operating a cottage food business from home. Register: bit. lyCSUCottageFoods
60 MINUTES IN SPACE WED., SEPT. 24, 7 p.m. Free event. First come, first-served basis. Explore breaking space news by Dr. Ka Chun Yu, DMNS Curator Space Sciences. Enter thru West Museum entrance.
DENVER BALLET GUILD FALL MEMBERSHIP COCKTAIL EVENT
On WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, from 6:00-8:30PM, the Denver Ballet Guild will host its 2ND annual Membership Cocktail Reception at the Space Gallery. This year the DBG will feature a captivating dance performance by Boulder Ballet, along with small bites, cocktails and DJ Freyja to set the mood. Gather with friends and fellow arts lovers for an inspired evening in the Art District on Santa Fe. Register: denverballetguild. org
SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER WORKFORCE INNOVATION SUMMIT
WED., SEPT. 24, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Arapahoe Community College - Summit room. Keynote Speakers: Kate Wilkins, State Demographer and Rachel Rose, Senior Manager of Strategy and Analytics, OEDIT. Tickets: 303-795-0142. or info@ bestchamber.com
NAME CHANGE OF BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE OF COLORADO TO HOPE IGNITES COLORADO
THURS., SEPT. 25, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Free Hope Breakfast. Theme: Expand Hope Ignite Dreams. Learn about the program. Cherry Hills Country Club - 4125 S. University. Blvd., Cherry Hills Village. RSVP: angela.hager@ hopeignites.org
NINTH ANNUAL LATIN BEATS HIGHLIGHTS AFOMEXICAN HERITAGE
THURS., SEPT. 25, Free concert
7 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall. Presented by the Mexican Cultural Center and the Colorado Symphony. Pre-concert lobby performances by El Sistenia Colorado. Free tickets beginning Sept. 11 at the Boettcher Concert Hall Box Office. M-F 10 a.m.
- 5 p.m. and East., 12-5 p.m. First come, first-served.
HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF HOPE
SAT., SEPT. 27. Lawn Party, 3:30 p.m. with free food trucks, live music, fun activities . Celebration & Program 5:30 p.m. SUN. SEPT. 28, 10 a.m. Worship & Fellowship, 5101 S. Dayton St., Greenwood Village . RED WAGON BALL TO CELEBRATE 40 YEARS
SAT. SEPT. 27, 5:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency DTC, 7800 E. Tufts Ave.,Denver. Dueling piano Road Show & Parker Performing Arts.
4-H EXTRAVAZANZA
SAT., SEPT. 27, 10a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 17 Mile House Farm Park. Free event. Register: arapahoeco. gov/17milehouse
COLORADO BALLET OPENS 65TH SEASON
OCT. 3-12 with Cult Favorite Dracula at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Tickets: ColoradoBallet.org/Dracula
COMMUNITY TREE RECYCLE DAY
OCT. 4 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Willow Spring Service Center. Offloading is self-service, no commercial loads, U-Haul Loads, leaves, grasses, pine needles, fence post or root balls will be accepted. Questions? Lisa Howell at 1howell@ssprd.org Sponsored by South Suburban Parks & Recreation.
LITTLETON MAYORAL/CITY COUNCIL FORUM
THURS., OCT. 9, 5 p.m. in the large meeting room in Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datora St., Littleton. Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Arapahoe & Douglas Counties.
CSU 50 YEAR CLUB AWARDS LUNCHEON
FRI., OCT. 17, 10:30 a.m., PreReception; 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Luncheon and Awards program. Hilton Ft. Collins, 425 W. Prospect Rd. Class of 1975 to be inducted. RSVP: 800-286-2586. SAT., OCT. 18. Homecoming game - CSU Rams vs. Univ. of Hawaii, 5 p.m.
GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME “BE BEAUTIFUL BE YOURSELF FASHION SHOW
SAT., OCT. 18, 5 p.m. at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Tickets: 303-321-6277 or development@ globaldownsyndromeorg
TREAT STREET
OCT. 18 & 19 - Call for Venders & Community Partners, Event Center, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds & Park. Arapahoeco.gov
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA ANNAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
OCT. 25, 1-3 p.m., 16965 Pine Lane, Suite 120, Parker. Costumes encouraged. RSVP Victoria_ Raphael@ad4children.org
EASTER SEALS COLORADO ANNUAL GALA
“MONTE CARLO NIGHTS” SAT., OCT. 25, 6 p.m. at Ameristar Black Hawk. Honorees: Ameristar Casino & David & Wendy Dennis family. Cocktail attire. RSPV: 303-233-1666.
CLUBS NEWS OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH
FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts
49 years. American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25. Call Frank 303-759-9232 for a free breakfast. Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.
DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-313-9741.
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-377-7682.
EXPAND YOUR LOVE OF BRIDGE
New games specifically for Novice and Intermediate players. Tech Center Bridge is located at 6161 S. Wabash Way, Greenwood Village. Call 303-915-1229. 1st & 3rd Thursdays 12:30-3:45 p.m. Cost is $8. Need a partner? Check the online list bredgewebs.com/techcenterbridge Also ask about Denver Metro Bridge at 5250 Leetsdale Dr., Denver. 303757-4774.
WHAT’S NEW?
“BLACK BASEBALL’S HEYDAY” Capturing an Era in Art and Words, Written by Villager author Denny Dressman and Art by Anthony High. Pre-Order Now! https://www. mcfarlandbooks.com/product/BlackBaseballs-Heyday/
WHAT’S NEW?COLORADO LEGISLATORS HELD A SPECIAL SESSION TO PLUG $800 MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT
On the 33 measures, only one received bipartisan sponsorship - a proposal to divert $264,000 in general funds from the state’s wolf reintroduction program to now help cover subsidies for health insurance purchased by individuals thru the state’s help insurance exchange.
COLORADO DEMOCRATS TO HOLD 2026 STATE ASSEMBLY IN PUEBLO MARCH 28, 2026 at the Memorial Hall.
RENEW YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Renewal kiosks are fast, easy and issue you tags on the spot? Go to COMVExpress.com to find a location near you.
BUSINESS NEWS CHERRY HILLS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE 6325 S University. Blvd., Centennial. Call for Tour 720-592-0252
FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED ORGANIC NATURAL MARKET
“FRESH MARKET” open at 1500 W. Littleton Blvd., Unit 106 - Woodlawn Shopping Center. Open 7 days a week. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION + MORE
5 Star Google Review. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-9695386.
ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING Upscale dining, engaging events and activities. Call 720-684-5913. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.
TONIGHT WE DINE Fine meats & seafood. Free delivery on $100 or more. Look for The Villager Combo for $100. Call 303-215-0333.
SEMION BARBERSHOP FOR ALL - MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN 5910 S. Univeristy Blvd., Greenwood Village. 720-531-3998.
THE EYEWEAR COLLECTION
Owner Aaron Mozes is a CCHS graduate. Comprehensive Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Contacts. 5910 S. University. Blvd., Unit D4, Greenwood Village.
BKC KITCHEN & BATH Free consultation & estimate. Visit showroom at 4151 S. Natches Ct., Englewood. 303-761-7477.
HEARING LIFE HAS 30 DAYS RISK-FREE TRIAL 5910 S. University. Blvd., Ste A-3, Greenwood Village. 720-362-3903.
SUMMER PARTIES? BOOK TODAY
Rocky Mountain Valet. Visit www. ROCKYMTNVALET.COM
KIMPTON CLARET HOTEL Host your next special event at The Kimpton Claret. www.clarethotel.com
OWN YOUR STORAGE OR FLEX WAREHOUSE SPACE Visit MYDREAMSTORAGECO.COM
PARKSIDE VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
14501 E. Crestline Drive, Aurora. Lunch is on us - schedule your tour today. 720-315-7778 or visit ParksideVillageRetirement.com
The Littleton Business Chamber, is incredibly proud to invite you to the 3rd Annual Littleton Restaurant Week, taking place September 5–14, 2025! Make the most of Littleton Restaurant Week with exclusive hotel deals, perfect for turning dinner into a complete night out! This year we are adding hotel “specials” to help create the perfect evening. This ten-day event is more than a celebration of great food—it’s a testament to the strength, creativity, and collaboration of our local hospitality community.
Let us share a bit of history. When we first launched the “Littleton Eatz” Restaurant/ Hospitality Committee, it wasn’t even part of our original plans. In early 2023, one of our Chamber members came forward with a heartfelt case for why we needed a space for restaurant and hospitality businesses to connect, support one another, and grow. She not only made a compelling case, but she also stepped up to lead the effort. That’s how “Littleton Eatz” was born in February 2023.
What started as a way for businesses to
Bacon Social House - Littleton
Bistro 36 Eatery & Drinkery
Black+Haus Tavern - Littleton
Bonefish Grill
Carboy Winery - Littleton
Cencalli Taqueria- Littleton
Chez Lizeth Creperie
Cherry Cricket Littleton
Chicken Salad Chick- Aspen Grove
Colore Italian Restaurant - Littleton
Colorado Pinball Pub
Denver Beer Co - Littleton
Fresh Market Community Kitchen
Grande Station
share vendor tips, support each other through tough times, and collaborate on best practices quickly grew into something more. By May 2023, our members began exploring ways to boost business and create a community-wide event that would spotlight the incredible culinary talent across Littleton. That’s when “Littleton Restaurant Week” came to life.
What makes our event different from others is that we don’t impose a fixed menu price or a uniform theme. Instead, we ask each
Participating restaurants include:
Harley’s Hot Dog Revolution
Honnibrook Craft Meadery
iN-TEA
Kate’s Wine Bar
Los Portales Mexican RestaurantLittleton
Manning’s Steak and Spirits - Littleton
Mesa Latin Kitchen
Momma’s Kitchen
Ned Kellys Irish Pub
Olde Towne Tavern
Outback Steak House Littleton
Palenque Cocina Y Agaveria
Pho Real
participating in business to showcase what they do best—to highlight the unique flavors, dishes, and experiences that make them special. That approach brings out the best of Littleton’s diverse food scene, and it makes exploring old favorites or discovering new spots truly exciting.
Restaurant Week is proudly supported by the Littleton Business Chamber, and reflects our mission to uplift local businesses, strengthen connections, and bring our community together.
Piccino Wood Oven Pizza
Platte River Bar and Grill
Rice Bistro & Sushi – Aspen Grove
Romanos Pizzeria
Smokin Fins Littleton
Social Bar and Lounge I & II
Teds Montana Grill – Aspen Grove
The 49th Alaskan Restaurant - Littleton
The Melting Pot – Littleton
VIA313 Pizzeria - Littleton Viewhouse - Littleton … and more to come
Visit the Littleton Business Chamber home page www.littletonbusinesschamber.org or the event page Restaurant Week – Littleton Business Chamber, Search by restaurant name or dining options, (breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner). Link to the Restaurants home page for information regarding location and hours of business.when going out! Each restaurant creates their own unique specials! You can play an hour of free pinball, enjoy specialty appetizers/desserts/menus, discounted meals, drink specials, even try new tea flights. Everyone can find something they love. Don’t forget to start booking your holiday parties as you find your new favorites.” In support of Littleton Restaurant Week, The City of Littleton Open Rewards Program users can earn up to a 10% cash reward for dining at these participating businesses. If individuals are not already signed up for the app, they can visit bludot.io/rewards-littleton to participate. For more information on the Open Rewards program, please reach out to jcrout@littletongov.org.