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VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 41 • SEPTEMBER 4, 2025

43 Years of Award-Winning Journalism

Welcome Fall

LOCAL CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS UPCOMING: Greenwood Village, Littleton and Centennial

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September 4, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

She said yes self-sufficiency at the expense of When two widely recognized, progressive, and non-religious figures like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, it extended far beyond mere celebrity gossip. In many ways, it offers hope to a generation facing delayed milestones, digital disconnection, and changing social values. Today’s norm views marriage not as the foundation of adulthood but as the ultimate achievement, something you do after finishing education, reaching career goals, and gaining independence. A recent commentary highlights that while this model is effective for many, it overlooks those who lack economic or educational advantages. Taylor and Travis’ announcement can serve as a powerful reminder that marriage is still a desirable and meaningful choice, even if it occurs on one’s own timeline.

According to Dr. Brad Wilcox, marriage rates have declined by 65% since the 1970s. Cohabitation, serial monogamy, and non-marital childbearing are rising.

U.S. fertility rates are near record lows, with delayed marriage and childbearing greatly impacting the birth gap. Unmarried adults report feeling lonelier, and communities with fewer marriages face more despair, including higher rates of depression, suicide, chronic illness, crime, poverty, homelessness, violence, and other life challenges.

This engagement and marriage could serve as a cultural reset, especially if seen not as a return to tradition but as a reimagined concept of partnership. Despite the cultural focus on rugged individualism, research in psychology and sociology confirms that people’s desire for connection remains strong.

The public excitement over such an engagement shows that many still yearn for romantic idealism, the promise of companionship and belonging. This union could spark renewed conversations about love and commitment, emphasizing that they are not outdated. For young adults wary of traditional timelines but still interested in commitment, this example might promote a different approach: getting married when it feels emotionally right, rather than because of societal pressure.

This engagement can highlight how isolation and screen-based living are leaving us emotionally disconnected, and that intentionality and commitment still matter. While valuing autonomy, this moment may create an opportunity to discuss whether we have overstated

interconnectedness. If amplified by progressive voices, this could motivate policymakers and communities to consider how education, housing, economic support, and creative cultural framing can make marriage and family formation seem more welcoming, attainable, and cool!

This is what makes Taylor Swift’s engagement so culturally significant. Here is a woman who has championed progressive causes, endorsed Democratic candidates, and built her career on fierce independence and female empowerment. Yet she chose to embrace marriage. This apparent contradiction reveals the sophistication of our cultural moment. True em-

powerment means the freedom to commit and the promise of forever love and partnership. It demonstrates that we can honor both individual achievement and relational commitment, as well as personal freedom and shared purpose. Her choice suggests that this new marriage narrative is not about going backward but about going deeper.

Sometimes it takes a love story heard around the world to help us recognize our need for commitment and companionship for human flourishing. In Taylor and Travis’ joy, we catch a glimpse of the possibility of our own love story. joneen@narme.org

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WEEK OF SEPT. 1

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • September 4, 2025

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

You can go home again…

Come with Gerri and I to Northwest Colorado this past weekend to walk down memory lane, visit friends, and speak to the local historical group about the history of Craig newspapers. The invitation came from Danny Davidson, the curator of the world-class Museum of Northwest Colorado in the old Craig Armory building, where I once played basketball in grade school.

We didn’t take a proposed passenger train through Rollinsville and the historic Moffat Tunnel; instead, we had to contend with Floyd Hill, which lived up to its bad reputation.

The $700 million construction project is still ongoing, and a pothole formed at the base of the hill. Several vehicles reportedly suffered tire damage after falling into the hole, which ruined tires and blocked traffic for two hours until it was patched and the damaged cars were towed away. We were fortunate not to be among the cars damaged.

The 220-mile drive to Craig was enjoyable, with many herds of Angus cattle grazing in freshly mowed hayfields. Once we left Frisco and headed toward Kremmling, the traffic was light as we crossed Rabbit Ears Pass into the bustling downtown area of Steamboat Springs.

We arrived at the Best Western Motel in Craig and had dinner with my first cousin, Patricia Sweeney Pierce, to catch up on

Craig and Moffat which has now County news from digitized the 20 Patricia, whom I years that Gerri grew up with. She and I published the is a Craig native, paper. The masstudent body pressive collection of ident at MCHS, a historic binderies, former nurse, and containing “news

BY BOB SWEENEY the daughter of as it happened,” is Patrick and Edna PUBLISHER in the basement of Sweeney, one of my ranch- the museum, waiting for ing uncles. a prominent spot in the The invitation was to 10,000+ sq. ft. facility. speak to the local Frontier The program took place history group about the at the remodeled Yampa history of the Craig news- school, where my mother papers, where I started my had been a third-grade newspaper career in 1961. teacher for over 30 years, It all started with a small and I attended the school. weekly newspaper, which One of my best classmates, expanded into the five-day Larry Seip, sat in the front Craig Daily Press over 20 row during my speech; we years. hugged each other before Virginia-based newspa- and after my remarks. per group Ogden NewsWe played marbles in the papers acquired the Craig school yard and, later in Daily Press from the Swift life, enjoyed playing golf newspaper chain and also together. owns The Vail Trail and Also in attendance Steamboat Pilot. The were six of our former newspaper has fallen on newspaper colleagues and hard times—only publish- longtime friends who had ing once a week as Craig helped us in our newspaper reels from the proposed journey. shutdown of the four powEverything I know about er plants, the first one set the business started in to close in 2026. (That’s Craig with linotypes, type another story). cases, handset headlines, Ogden sold the newspa- and ink on newsprint, one per building I remodeled, sheet at a time. Not to got rid of the printing mention meeting a deadpress, and now prints the line. My slogan in Craig weekly newspaper at the was, “News while it’s Gypsum plant west of Vail, news, not history.” I wrote which is delivered to Craig a daily column for nearly weekly along with their 20 years.

Steamboat Springs newsNow the Villager uses papers. computers and color offset When Ogden sold the printing on every page, building, they donated the which are addressed and historic binderies from the mailed each week to mailearly Craig Empire-Couboxes and paid subscribers rier and our Craig Daily for $78 a year, covering 52 Press to the museum, weeks. Getting coffee at

Starbucks each week will cost you over $336!

Newspapers are going out of business quickly for several reasons. First, and most importantly, rising costs and the shortage of printing plants. Newspapers are hesitant to raise subscriber prices for fear of losing readers. The latest trend for many local papers is to become nonprofit, adopting a model similar to public radio, which depends on donations and foundation grants.

Public radio doesn’t look very good now under the Trump regime, and newspapers are slow to catch up.

Finally, good newspapers need to connect with their community, but due to high turnover, many have lost that connection.

We aim to serve our cities by promoting numerous nonprofit organizations, service clubs like Lions, Rotary, and Optimist clubs, and covering important city news and local elections.

We keep bound volumes of the newspapers each year and have complete collections of our published papers stored securely, ensuring history is preserved for future generations.

They say, “You can’t go home again.”

We received a warm welcome in my hometown of Craig, and we thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Thanks to Danny for the invitation and to everyone who attended the program.

Bless you all… it was a real treat to walk down memory lane together.

U.S. Mail for $78 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 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 GOVERNMENTAL 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

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PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • September 4, 2025

Centennial will elect a new mayor and four council members in November

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

The City of Centennial mayor and city council members serve four-year terms, limited to two, for a total of eight years. There are two members of the city council from each of the city’s four council districts and they are elected in staggered elections, so both members of the council from any district never run for election at the same time.

On November 4, 2025, Centennial residents will elect a new mayor (current Mayor Stephanie Piko is term-limited) and four new city council members, one from each district. Municipal elections are non-partisan, so you will never see a D or an R after the name of any candidate for mayor or city council.

There are 13 people running for five open positions and only one is an incumbent, so the Centennial City Council will see lots of changes after this election.

Three people have declared their candidacy for Centennial mayor, Christine Sweetland, Don Sheehan, and Walter James Bennett Rutledge. Sweetland and Sheehan are current city council members.

Sweetland says she is running because, “My vision is to see Centennial thrive as a safe community, where neighborhoods matter, businesses are valued, and we continue to create unique spaces for all to enjoy.” She “developed her strong dedication to the local community and made an impact – from her neighborhood block to city-wide initiatives – as a caring volunteer, successful small business owner, and Centennial City Council member.”

Sheehan’s theme is “building on success.” He says, “I am passionate and dedicated to standing up for our residents. I show up every day to be your voice on the council and work to resolve issues in the city. I am the first to roll up my sleeves to tackle big issues and come prepared at every meeting to deliver results for Centennial residents and families. I will bring that same commitment as Mayor to create a responsive and efficient Centennial.”

On his campaign website, Rutledge lists his campaign theme as Reclaim Liberty and refers to himself as the loyal opposition candidate.

In District One, incumbent City Council Member Robyn Carnes is being challenged by Jered Scurlock and Cindy Sandhu.

Carnes motto is, “Not left. Not Right. Forward.” She “has a pas-

every resident. Together, we can make Centennial a place where opportunity, safety, and community thrive. We must build more affordable housing…but we must do it smartly, in ways that respect and preserve the character of our neighborhoods. We must support our small business owners so they can grow, expand, and hire locally—because when they succeed, our whole community succeeds.

We must continue to stand behind our first responders, whose dedication makes Centennial one of the safest cities in America.”

Jeffrey Gilliam is a dentist who lives in Centennial and practices in Aurora. We could not find a website or any social media account associated with his candidacy.

We were unable to locate a photo of Scott Shamblin, but we found a Facebook page, Scott Shamblin for Centennial, that said, “I believe in a safe Centennial. It referenced a website, vote4scottshamblin.com, but that site was not reachable.

Most of the candidates listed above have campaign websites that have additional information, including multiple endorsements for some. Their websites are listed under their names on their respective photos.

sion for community service and helping others, which led her to run for Centennial City Council in 2021. Working in a non-partisan environment, Robyn sought collaboration with community and her colleagues to be responsive to her residents’ needs. She hopes to continue her legacy of service to Centennial for a second term.”

Scurlock’s website says he is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. and, “To serve the community in Centennial to help be a clear representation of the community in Centennial. I love the community here and I look forward to growing and improving with you in District One. I know that I will do my absolute best to represent the intentions of the citizens and member of the City of Centennial in District One.” Sandhu’s vision is “to bring people together for meaningful change in our community.” She says, “I believe good governance starts with listening—really listening—to the people I serve. By connection with neighbors and building trust across our diverse

community, we can lead together with transparency, accountability, and heart. That’s the leadership I promise to bring to District One.” The candidates for Centennial District Two are Ashish Vaidya and Carrie Penaloza.

Vaidya holds a Ph.D. in political science from Temple University. He says, “I am a scholar, educator, and a first generation American. I’m proud to hail from a lineage deeply rooted in justice, equality, and the pursuit of the American Dream. My grandfather, a political leader in his home country of India, was kicked out of his political party for challenging corruption. Arriving in the U.S. with only eight dollars, my parents worked tirelessly to ensure their children could embody the American Dream.”

Penaloza’s motto is, “For a safe and affordable Centennial.”

She says, “As a city prosecutor in several cities over the course of 20 years, I am keenly aware of the importance of safety and support of law enforcement in making Centennial a great place

to live, work, and visit. Now’s not the time to let up on policies that protect our community because our residents deserve safe neighborhoods and safe businesses.”

In Centennial District Three, the candidates for city council are Patty McKernan and Ryan Dwiggins. McKernan is director of the Saint John Leadership Institute.

We were unable to find a campaign website for her.

Dwiggins holds a management degree from Texas A&M and an MBA from Baylor University. He is a member of the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission and a licensed Colorado associate broker.

The issues he believes are most important are community safety, local control, city services, community fabric, smart and strategic development, housing, and economic vitality.

The candidates for City Council District Four are Durrell Middleton, Jeffrey Gilliam, and Scott Shamblin.

Middleton says, “I’ve been asked to run for City Council to help our city fulfill its promise to

Christine Sweetland Sweetlandforcentennial.com

Don Sheehan Donforcentennial.com

Bennett Rutledge Bennettrutledge.info

Robyn Carnes Carnesforcentennial.com

Jered Scurlock Jeredforcentennial.com

Cindy Sandhu Cindy4centennial.com

Ashish Vaidya Ashishforcentennial.com

Carrie Penaloza Carrieforcentennial.com

Patty McKernan

Ryan Dwiggins Dwigginsforcentennial.com

Durrell Middleton Middleton4d4.com

Jeffrey Gilliam

On Saturday, October 4th, the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties will hold a Centennial Mayoral/City Council forum at 11:00 a.m. in the Banquet Room of the SSPRD Sports Complex, 4810 E. County Line Rd., Littleton.

September 4, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

Decoding fact from fiction: A community conversation

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Arapahoe Libraries recently hosted one of their regular “community conversations” at Koelbel Library in Centennial to explore what to believe from printed, televised, and online sources, all of which purport to be delivering news---factual information---but may be doing something different.

The topic of the discussion was, “In the era of disinformation, how can we decode fact from fiction?” Which raises the question, just when and how did the word “disinformation” become so common in our lexicon?

The topic drew a full house of around 200 people, mostly over age 50, but that’s to be expected—folks who aren’t raising children are more apt to be available on weekday evenings to participate in community gatherings.

Laura Frank, University of Denver’s 2025 Wolzien Visiting Professor of the Practice in Research Informed Communication and recipient of media entrepreneurship fellowships at Columbia University and the University of Southern California, moderated the discussion. She currently serves as executive director of the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab), a nonprofit with 180 local news partners.

Panelists were Mike Littwin, a well-known Denver columnist.

Starting in 1997, he has written for the Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, and Colorado Independent, on topics from news to sports to popular culture and national politics, before

landing at his current gig at the Colorado Sun. Also on the panel was Angela Engel, M.A., a facilitator, writer, and educator, who currently teaches graduate studies at Marian University and has “empowered over 1,500 people with the skills and knowledge to advocate for their communities” through Colorado State University’s Family Leadership Training Institute.

Rounding out the group was Vera Azuka Idam, a first-generation African immigrant and publisher of Afrik Digest, who holds a B.A. in English from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Professor Frank opened the discussion by defining three key terms: misinformation— that which is false and misleading; disinformation—that which people know is false and misleading, and they share it anyway; and mal-information--- spreading that which is known to be false and misleading with a specific intent to do harm.

The first audience member asked how citizens should deal with misinformation in the form of omissions. Professor Frank pointed out that there are fewer than half the number of reporters at Colorado news organizations than there were 20 years ago, so omissions could be innocent mistakes. At the other end of the spectrum, she talked about “pink slime,” a term used to describe organizations, some of which can be found in Colorado, that use AI to produce “news” that is borrowed from other sources but has an agenda, often partisan, that determines how it is presented.

Littwin talked about “how newspapers see what is and is not

From left to right, Angela Engel, Vera Azuka Idam, Mike Littwin, and Laura Frank.

Photo by Freda Miklin

a news story.” Using redistricting in Texas as an example, he explained it is a news story because 1) it is being done at a time when it is not normally done—five years after the last census, and 2) there is such a small difference between the number of Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House, that redistricting in Texas could determine the outcome of who controls the House after 2026. He added to that explanation, “The way something stays news is how people react to what is being reported,” and, on the topic of omissions in reporting, “Even if reporters are trying to be completely fair,” it can be difficult to include all the facts that matter in the limited amount of space available in newspapers or time allotted to broadcast news.

Asked how reporters avoid their own biases when writing news, Professor Frank said that she checks herself by not voting in primaries or displaying yard signs, which drew mixed reactions in the room, since one of those actions is private and one is public. She conceded that avoiding one’s biases “is an art, not a science.” For consumers of news, which is all of us, what is most important is recognizing biases in reporting. In a perfect world, editors will find and excise biased statements before a news report ever reaches the consumer, but with fewer journalists come fewer editors, thus the news consumer has a bigger job discerning biases and treat-

ing them accordingly.

Another audience member said she was disturbed by the idea that, “If people don’t react to the news, it’s not news and gets dropped.” She wanted to know, “Doesn’t the newspaper have a responsibility to persist on a story that needs to be talked about, whether people take an immediate interest or not?”

Littwin responded, “The Denver Post used to have over 300 people in their newsroom. Today, they have less than 50.” He used, as an example, affordable housing, a complex topic that “has lots of angles and is difficult to report, yet it’s important every day and has been for years in Colorado, and across the nation,” but there are not enough people to report this story correctly. He shared that when both the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News were viable newspapers, “The City of Denver had the highest penetration of readers of any city in the country.”

In response to another question, Littwin pointed out that reporting in some larger newspapers, like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, is done in a style that is intended to appeal to their target audience, something that readers should consider when consuming news from those and other recognizable sources. It is similar, though less obvious, to what discerning consumers of cable-TV news have learned to do when they watch it, espe-

cially in the evening.

Professor Frank pointed to a perennial problem that is more troublesome in our current age of highly divided politics: “People often conflate the editorials written for a news organization with the reporting, investigative or any other type,” because, she said, “News organizations have done a bad job of showing people how we know things. We don’t do a good job of describing the process, including that reporters are governed by a code of ethics and that there are editors who check reporters’ work before it ever gets to consumers.”

Another audience member said, “I am afraid for journalism in this country,” because some newspaper owners have far too much influence on “what’s printed and shared.” She cited the example of the impact Jeff Bezos has had on the content of the Washington Post since he became its owner.

Ms. Idam added, “We all have a responsibility to listen to and be attentive to the news that is going on around us. We have been bombarded with disinformation and misinformation. When you see news that does not confirm your biases, don’t conclude that it’s true or not true. Fact-check it yourself by seeking other sources of the same news.” The other panelists agreed that, while that is a tall order for most people, because everyone’s time is limited, it is the best way to get closest to determining what is actually true.

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THE CAMPAIGN CHRONICLE WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE CAMPAIGN CHRONICLE! I’M DANIEL ZHUKOV, RUNNING FOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL IN DISTRICT 3. FOLLOW ME HERE EACH WEEK UNTIL ELECTION DAY, WHERE I’LL SHARE CAMPAIGN UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHT KEY PRIORITIES & IDEAS FOR OUR VILLAGE! YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS OUT!

GREENWOOD VILLAGE IS READY FOR A NEW GENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE! IF YOU VALUE BRINGING YOUNG, EXPERIENCED, AND EFFECTIVE LEADERS INTO GOVERNMENT, THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT MY CAMPAIGN IS BY VISITING DZHUKOV.COM AND CONSIDERING MAKING A CONTRIBUTION — NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE. EVERY DONATION HELPS ME REACH MORE VOTERS AND KEEP PUTTING NEIGHBORS FIRST. Paid for by Daniel Zhukov for City Council.

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PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

MEET THE GV CANDIDATES District 3 city council candidate Daniel Zhukov wants to bring new energy to GV, “an urban-suburban oasis”

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Daniel Zhukov has had a strong interest in civic engagement for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Greenwood Village and went to local Cherry Creek Schools. He currently holds two jobs and is studying for his political science degree at Arizona State University online.

Zhukov still found the time to learn much about GV city government, leading to his decision to bring his civic engagement to the electoral level, complete with ideas to take GV to the next level.

When we asked Zhukov how the quality of life in GV could be improved, he said, “In order to provide more services to resi-

dents, you need a more diverse revenue stream.” One way to do that, he explained, is to bring high-end retail to the city. He envisions a boutique-oriented retail park between the Landmark Towers and the new Whole Foods grocery store, with carefully designed access to avoid traffic congestion around it.

As a quality of life issue, Zhukov pointed to GV’s “walkability score, which is 15%,” something he would focus on improving as a member of city council.

Thinking about the Denver Tech Center, Zhukov told us, “We’re in an AI revolution. College students today are studying AI, technology, communications, and engineering. Why not encourage more tech companies to locate in our Tech Center, as

well as the office buildings near Arapahoe & I-25? We can keep our young adults in the area if we have the right cutting-edge jobs.

Young people today think frugally. We aren’t millionaires yet, so we have lots of ideas to make things more efficient.”

To increase citizen participation and transparency in city government, Zhukov would consider allowing limited participation by residents at GV council informal study sessions. He also recommends video recording of city council and board and commission meetings, as is done in most Colorado cities. He would have those recordings shown on the city’s television station that is broadcast to all GV residents and also available on demand through YouTube.

On the topic of future development and redevelopment in GV, the candidate believes it should be reasonable and fit within the values of the residents. He told us, “I don’t think we should allow a skyscraper to be put up that ruins the aesthetic of our urban-suburban oasis, but that doesn’t mean we can’t consider some additional residential development that is at a price point that fits with the character of GV and is architecturally compatible.

High-end multi-family property might even be all right, for upper income residents who want to downsize and simplify their lives, ready to trade large lots for new luxury buildings full of amenities.”

Regarding the over 20% vacancy rate in many GV office buildings, Zhukov believes it is manageable, but the city might want to consider rebranding itself to be more inviting by featuring its low property tax rate, excellent police department, and proximity to I-25, as well as light rail.

Zhukov would like to see the city’s trash and recycling pro-

Gary Kleeman believes mixed-use development could lessen traffic around GV

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Gary Kleeman represented GV District 4 on the city council from 2003-2011. He retired from a 32-year career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2020 and now leads bicycle tours in the U.S. and Canada for a non-profit company. A significant factor in his decision to seek to reprise his former role “is to have someone from our neighborhood on the council (during) the rebuilding of the Cherry Creek High School campus.”

One thing Kleeman feels would improve the quality of life for GV residents is restricting westbound traffic on the Dam Road during the morning rush hour to alleviate crowding on Dayton and Union when students and staff are arriving at the three schools on the Cherry Creek

campus.

Kleeman would also like to see the city’s recreation reimbursement program be extended to include all private gyms and health clubs used by GV residents, instead of just those operated by governmental entities or in special districts, like South Suburban Parks & Rec District and the Greenwood Athletic Club Metropolitan District. Kleeman feels this financial benefit should be available to any city resident who pays to use a facility to maintain and improve their health. He would also like to see the amount of the reimbursement raised from its current level of $550 annually.

To alleviate traffic congestion in the city, Kleeman would propose “working with RTD to get free passes for GV residents who commute” to Denver and

other areas. He would also “work with RTD and local businesses to get free passes for commuters coming into GV.” He envisions the cost of the free passes being absorbed by a collaboration of RTD, GV, and local businesses.

Kleeman would encourage the council to allow limited public input by citizens at its informal study sessions. Currently, citizens are excluded.

He agrees with the city’s position in its lawsuit against the State to protect home rule, but, Kleeman believes, “More mixed-use development should be allowed in the DTC area.”

When he served previously between 2003 and 2011, the council decided to have mixed-use development, including residential, near the Arapahoe Light Rail Station. That area is now comprised solely of office buildings. The

Gary Kleeman

idea was nixed, he said, because, “Several people on the council… didn’t think we needed more residential, and they were afraid that multi-family residents would outnumber the single-family residents.” He believes the current plan for the former Marilyn Hickey property is good mixeduse development, and, he told us, “I think mixed-use makes for a more vital and active area, especially on weekends.” He named the area south of the Landmark Towers near the Orchard Light Rail Station as a place that would

Richard Easton, candidate for GV City Council SUBMITTED BY RICHARD EASTON

Daniel Zhukov

gram applied equally to all homes owned by GV residents, including townhomes and condos.

Zhukov is fine with the proposed 90-home development south of the Landmark Towers, which he feels “is at a price point that makes them luxury units, thus will fit in with GV’s character.”

On Greenwood Village taking ownership of Club Greenwood in 2030, Zhukov said, “It’s great, but residents may think they have a right to use it at a reduced cost because it is a city asset.” be good for mixed-use development, explaining, “One advantage of mixed-use development is that people could live near where they work, which would lessen traffic overall.”

On the topic of the 20%+ office vacancy rate that has dogged GV since the pandemic, Kleeman said, “Some of the older office buildings (near the Orchard Light Rail station) need to be torn down and replaced with mixed-use development, which would add to the vibrancy of the area.”

Kleeman is in favor of GV adding composting to its trash pick-up program, if it is costeffective.

When we asked his opinion on the proposed development south of Landmark Towers for 90 vertical homes on 13 acres, Kleeman told us he had not had a chance to examine it.

On the city taking ownership of Club Greenwood in 2030, he believes that it is very well run now, but, when GV takes over ownership, it should take an active role in management.

Jack Coffey GV candidate announcement SUBMITTED BY JACK COFFEY

Most of my professional career was spent as a manager of government relations and public affairs with a Fortune 5 company, first with a 20year stint in Washington, DC engaged in national legislative and regulatory affairs and then another 20 years in California working on both state and local political issues.

Having enjoyed a fulfilling career of working with politicians, I would like to apply this expertise to serving on the Greenwood Village City

Council. I feel my background and a sincere desire to protect the lifestyle which I enjoy in Greenwood Village will serve the interests of my community.

I started as a confirmed “big city” guy, growing up in New York City. But while working in Washington, I met a woman who introduced me to life in Colorado and to this special community. We married 25 years ago, and I commuted weekly from Sacramento until I retired here, sharing the home my wife created over 40 years ago with our Great

Danes and rescue mutt. I can’t imagine a happier existence or a better place to live.

In recent years I have come to know, respect and work with our local government officials on the key issue of how to balance the pressures of growth with the desire to preserve the values which make Greenwood Village unique. I view the current threat of State takeover of local land use decisions to be the overriding issue facing our community.

The 2024 legislature required significantly increased resi-

dential density, eliminated parking requirements, and wants to still our voice in important local development decisions. Home rule, enshrined in Colorado’s Constitution, should mean just that. We, the Village’s citizens and their local representatives, should be the decision-makers about what our community is now and will be in the future. The Governor and the Legislature should focus on statewide issues like balancing the budget instead of dabbling in complex local matters and imposing

MEET THE GV CANDIDATES I have been fortunate to serve Greenwood Village (GV) for the last six years as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z).

It has provided me with an opportunity to understand the key issues facing GV, now and potentially in the future.

My decision to run for Council is based upon my desire to continue to serve GV and in some way contribute

to this country that I deeply care about. I feel this is an important time for all of us to stand up and be heard about the democratic values upon which our Country has been founded. We are not perfect by any means, but I have always felt we are working to get better, correct our mistakes, and look forward. If elected, I am going to work hard for the residents of GV and continue to make GV

one of the best small cities in Colorado and the U.S. The history of GV has been guided by a governing body with a clear vision for the city. This vision involved a strategy and principles that are reflected in our Comprehensive Plan, municipal code, and the Land Development Code (LDC). The result is Richard Easton what we have today in GV. friendly, community oriented, The city is clean, safe, attractive, environmentally and fiscally responsible.

Ann Nelson is running for re-election in District 1 SUBMITTED BY ANN NELSON

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for reelection to City Council District 1.

I have been privileged to represent District 1 for the past two years. What I have learned most from my tenure is how incredibly hard the current council works to ensure that the quality of life in the city we call home is pre-

served and protected. We do all this with the assistance of phenomenal staff and police department personnel. When looking at the combined experience among the remarkable council members and certain key city staff, I am awed and stunned by the hundreds of years of dedication to civic responsibility and engagement they represent and the

historical background that it brings to the decision-making process.

We are so fortunate to live in a place that cares deeply about recreational opportunities, cares about the aesthetics of our community, the quality of our infrastructure, the maintenance of streets, the maintenance of open space, the safety of residents, and high-quality

development.

I, and my partner, Paul Wiesner, are committed to remaining open and available to all District 1 constituents. We will continue to honor the legacy of excellence in our city.

This is particularly important in the face of challenges to Greenwood Village’s constitutionally enshrined right to govern by Home Rule.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments at ANelson@GreenwoodVillage. com or 303-804-4137.

Thank you for your support!

If elected, I plan to continue the City’s efforts to be excellent while supporting improvements wherever possible. My term with P&Z has helped me to understand the role and responsibilities of a council member. I believe my leadership skills and experience with Accenture where I spent much of my career analyzing problems and recommending solutions would benefit GV. A key element of this process is to listen to our residents and determine how to best represent them as we continue to improve GV.

Ann Nelson

In Greenwood Village, five incumbents and seven new people are running for city council

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

In Greenwood Village, unlike most other cities in Colorado, city council terms are only two years. Candidates are limited to serving eight consecutive years, so former council members can run again, indefinitely, as long as they sit out at least one twoyear term every eight years.

Since terms are so short, all eight seats on the city council are up for election every odd-numbered year on the first Tuesday in November. Although elections every two years are common, most cities have four-year staggered terms, so only half

the seats are on the ballot biannually, thus only half the council can potentially change during a single election, providing institutional memory and continuity. That method of electing council members also requires all of them to run individually, which is also how candidates are supposed to run in GV. In recent years, some GV council candidates have sought to present themselves as running in “teams,” but they are not elected that way.

Regardless of the number of candidates running in a particular district, the two candidates who get the highest number of votes are elected,

no matter their relationship to or alignment with any other candidate.

The mayor’s term is four years, which provides additional stability for the city.

That office will be open in 2027, when current Mayor George Lantz, who ran unopposed in 2019 and 2023, will be term-limited.

To be eligible to run for GV City Council, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old by Election Day (November 4, 2025 this year) and have lived in the district (there are four) of GV they hope to represent for one year immediately preceding the election.

This year, there are competitive elections in three of the four city council districts.

In District Two, there are four new candidates competing for the two open seats, Bob Doyle, Jay Schneiderman, Rich Easton, and Jack Coffey.

In District Three, newcomer Daniel Zhukov is running against incumbents Donna Johnston and Libby Barnacle.

In District Four, incumbent Tom Stahl is running, along with new candidates Katrin Mezger and Gary Kleeman.

In District One, the only candidates on the ballot are the two incumbents, Paul Wiesner and Ann Nelson.

Voters can mark their ballots for either one or two candidates when they arrive in the mail, beginning October 13. Voting for only one candidate makes that vote have a more significant impact than voting for two, something those who wish to give a particular candidate the strongest support, should consider.

The Villager Newspaper offers all individual candidates an opportunity to submit announcements and photos, which we print without charge. Look for those this week and every week.

Contributions to individual candidates are limited to $2,000 per person.

& Jack Coffey

a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach, removing all of our community’s uniqueness.

Is 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.

Location: JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT, 6500 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Free parking on site. Light Refreshments served.

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • September 4, 2025

Schaeffer has earned Rockies’ helm in ’26

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A lot of Rockies fans won’t agree with what I’m about to say.

Warren Schaefer should be Colorado’s manager for the 2026 season.

Why not an experienced outsider, they’ll ask; one with a proven record?

Well, Casey Stengel, Waler Alston and Sparky Anderson aren’t available. Billy Martin, who said he wanted the Rockies job, died before the team formed. And the Reds talked Terry Francona out of retirement before this season began, ruling him out.

So, why not?

Major League Baseball abounds with first-time major league managers whose teams will make the 2025 postseason: Dave Roberts (Dodgers) . . . Joe Espada (Astros) . . .

Rob Thomson (Phillies) , . . Pat Murphy (Brewers) . . . Dan Wilson (Mariners).

More to the point, I like what I’m seeing from the Rockies’ interim skipper.

Colorado had won only seven games and lost 33 when Schaeffer was tabbed to replace understanding, patient-to-a-fault Bud Black a quarter into the ’25 season. At that point the Rockies seemed destined to break the major league record of 121

losses in a season—with ease.

(Here’s another declaration: The record set by the White Sox just last season is safe. The Rockies won’t lose more than 117.)

Through the remainder of what MLB calls its first half (before the All-Star Break) Colorado under Schaeffer won 15 while losing 41—not great, but an improvement (a winning percentage of .268 compared to .175).

In the second half the team has flirted with .500, and when the vaunted Dodgers came to town recently, Colorado actually had a better post-Break record than the big-budget defending world champs at that time.

There’s no question that the Rockies still are a long way from being a postseason contender. More pitching and at least a couple additional power bats top the list of needs.

But it’s also obvious, at least to me, that Schaeffer’s measured intensity and strong leadership have the Rockies playing more competitively and enthusiastically.

They still have their disappointing stretches, such as Pittsburgh’s three-game sweep during which Colorado scored only once in 27 innings.

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But that was preceded by a four-game split with Los Angeles, and in several games recently they rallied when down.

Those comebacks showed a fight that was missing earlier in the season.

Significantly, up and down the lineup hitters seem more focused on making contact— putting the ball in play. That’s one of the keys to all winning teams.

As soon as the trade deadline passed, I wrote a column urging Schaeffer and the Rockies to treat the last third of this lostcause season as a head start on 2026 spring training by giving young players more exposure with an eye toward next season.

With the callups of Warming Bernabel, Kyle Karros, starting pitcher McCade Brown and lefty reliever Luis Peralta; increased playing time for Ryan Ritter, Braxton Fulford and Yanquiel Fernandez; and more starts for Chase Dollander and Tanner Gordon, that’s what they’ve been doing.

If anything, the club should go further by recalling Bradley Blalock for a few more starts, and maybe get top prospects Cole Carrigg and Charlie Condon 30 or 40 plate appearances each against big-league pitching.

While I favor giving Warren Schaeffer a chance to grow with this young team, I think it’s time for a change in the front office.

This is where a seasoned baseball veteran can make a difference—and complement a young manager.

Bill Schmidt joined the Colorado organization in 1999 and became Rockies general manager four-plus years ago.

Twenty-six years seems more than long enough to positively impact a team.

Who should succeed Schmidt?

I wish I knew. All I can say is that , unlike Jeff Bridich and Schmidt, it needs to be someone from outside the Rockies organization, someone who can take a fresh look at all aspects of the club’s baseball operations.

This will be a hard one for paternal Dick Monfort, as well as son Walker Monfort’s first big test in his new role as executive vice president and successor to President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Feasel at the end of this season.

It will be the club’s most consequential hire since Keli McGregor died unexpectedly more than 15 years ago.

If they’re smart, they won’t have to look for the next manager, too. ________________ 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 dennydress man@comcast.net.

September 4, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

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 Grande Station

share vendor tips, support each other participating in business to showcase what through tough times, and collaborate on they do best—to highlight the unique flavors, best practices quickly grew into something dishes, and experiences that make them more. By May 2023, our members began special. That approach brings out the best of exploring ways to boost business and Littleton’s diverse food scene, and it makes create a community-wide event that would exploring old favorites or discovering new spotlight the incredible culinary talent across spots truly exciting.

Littleton. That’s when “Littleton Restaurant Week” came to life.

Restaurant Week is proudly supported by the Littleton Business Chamber, and reflects What makes our event different from others our mission to uplift local businesses, is that we don’t impose a fixed menu price strengthen connections, and bring our or a uniform theme. Instead, we ask each community together.

Participating restaurants include: Harley’s Hot Dog Revolution Honnibrook Craft Meadery iN-TEA Kate’s Wine Bar Los Portales Mexican Restaurant Littleton 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 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.

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • September 4, 2025

SEPTEMBER 11-14

FIND BARGAINS ON BOOKS AND MEDIA AT OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!

KOELBEL LIBRARY 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial

For more details, visit arapahoelibraries.org/used-book-sale

September 4, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Sp i

t is

ith an A w y rt it l sy a u Tw it r

Artisan creations + Holistic offerings REiki + Jewelry + Crystals + Apparel Workshops + presentations Aura Photography and So Much More

LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • September 4, 2025

2018 1st place 1st place - 2018, 2021, 2024 2nd place - 2023

COURTS DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 303- 645-6600 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: JADEN JOSEPH EFRAIN PEREZ, Child, and concerning, EVA PEREZ AND JOHN DOE, Respondents.

Sylvia B. Geiger, Reg. #49589 Assistant County Attorney 14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Sgeiger@arapahoegov.com Case No: 25JV160 Division: 34 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENT JOHN DOE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Nancy Kay Sherrill, aka Nancy K. Sherrill, aka Nancy Sherrill, Deceased Case Number 2025PR30824 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 January 6, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jason W. Sherrill Personal Representative c/o Otis & Bedingfield, LLC 2725 Rocky Mountain Avenue.

Suite 300 Loveland CO 80538 Published in The Villager First Publication: Sept. 4, 2025 Last Publication: Sept. 18, 2025 Legal # 11952 ________________________

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT FATHER, JOHN DOE is set for September 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Division 34 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. 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 in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

JOSHUA TREE EXPERTS Certified Arborists

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://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div34 •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 attendee ID is needed).

Dated August 29, 2025.

Sylvia B. Geiger, Esq. #49589 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Aurora, Co 80012 Published in The Villager Published: September 4, 2025 Legal # 11953 ________________________

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September 4, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

SEE & BE SEEN looking your best!

Sponsored by

What’s Happening is sponsored by THE EYEWEAR COLLECTION. Eye exams, chic & designer custom-fit eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Located in the of GREENWOOD VILLAGE. Insurance accepted.

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Cherry Hills marketplace • www.eyewearcollection.com • (303) 228-5485 CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE 75TH ANNIVERSARY STARTING THIS WEEK 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 AUG .13-SEPT 10 9 a.m.-12 p.m. INTRO TO COLLAGE 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 CANCER LEAGUE “OVER THE EDGE 2025” SEPT. 4-6 - hosted by Kimpton Claret Hotel at Belleview Station. Rappel down the South side of the Hotel raising money for cancer research and patient care.

Participants need to raise a minimum of $1,000 in pledges to participate. Sept. 4, 3-7 p.m.; Sept. 5, 8-5 p.m. Sept. 6 8-1 p.m. Cancer League will host a party Sept.

5 for rappellers, donors and friends at the Hotel from 6-9 p.m. Info: https://www. denverovetheedge.com LITTLETON BUSINESS CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK SEPT. 5-14. Visit the Littleton Business Chamber home page www. littletonbusinesschamber.org or Restaurant-LittletonBusinessChamber.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.

WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH PRESENTS “THE ART OF HOPE.” SAT., SEPT 6, 6 p.m. at the Vehicle Vault a from around the world. Featuring the art & stories of Arturo Garcia and Topher Straus 18301 Lincoln Meadows Parkway, Parker.

Proceeds to fund pancreatic cancer research at the University. of Colo. Cancer Center.

COLORADO AUTHORS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION GALA DINNER SEPT. 6, 5:30 p.m. - ?. Celebrate 13 authors, including Rebecca Yarros, Jim Butcher and Oscar Sladek. Founded by

Dr. Judith Briles, author of 48 books and honored with 56 book awards. Limited tickets: coloradoauthorshalloffame.org or call 303-885-2207.

TAPS - TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS SAT., SEPT. 6. 5 p.m. at Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver. Concert featuring Nashville songwriters. Western attire. Taps Legacy Award presented to Jake Jabs, Pres. & CEO of American Furniture Warehouse.

Tickets: TAPS.org/Denver.Event Chairs Jan & Miles Cortez. Music by Erin Enderlin, Frank Myers, and Wynn Varble. Proceeds to benefit military survivors in Colorado.

A PRECIOUS CHILD SPEAKEASY GALA SEPT. 6, 6-11 p.m., Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver. Black Tie optional or cocktail attire.

Secure your tickets at bit.ly/APCGala2025 303-466-4272. Presented by SERVPRO Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.

CSU AG DAY BBQ SAT., SEPT. 6, CSU campus, Fort Collins.

1 p.m. BBQ at Intramural Field and 5 p.m.

Football Kickoff. Tickets 800-491-7267.

NEXT-GEN BRIDGE- FREE INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR SUN., SEPT. 7, 5-7 p.m. Denver Metro Bridge Studio, 5250 Leetsdale Dr., Suite #135, Denver. Free pizza, snacks & prizes.

RSVP dmbsquickbridge@gmail.com ARAPAHOE COUNTY FREE CLASS “PUTTING YOUR GARDEN TO BED” SEPT. 7, 4-5 p.m. with Master Gardeners Jessie Asimus & Elaine Davis at CheyenneArapahoe Park Community Garden. https:/ bit.ly/CSU-PGB BECOME A VERIFIED FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR MON., SEPT. 8, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square, Denver.

Free event. Presented by nationally recognized firearms law experts. Presented

by Colorado State Shooting Assn. RSVP: 855-379-8994.

HIGHLINE CANAL TRAIL IMPROVEMENT MEETING TUE., SEPT. 9, 5-6 p.m. on Zoom.

Register at bitily/HLC-Meet. Learn about the canal resurfacing project and improvements to the trail between Quebec St. & Parker Rd. Visit the project website a bit.ly/HLC_Q2P 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 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 303-542-7279.

BLUE JEAN BASH SEPT. 18, Seawell Ballroom, DCPA, 1350 Arapahoe St., Denver. RSVP: val@ clothestokidsdenver.org 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, 10 a.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 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., Pre-Reception; 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.

TREAT STREET OCT. 18 & 19 - Call for Venders & Community Partners, Event Center, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds & Park. Arapahoeco.gov 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.

BUSINESS NEWS CHERRY HILLS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE 6325 S University. Blvd., Centennial. Call for Tour 720-592-0252

“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/

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.

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 720-3777682.

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.

303-757-4774.

WHAT’S NEW? 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.

PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION + MORE 5 Star Google Review. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-969-5386.

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. 303-7617477.

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

Driving the 2025 Lexus LX 700h is to “Experience Amazing” The factory reps were really nice to me this past week delivering a Lexus LX 700h with a manufacturer’s retail price of $119,755 with an extra Mark Levinson premium sound audio system at $2660 and $595 for the “Manganese Luster” premium paint. This isn’t a luxury vehicle for everyone, but for someone who wants real luxury in a seven-passenger SUV. The LX700h is assembled in Toyota Aichi, Japan with superior craftsmen. If tariff’s go into effect, this price might go higher, or this model might be assembled in the USA. What is so special includes luxury leather seating with a soft gentle ride over Colorado crumbling highways. The 3.4L/ V6-hybrid engine produces 457

combined horsepower,linked to a ten-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The vehicle has an astonishing 8000 lbs. of towing capacity for that camper or boat.

The Lexis rides high on 22”

forged alloy wheels with active height control and multi-terrain modes. The vehicle also has adaptive F SPORT variable suspension. Who would ever want to take this luxurious vehicle on a mountain train? It looks better

with friends at a country club, unloading golf clubs from the power lift rear trunk.

Safety features galore; adding to rear cross-traffic alerts, there is now front traffic alerts as well. The LX 700h comes with the Lexus 3.0 safety system with heads-up digital display and the premium sound system and a cool box for beverages. All of the latest technology of navigation and communication with the center 12.3” touchtone display screen.

If you do take it camping, there is a 2400 mg. power outlet for lights and camping comforts.

By H. Throttle

There is a power moonroof with roof rails for the skis or tents.

There are multiple drivemodes, including sport that is very powerful and normal, both very fast. I used normal mode most of the time to conserve fuel with this power-train hunger for fuel with 20 mpg average from the larger engine. This is a large SUV that was a treat to test drive with a feeling of comfort and safety. The power and acceleration is exceptional, and those road bumps and the outside noise just disappear.

Lexus says, “Experience Amazing,” and they mean it!

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • September 4, 2025

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