12-29-22 Villager

Denver mayor complaining about getting what he asked for

Denver recently received in influx of migrants, much to the consternation of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. As reported by the Denver Post, “The migrants and asylum seekers were coming either on their own or at the encouragement of nonprofit organizations at the border that have provided recommendations for places they can go without advanced notice.”

Such individuals not too long ago were called “illegal aliens”, for example by President Bill Clinton. Now they are described as “undocumented migrants,” and they are arriving in Denver by the hundreds. It’s so bad in Denver that Hancock issued an emergency declaration since

Free Christmas Tree Recycling Starts Dec. 26

Wrap up the season of giving in an easy, environmentally-friendly way! Take advantage of South Suburban’s free tree recycling service from Dec. 26-Jan. 15.

Residents can drop off their trees at the Willow Spring Service Center in the designated enclosure by the front gate. Trees will be accepted seven days per week, from sunrise to sunset. All decorations need to be removed from the tree, including lights, ornaments, garland, tinsel and stands. If the tree is wrapped in a plastic bag, it must be removed at drop-off. Flocked or artificial trees and yard refuse will not be accepted.

Many trash and waste removal companies do not accept Christmas trees, so residents are encouraged to take advantage of this free program.

What: Christmas Tree Recycling

When: Dec. 26-Jan. 15

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Cost: Free!

these recent arrivals have placed, “Immense strain on city recourses to the level where they’re on the verge of reaching a breaking point at this time.”

With the recent cold weather it has gotten so bad that the Denver Post wrote, “Denver stretched to ‘breaking point’ amid migrant crisis and brutal cold snap, mayor warns.” This is undoubtedly true but is this not what the mayor once asked for?

Denver is a proud sanctuary city, “In 2017, the Denver City Council codified Denver’s status as a

BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH

sanctuary city with an ordinance that prohibits city employees from collecting information on immigration or citizenship status, or prohibits the sharing of any other information about individuals for purposes of immigration enforcement.”

Mayor Hancock didn’t like the “sanctuary city” term but supported the concept, “If being a sanctuary city means that we value taking care of one another, and welcoming refugees and immigrants, then I welcome the title.”

Governor Jared Polis also rolled out the welcome

mat. Last year, “In a letter to the President Joe Biden, Gov. Jared Polis says Colorado is ready to help refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan resettle.”

If Colorado welcomes Afghanis, then why not migrants from Central America and elsewhere?

Former Mayor, now Senator John Hickenlooper concurs, “Denver will welcome these migrants with open arms and help any way they can. We will be empathetic to people put in a difficult situation.” Given that he spends much of his time in Washington, DC, a thousand migrants in Denver are not his problem.

Denver can barely accommodate its homeless population, another issue,

and now they have a thousand more people to feed and shelter. Homeless are now euphemistically referred to as “urban campers” by the Denver Post, much as illegal aliens are now undocumented migrants. Perhaps Democrat voters in Boulder or Congress Park can open their homes to migrants and urban campers in the spirit of “open arms” as Hickenlooper suggests.

How ironic that Denver is getting exactly what it wanted and voted for but is now complaining and wanting American taxpayers to pay the bill for their cost-free virtue signaling. Be careful what you ask for as you might get it.

Erma Bombeck remembered The New Year; A good time to remember Erma’s philosophy

She wasn’t a politician, never held public office, but offered advice from her heart that seemed to heal our souls and tickle our funny bones. I heard Erma speak many years ago before her untimely death. She addressed a newspaper audience at our annual convention at the stately Brown Palace hotel. She confessed her addiction to smoking that likely ended her life before her time. I’ve featured this column in past years but it is so timely every time that I read her masterpiece. A special salute to all of the cooks of the holiday season, to the fathers, mothers, grandmothers and grand-

Peter Spence 1937-2022

Peter K. Spence passed peacefully on Thursday, December 15, 2022 in Centennial CO. Dr. Spence practiced general dentistry for over 50 years in Englewood, Colorado before retiring in 2008. He was born in Arkansas City, Kansas to Raymond Guy and Ernestine (Tina) Spence who preceded him in death. Pete attended Denver South High School where he was a talented quarterback and a three-sport athlete. While at South he met Nancy Griebel, and they married in 1958.

Pete received a BS degree from Colorado A & M; M (now Colorado State University) where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He played club football for the SAE’s and studied physical sciences. After three years in Ft. Collins, he and Nancy married and moved to Kansas City where in 1962 he earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry.

Pete particularly enjoyed a great relationship with his dental school seat mate Dr. Pete Steinhauer from Boulder. Spences and Steinhauers were Kansas City neighbors and best friends. They spent holidays together when at

fathers, daughters and sons, who worked so hard on meals and presents to make families happy.

As we end 2022 and begin the challenges of a NewYear we all can take a lesson from Erma looking back over her life as she prepared to end hers.

If I had my life to live over

By Erma Bombeck

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the good living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a

fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculptured like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into

a holding patter if I wasn’t there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed impetuously, I would never have said,” later, now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love You’s” and more “I’m sorry’s’ but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute---look at it and really see it---live it. And never give it back!

school in Kansas City and Stein always kept them laughing. Upon graduation Dr. Spence joined the U.S. Army Dental Corps and served from 1962 – 1965 in Stuttgart, Germany. Pete and Nancy enjoyed extensive European travel in their VW bug. They returned to Colorado with their first three children – Kathy and Greg being born in Germany and Chris born at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. Meg was born a few years later at Swedish Hospital in Englewood.

In 1973 they moved from their Englewood home to a property “way out east” where they built their house on 2 ½ acres. Pete planted every shrub and tree now grown to the size of a small forest. This is where they would raise their family. For 50 years, they loved their place in Centennial. Some of Pete’s ashes will be spread on the “back 40” of their property. Pete was known around town as the driver of the lime green ‘72 Porsche with “Dr PK” license plates.

Pete and Nancy were the founders of the Spartan Youth League which they formed after discovering that youth way out east had no opportunity for a neighborhood sports league. They selected purple and gold as the Spartan colors because they got donations from the Minnesota Vikings. The Spartans to this day compete in

multiple sports in the Arapahoe Youth League.

Dr. Spence was active in numerous professional groups including the American Dental Association, the American College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Metropolitan Denver Dental Society – serving as President in l988-89 and Colorado Dental Association where he served as its president in 1992-93.

Pete loved politics and took great joy in participating in Republican Party activities – serving as a precinct leader and working hard on Nancy’s legislative campaigns. Nancy served as a member of the Cherry Creek School Board for 12 years and as a State Representative and State Senator for 14 years in southeast Arapahoe County. He was credited with putting up more yard signs than anyone in the county. He attended Republican State and National conventions with Nancy and always stayed until the last speech was delivered. He always wondered where he went wrong that caused all four kids register as Democrats.

Spence was a member of the Valley Country Club, Denver Gyro Club, the Denver Athletic Club and the Republican Party. He enjoyed golf, tennis, gardening and socializing. He supported Colorado Uplift and Kids in Need of Dentistry. He was a 50-year season Bronco ticket owner and loved

the Colorado Rockies.

Pete was a kind and generous father – never denying his children or grandchildren anything from a car to an education. His father and grandfather set an example of “paying it forward” and he did the same.

Pete would say he had a great life – although the last few years his arthritic knees kept him from enjoying golf and tennis. Watching sports and politics on television and walking to the mailbox kept him content. Never a word of complaint or regret as long as his scotch and soda was ready at 5 pm.

Pete, PK, Dad, Poppy was dearly loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Senator Nancy Spence, their four children, Christopher (Maggie Hinojosa) Lakewood, Kathryn (Deepak Choudhury) Moraga CA, Greg (Lisa Onodera) Los Angeles, and Meg (Anthony Sclafani) Lone Tree, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Pete is preceded in death by his older brother John (Donna), Port Angeles, WA and survived by his younger brother, Kimball Guy (Lori), Bellaire Bluffs, Florida. He will be interred at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery following private services.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to: the Colorado Dental Association and The Nature Conservancy.

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The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

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

Member

2020

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

– Alexander the Great

+ 52,000 square-foot facility

+ 7 indoor air-conditioned clay courts

+ 4 outdoor hard courts

+ 4 outdoor Pickleball courts

+ Adult and Junior programs

+ Leagues and tournaments

+ No permanent court times

+ No court fees + USPTA certified staff

The Guild of Children’s Diabetes Foundation celebrates the holiday season at McNeil residence

The Guild of Children’s Diabetes Foundation (The Guild) appropriately held its holiday festivities at the home of Judy McNeil in Cherry Hills Village. Judy McNeil is a former president of The Guild, former chair of Spring Brass Ring and has shared her creativity and support for Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) in countless ways for nearly three decades. She was honored as a “7 Everyday Hero” this year in major part because of her gathering and assembling of unique auction baskets at CDF fundraisers. A delectable spread of brunch treats was complemented by contributions from board members and displayed on the holiday-decorated island, a focal point and popular gathering place for guests.

Former President of The Guild Lisa Corley, former President of The Guild and host Judy McNeil, current President Lori Finch and President-elect Katie Grassby

Ladies for Liberty hosts Holiday Cocktail Party at Club 22

Ladies for Liberty pulled out all the stops for its holiday party for couples and welcomed special guest Jennifer Sey. Sey, who left her executive roles at Levi Strauss, spoke briefly and signed her book Levi’s Unbuttoned. In addition to cocktails, the party fare was generous, delectable hors d’oeuvres and dessert bites. The animated holiday spirit of the members and guests was contagious. Favors were giftboxed gold Liberty bells, of course!

RIGHT: Jennifer Sey with Ladies for Liberty Founder and President Boo Dixon and Ladies for Liberty member Natalie Piquette

FAR, RIGHT: Jennifer Sey visits with Ann Altbrandt who was the first female sales associate hired by Levi Strauss back in the day in San Francisco

Bal de Ballet honorees celebrate the holidays at majestic Brown Palace brunch

Maura Johnson, who is chairing the 2023 Le Bal de Ballet, shared a glimpse of the elegant brunch staged at Denver’s venerable Brown Palace Hotel. Le Bal Debutantes, Young Men of Distinction and their parents were also treated to a performance by the CU Buffoons - men’s a cappella group from the University of Colorado.

Set design and name for the 2023 Le Bal de Ballet

Photo by Scottie Taylor Iverson

FLEURISH

Photos by Scottie Taylor Iverson

ABOVE: Moms and Debs – Amy and Lauren Frankmore, Felicia and Megan Ho, Caroline and JJ Gibson

RIGHT: Young Men of Distinction – Joe Miller, Luke Nelligan, Peter Kitt, Aiden Shipman, Gavin Crowley, Reed Schneider, Trey Stott, Willis Browning Photos courtesy of Le Bal de Ballet

Democratic Party State Chair will step down after six years

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENT REPORTER

On December 7, Colorado Democratic Party chair Morgan Carroll, 51, announced she did not plan to run for re-election to her position after serving for six years. She will step down in April 2023.

Prior to assuming the role of state party chief, Carroll, who is a C.U.-trained lawyer, served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2005 to 2009 and in the Colorado State Senate from 2009 to 2017. She was Senate President from 2013 to 2015. Carroll also ran for the U.S. Congress from CD6 in 2016, when she was defeated by then-incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman.

In announcing her decision to

county party chairs, Carroll wrote that she was “proud of what we accomplished together,” and, “Those wins mean we have better leaders, pursuing better policies.”

In contrast to her GOP counterpart, Carroll leaves her position as party chief with the Democrats in firm control of virtually every lever of state government, including the offices of governor, attorney general, secretary of state,

and treasurer, along with both chambers of the general assembly. Statewide offices will not be up for election again until 2026, when all four current officeholders will be term-limited, leaving their seats open for all comers. It is statistically unlikely that the Democrats will face a serious challenge for control of the legislature until 2026, either.

Shad Murib, a Democratic strategist and Eagle County resident who is married to state Sen. Kerry Donovan (D), has formally announced his intention to run to replace Carroll, writing, “I’m running because our opportunity to lead the state comes with a sacred responsibility to do everything we can for Colorado to continue to be a shining beacon of freedom, opportunity, and progress in the West. Too many Coloradans

struggle to afford the high cost of living across the state. Climate change is harming low-income communities in particular, and making drought worse, especially in rural areas. The Republican Party is waging war on women’s reproductive health and abortion rights. Working Coloradans need our support more than ever. The Democratic Party is the party of solutions to these enormous challenges, but when the rubber meets the road, local far right officials still obstruct our progress. The next frontier of Democratic politics is local… My commitment to the party is to build a world-class organization that… protects our incumbents and works with local parties to defeat far right candidates across the state who threaten our liberty and progress.”

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Republican State Party Chair will step down after two years

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENT REPORTER

On December 19, Kristi Burton Brown, 35, Colorado Republican Party state chair, announced that, “after spending some time reflecting in prayer and talking with my family over Thanksgiving,” she would “not be seeking an additional term as Chair of the Colorado Republican Party,” after serving for two years, beginning in March 2021.

In numerous reports about Burton Brown’s decision to step down, no one has publicly criticized the job she did. The general belief seems to be that the GOP had good and some great candidates, but could not overcome its overall standing with the state’s unaffiliated voters.

Burton Brown was the first woman to win election to that job in nearly five decades. She beat out four men for the position two years ago--Scott Gessler, former Colorado Secretary of State and Jonathan Lockwood, a communications consultant, along with Casper Stockham and Rich Mancuso, both former GOP congressional candidates. Stockham, who finished third in 2021 behind Burton Brown and Gessler, announced his intention to run for the position again, on December 7, before Burton Brown’s plans were known.

In an interview after his announcement, Stockham said, “The party has lost its purpose. The purpose of the parties should be to help more people. If we help more people, we will get more people into us, we will get more people wanting to be a part of the party, so our numbers will grow.”

Also mentioned as possible replacements for Burton Brown have been Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, an unlikely choice since she is presently under indictment in Mesa County, Colorado Springs State Rep. Dave Williams, who is considered far right, and Greg Lopez, unsuccessful candidate for the GOP nomination for Colorado governor in 2022 who stated publicly that, if elected governor, he would pardon Clerk Peters for the crimes for which

she has been indicted.

When Burton Brown became state GOP chair, the party claimed 28% of the state’s registered voters, compared to 30% for the Democrats, and 40% unaffiliated.

As of December 1st, the GOP has 25% of registered voters, the Democrats have 28%, and the share of unaffiliated voters has increased to 46% of the total.

In her statement announcing

her retirement from the position, Burton Brown pointed to the “Commitment to Colorado” that the party adopted, leading up to the November 2022 election, in the hope that it would “show Coloradans and those who haven’t typically voted Republican that our candidates want to work for them and make their lives better.” That plan focused on three points:

1) make Colorado affordable; 2) prioritize public safety; and 3) expand educational choice.

When the votes were all counted, Coloradans rejected the GOP’s candidates for U.S. Senate, both congressional seats where there wasn’t an incumbent (all incumbents from both parties were re-elected), all four major statewide offices, and the majority of general assembly races, only a few of which were even close. There has been wide speculation on the reasons for that result, but state party chairs make their bones on results, not reasons.

Burton Brown leaves her position with the prediction that, “Democrats policies (will) continue to undermine our basic freedoms and liberties and are making this state less affordable, less safe, and a harder place to live and raise a family. Coloradans will eventually recognize that fact and look to Republican leaders and candidates as the antidote to this failed, far-left ideology.”

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Shad Murib

Casper Stockham

Dave Williams

Tina Peters

Morgan Carroll has led the Colorado Democrats for six years.

Kristi Burton Brown is ending her tenure as GOP State Chair after one year.

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

As 2022 began, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter announced he would be retiring after serving 16 years in the United States Congress representing Colorado’s seventh congressional district. Ten months later, Jefferson County State Sen. Brittany Petterson prevailed over GOP challenger Erik Aadland, 56% to 41%, to keep the seat in Democratic hands, despite redistricting.

The issue of reproductive rights for Colorado women was expected to be a huge issue and it did not disappoint. The Reproductive Health Equity Act that, “Declares that every individual has a fundamental right to use or refuse contraception; every pregnant individual has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent or derivative rights under the laws of the state,” passed on March 23 and was signed into law by Governor Polis on April 4, following a debate in the state House that began at 10:53 a.m. on Friday, March 11 and ended at 10:18 a.m. on Saturday, March 12. It was the longest debate in the history of the Colorado House. Cherry Hills Village state Rep. Meg Froelich was a prime sponsor.

Outgoing GOP State Chair

Kristi Burton Brown was a major opponent, referring to the Colorado GOP as the “pro-life party” and saying that the law “protects infanticide.”

It was early in the year when respected local economist Henry Sobanet, speaking at the South Metro Denver Chamber 2022 Evconomic Forecast event, pointed to the “massive fiscal and monetary stimulus” that came from the federal government during COVID as a threat to price stability during the state’s organic economic recovery. That proved to be a well-founded concern, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics pegging metro Denver’s inflation rate at 7.7% between September 2021 and September 2022.

Also in January, Greenwood Village resident and construction company owner Joe O’Dea announced he planned to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Michael Bennet in November. After besting six other candidates, he won the GOP nomination, but couldn’t over-

come the state’s strong blue eaning that showed up in the results of the November election. Of the other candidates for the GOP nomination, the one who caught on with many women members of the party, was radio personality Deborah Flora.

During the month, 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner announced he would be challenging incumbent Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, focusing on the increase in crime in our state. Considered by many to be

among the strongest candidates fielded by the GOP in 2022, Kellner was not able to unseat AG Weiser, but he is still the DA in the 18th Judicial District.

All Colorado’s incumbent Members of Congress who ran for re-election in 2022 were successful, although U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R) beat challenger Adam Frisch (D), a former Aspen City Council Member, by a mere 546 votes out of 327,132 cast in Congressional District Three. It appears that Frisch might be hanging around for another try

nationwide recruitment search, Cherry Hills Village hired new Police Chief Jason Lyons away from his position as Commander of Special Operations in Castle Rock. Lyons replaced popular CHV Police Chief Michelle Tovrea, who served in the position for nine years before retiring.

In June, the Greenwood Village City Council passed a new law to cease issuing new permits to allow retail gun sellers to operate from city residences on a 5-3 vote, with city council members Dave Kerber, Dave Bullock and Paul Wiesner voting against the change.

In July, a GV fifth-grader issued a “call to action” to her city council for composting for city residents, explaining how it could be done economically and for significant benefit to the environment. GV City Council Member Dave Bullock directed city staff to look into the issue and schedule a study session on the subject.

The fifth-grader, Julia Lace, was named a Village Hero in the city’s July newsletter.

Safavi, who didn’t run for re-election. One of the termlimited city council members, Katy Brown, was elected to be CHV’s new mayor, overcoming incumbent Mayor Russell Stewart in his bid for re-election. New CHV city council members are Earl Hoellen, who formerly served from 2015 to 2019, Robert Eber,

and Susan McGuire.

During that election, the voters of Littleton approved a new 5% lodger’s tax to support arts and culture, along with tourism. Voters in Centennial said no to a lodger’s tax of 3.5%, which was intended to support visitor impacts on public safety, along with other municipal purposes.

As the year ends, our state has still not gotten a final answer on whether it will be able to keep U.S. Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, where it has been since August 2019. It was expected to remain there until an unorthodox process was used following the 2020 presidential election that re-

sulted in a decision to move Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama. Since then, the U.S. Department of Defense has been reviewing the process that resulted in the selection of Huntsville over Colorado Springs that seems to indicate there may have been a political component. A final decision is expected this spring.

On December 3, Cherry Creek High School closed out its football season by winning the state championship for the fourth straight year and no one is counting them out for 2023. Head Coach Dave Logan was named the 2022 All-Colorado Coach of the Year two weeks later. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

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in 2024.

In Colorado’s new Congressional District Eight, Yadira Caraveo (D) bested state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R) by a mere 1,632 votes out of 227,122 total cast for the two candidates.

In June, Colorado Governor Jared Polis was elected chair of the 19-state Western Governors Association. A few weeks later, Polis announced that he would focus on geothermal energy as his 2023 initiative as chair.

In May, after conducting a

In October, as we did in 2021 for the Greenwood Village city council elections, The Villager Newspaper, along with the League of Women Voters, organized and sponsored a forum for Cherry Hills Village city council and mayoral candidates that was broadcast live and recorded on video so all voters could see and hear it.

As October ended, our state lost Hugh McKean, GOP leader of the Colorado House, to sudden death from a heart attack. McKean, very wellliked and respected on both sides of the aisle, was only 55 years old.

In the November election, Cherry Hills Village elected three new city council members to replace two who were term-limited and one, Afshin

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U.S. Rep-elect Brittany Petterson

Adam Frisch (D) challenged for CD3 U.S. Rep. in 2022

5th grader Julia Lace issued a “call to action” to the GV Council.

U.S. Rep-elect Yadira Caraveo

Katy Brown is the new mayor of Cherry Hills Village

GOP leader Hugh McKean succumbed to a heart attack in October.

HD3 State Rep. Meg Froelich

Cherry Hills Village Police Chief Jason Lyons

Dave Logan is the winningest coach in Colorado high school football championship history.

Joe O’Dea (R) ran for the U.S. Senate Deborah Flora ran for the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet Henry Sobanet is a highly regarded economist.

18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner

CD3 U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert

Willa B. Honeycutt celebrates her 100th birthday

SUBMITTED BY WILLA’S DAUGHTER NANCY L. BAKALAR M.D.

PORTICO PENTHOUSE

HIGHLANDS RANCH

A native of southern Colorado, Willa B. Honeycutt, born Willabelle Sophia Crease, celebrated her 100th birthday on December 30th. She was born on her maternal grandparent’s ranch just outside of Trinidad. Her grandfather had died just before she was born which left her grandmother with the responsibility and challenges of running the ranch. Willa was born prematurely at about seven months and weighed only two pounds. Because her mother, Bertha Van Pelt, was sickly and unable to care for her, Willa’s grandmother did so, carrying the tiny baby on a pillow with a hot water bottle to keep her warm during the cold winter and feeding her pasteurized goat’s milk. There were no NICU’s nor incubators in those days in rural America. Willa’s grandmother told her that her wrists were so tiny, that the grandmother’s wedding band fit on her wrist. All this attests to Willa’s strong desire to live and thrive.

FOXRIDGE WEST

Willa has many happy memories on the ranch. As a little girl, her grandmother gave her biscuits and jam with weak coffee milk which she remembers fondly consuming while she sat in the sun on a big, flat stone outside the ranch house. As a toddler, her grandmother told her she could eat strawberries from the patch, but “only the red ones.” As an older girl, she loved curling up behind the coal burning stove to read or nap. Her grandmother, Minnie Boehner, played the piano with great enthusiasm and all the extended family who lived on the ranch enjoyed singing around the piano at night by kerosene lamps.

HUNTINGTON ACRES

The stock market crashed in 1929 when Willa was seven, and so her formative years were challenging economically. Despite living on the ranch, some foods were scant. Willa came to love pinto beans, homemade tortillas, and made them throughout her life. An orange at Christmas time was a treat. Willa, like many children during the 1930’s, had to wear “hand-me-down” clothes which was upsetting to her. At one point a cousin’s family had a house fire and Willa’s grandmother insisted that she give her favorite red winter coat to her cousin.

Willa was a good student in high school, especially in the arts. She took music appreciation which left her with a lifelong love of all sorts of music, classical, Broadway shows, contemporary 1940s and gospel. Once married and established, she was able to buy her first HiFi (high fidelity) record player in 1956 or so. Her first two long play albums were Liberace playing Chopin and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. In the months and years that followed, she accumulated several hundred albums of music which filled the house with joy and beauty. Willa also loved literature, poetry, American and world history, humor and religion. She read widely.

During the late 60’s and early 70’s, she took painting lessons for five or six years at the Emily Griffith Opportunity School and loved her teacher there, Mrs. Niblo.

Willa met her husband, William

Robert (Bob) Honeycutt, in high school; he was a year junior to her and a football player who like to “play hooky.” So, Willa’s talent for reading and writing helped Bob pass his classes. They dated for several years in high school and then married in 1942, a day before Bob left for basic training as a Marine. Willa was able to travel with her husband during his specialty training as an airplane mechanic; they had brief stints in Norman, OK and Chicago, but during the war, she lived with her grandmother. Her mother had died unexpectedly when she was 17 and her father had left the family when she was two. She never saw her father again, but her family researched Lawrence Crease and found that he had moved to Utah, remarried and had two more daughters, Joan and Helen Crease and a son, Paul Lawrence Crease, siblings my mother never met, but who would have brought her companionship.

The post war years were challenging. Willa’s husband returned from WWII uninjured physically but with probable effects from exposure to the Pacific Theater and battles. Her husband trained in sheet metal work in Trinidad after the war, they had two daughters in 1947 and 1949, and eventually moved to Pueblo in 1952 and eventually to Denver in 1954. Bob stayed in the sheet metal working trade for forty or more years and advanced to journeyman and eventually management.

During the Denver years when their children were growing up, Willa proved to be an excellent housekeeper and all-around supportive mother and wife. She cleaned, washed, ironed, grocery shopped and cooked on a regular, reliable schedule—three lunches packed daily for her family, every day! Homemade cinnamon rolls and a sheet cake every Friday for the weekend! Like many women of her generation, she decorated Christmas trees, prepared Easter baskets, baked birthday cakes and wrapped mountains of presents.

Willa was and is deeply religious, the origins of which began at her grandmother’s knees. In the morning hours, while getting the kids off to school, the kitchen radio, shoe-boxy in style, art deco in design and chartreuse in color, played religious programing, like Sweet Hour of Prayer, and others. Her religion gave her strength during the challenges in her life. She felt “God had her back!”

When she wasn’t doing usual chores, reading or listening to music, she washed the car, dug weeds, swept the carport or paid the bills. She was especially

talented at growing rose bushes, seven sisters, tropicana’s, or large yellow ones with pale pink edges. She also grew sweet peas, a flower she came to love because her grandmother did. During the summer, frequently, after the house was cleaned, a plump rose, stem cut short, would be placed in a bowl in the living room or a bouquet of sweet peas would sit on the desk and fragrantly fill the room. After growing up in the dreary depression, getting through the challenging war years, Willa enjoyed dressing up and wearing bright colors, her style still evident today. But she was also frugal. She could really stretch a dollar for the household; she fed a family of four on $30 per week in the 60’s.

Willa was a volunteer and a good friend as well. She last attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on south Federal, no longer there. During the 1960’s she taught Summer Bible School, attended ladies’ “circles,” ladies who not only met monthly for lunches and prayer, but cleaned the church and prepared for Sunday services and Communion. For many years Willa worked in the Church office to prepare the service bulletins. She had a friend who had significant mental health needs, and Willa became a faithful companion and drove her to her appointments. She befriended her neighbors and enjoyed her friends.

Willa enjoyed sons-in-law and grandchildren, especially their visits to her home at the holidays or to theirs. She enjoyed seeing various parts of the United States as her daughters moved from hither to yon, Washington DC, Maryland, northern California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas and one Caribbean Cruise! She was proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, all of whom attended college and three of whom achieved doctorate level degrees.

Especially in younger years, Willa was clever, had a sense of humor and didn’t mind saying what she thought, especially when she disagreed with someone. She could be a force to be reckoned with. It was better not to get on her bad side. Even these days she can be funny. When a dog was visiting her room not too long ago, and her daughter was paying too much attention to it, she deadpanned, “I’m not a dog person!”

While life was not easy for Willa, from the very beginning when born a “preemie” a century ago, her innate will to live and thrive, to enjoy life, to trust in God and Christ, to be able to laugh, to be feisty, sometimes down-right harsh, and also to be able to “let it go” when she couldn’t change something, contributed to a life long-lived and well-lived, enjoyable to her in many ways, and, considering all the odds she overcame, one to be appreciated and even admired.

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HIGHLANDS RANCH GOLF CLUB: PATIO HOME. RARE MAIN FLOOR MASTER SUITE. PERFECTION. OVER $150,000 REMODEL. $800,000

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Colorado Governor’s Mansion

BY LISA J. SHULTZ

The Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion is located on 400 E. 8th Ave. This historic landmark opened to tours this December was a treat to see after a few years of being closed during the pandemic. The theme for 2022 is “a shiny and bright holiday.” Governor Jared Polis wanted the decorations to have a feel of optimism for Colorado’s future.

Completed in 1908, the building is also known as the Cheesman-Boettcher Mansion. Walter Cheesman com-

missioned the house in Capitol Hill to be constructed but died before it was finished.

After Mrs. Cheesman died in 1923, Claude Boettcher purchased it. The mansion was left to the Boettcher Foundation after his death. It has been available for residential use by governors since 1960.

Lisa J. Shultz is a Denver native. She loves to inspire exploration of the city’s treasures in her book Essential Denver. She features The Governor’s Mansion on page 75 of the 2023 Second Edition. Find out more about her and her book on her website LisaJShultz.com or call her at 303-881-9338.

Photos by Lisa J. Shultz

How to reduce your medical bills

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips do you recommend to Medicare beneficiaries dealing with hefty medical bills? My husband recently had open heart surgery and is recovering slowly, but the medical bills are coming in fast and furious and they’re putting us in medical debt.

Struggling in Springfield

Dear Struggling,

I’m sorry to hear about your billing struggles, but medical debt has unfortunately become a chronic problem in this country. According to U.S. Census data 19 percent of Americans households carry medical debt, including 10 percent of households headed by someone 65 or older. Even seniors on Medicare can easily get snagged in a web of complicated billing and coverage problems.

To help you slash your

medical bills, here are some tips recommended by health care experts that you should try.

Double check your bills: Almost half of all medical bills contain at least one error, including duplicate charges or charges for services you never received. If you’re facing a high bill and are on the hook for some portion of it, request itemized invoices from the hospital and other providers that detail everything you were charged for and go through them line by line. If you find something you don’t understand or find fishy contact the provider for an explanation or a correction.

Wait for your EOB: Doctors’ offices and hospitals may mail initial bills to you before they even submit them to your health insurer. So, hold off on any payment until you receive an explanation

of benefits (EOB) from your provider – Medicare, supplemental Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or private insurer. This will show what you owe after your insurance has paid its portion.

If your EOB shows that your insurer is refusing to pay for services that you think should be covered, call them to see whether it’s a correctable mistake, such as a coding error for a certain test or treatment. If it’s truly a denial of coverage, you may need to file an appeal. For details on how to file a Medicare appeal, see Medicare.gov/ claims-appeals/how-do-i-filean-appeal.

Ask for a discount: Call the hospital’s accounting office or the billing staff at your doctor’s practice and ask

if they can reduce your bill. You’d be surprised how often this works. Or if you have the funds to pay the entire bill, ask the hospital or provider for a “prompt pay” discount which may save you 15 percent or more.

If it’s best for you to pay your bills over time, ask the billing office to set up a no-interest payment plan for you. It’s in the provider’s interest to work with you to obtain payment.

You can also call the hospital where your husband had his surgery and ask a billing specialist if the facility offers financial assistance. According to the American Hospital Association, about half of U.S. hospitals are nonprofit. This means they are required to offer free or discounted services in some instances. This

is usually reserved for low to moderate income patients who have limited or no health insurance, but requirements vary from hospital to hospital.

Get help: If you’ve gotten nowhere on your own, contact the Patient Advocate Foundation (patientadvocate.org, 800-532-5274) who can help you understand and negotiate your medical bills, free of charge. Or consider hiring a medical billing professional to negotiate for you but be aware that these services can cost upward of $100 an hour. You can find potential candidates through the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (advoconnection.com). Be sure to choose someone who is credentialed by the Patient Advocate Certification Board. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

SAVVY SENIOR BY JIM MILLER

16 Pitches is Book 3, but of a trilogy, or in a series?

When I authored Game 163 a few years ago, it wasn’t intended to be the first step in writing a trilogy or a series about the Colorado Rockies’ classic extra-inning games in their first 15 years.

I saw a replay of their 2007 Wild Card tiebreaker game against San Diego on television in the early days of the pandemic, when Major League Baseball was on hiatus. I thought it might make a book along the lines of Kevin Cook’s entertaining Ten Innings at Wrigley, which I had recently read. It was a gift from our daughter.

But after I had such a good time researching and writing Game 163, I thought another game I had attended, the marathon Coors Field official opener in 1995, might be just as much fun. So, I did Walk-Off! (which turned out to be even more fun).

I asked Scott Johnson, who designs my books, to give WalkOff! a cover design similar to Game 163, as if they were part of a series—in case I ever did another Rockies book like them.

Scott not only liked the idea; he asked me what I was going to write next. I told him I didn’t have another idea and didn’t know if I ever would. He said he had my next subject, then suggested I write about what I’ll call here, The Mayne Game.

I said I’d look into it. My concern was that there might not be enough related material and backstory to sustain a fullfledged book.

In both Game 163 and WalkOff! the games were the focal point, but the books examined larger stories—the 2007 Rockies’ improbable blitz to their

first World Series, and the birth and first three years of the expansion Rockies, culminating in winning the first National League Wild Card in ’95, respectively.

16 Pitches, which will usher in the New Year, is the result of my discernment. It’s shorter than either of those predecessors, but the story it tells is every bit as rich.

One of the extra dimensions relates the unfortunate fate of young Ben Petrick, whose “can’t miss” career was short-circuited by a rare illness that affects one in eight thousand young people.

Another is Jack Dempsey (not boxing’s Manassas Mauler, a Colorado legend) shooting the photograph that graces the cover—the only image of Brent Mayne pitching ever made.

What made these books such fun for me was tracking down those who played key roles in each game, and telling their stories, often for the first time.

My subjects are not always the stars of the team, but rather members of the supporting cast: the Jim Tatums, Adam Melhuses and Jamey Carrolls of the world.

It took four months to track down Tatum, a bench player chosen in the National League expansion draft after the 1992 season. I finally reached him through a teacher at his high school—who wasn’t there when he graduated 30 years earlier but was active on social media and willing to help track him down.

Tatum’s account of being in Venezuela at the time of the draft, and the story of his meeting with legendary Harry Caray in Chicago during the Rockies’

inaugural season are two of the best anecdotes in Walk-Off!— built around Dante Bichette’s game-winning three-run homer in the 14th inning.

With 16 Pitches, it’s not so much the search for Melhuse, a journeyman reserve, as the story he told of a Minor Leaguer named Garrett Nago, who took time out of his own pursuit of a Big-League career to help a kid who was not yet in high school.

Melhuse’s first Major League hit made Mayne, an accomplished Major League catcher, the winning pitcher—the first position player to be the winning pitcher in a Major League game since Rocky Colavito for the Yankees in 1968. And the first in the National League since 1956.

Carroll played 12 seasons in the Majors for six teams but averaged only 352 plate appearances per season; he was a utility guy more than a starter. But he’ll forever be the batter whose liner to right field scored Matt Holliday with the winning run in the 2007 Wild Card tiebreaker game—Game 163, as that book is titled.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ public relations director helped me connect with Carroll, living in retirement in Florida. Carroll’s account of facing Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman with the game in the balance is fascinating.

The pages of all three books are filled with great stories, from and about, numerous other names any Rockies fan will recognize. And there are more tales of connecting with interview subjects than I have space to tell.

Among the names: Bob Gebhard, who built the original Rockies as the team’s first General Manager, and Dan O’Dowd, his successor; former managers Clint Hurdle and Buddy Bell, and Hurdle’s third base coach, Mike Gallego; umpires Tim McClelland and Ed Montague; Dante Bichette, Larry Walker, Bill Swift, Todd Helton, Josh Fogg and many others.

And, of course, Brent Mayne, the star of 16 Pitches, who had never pitched before and never did again. As he tells it, so humorously, pitching is a lot different than catching.

Trilogies usually are written in sequential order. But in this case, Book Three (Game 163) came first; Book One (WalkOff!) was second; and Book Two (16 Pitches) is third.

So, is this a trilogy, or a series? I’ll let you decide.

I’ve now written in-depth about the three most exciting games/periods in the Rockies’ early years. And each was a great adventure for me.

I hope they’re as enjoyable to read.

Denny Dressman is a veteran of 43 years in the newspaper business, including 25 at the Rocky Mountain News, where he began as executive sports editor. He is the author of 15 books, nine of them sports-related. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net

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Fee for using plastic bags goes into effect statewide on January 1

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

The time has come for everyone to start carrying around reusable shopping bags. It will save you money and help the environment.

It was July 6, 2021 when Governor Polis signed HB 211162 Management of Plastic Products. This law, effective January 1, 2023, requires any store owner in Colorado who provides “a recycled paper carryout bag or a single use plastic carryout bag to a customer at the point of sale,” to charge said customer “a fee of 10 cents per bag or a higher fee adopted by the municipality or county in which the store is located.”

Many cities in our state have already started requiring stores to charge 10 cents per plastic bag. Denver put it into effect on July 1, 2021.

Next year, there will be another change to the policy created by this state law. Beginning January 1, 2024, the only stores in Colorado that will be allowed to even provide a single-use plastic bag, for at least 10 cents, to their customers, are, “restaurants and

Two calendars, half the efficiency

small stores that operate solely in Colorado and have three or

People often ask me how I manage to stay so organized. Actually no one’s ever asked me that and I’m not sure why. Obviously, I’m on top of things, in control. And I owe it all to my two personal assistants. Thanks to them, my life is a perfect testament to efficiency and organization with just a touch of delusion.

Meet assistant number one, my smartphone. It can do everything except write my column and with a few more updates it might be able to do that too.

maybe February, depending on what my New Year’s resolutions were and how long I kept them.

By March, the pages are crinkled and covered in stains, scribbles and even an occasional shoe print because I leave it on the floor beside my chair. But that’s only because I depend on it so much.

I write down things just to cross them off. Ate lunch! Done! Putting a task in my smartphone just to delete it isn’t nearly as satisfying.

Colorado means to get rid of these bags.

fewer locations.”

After January 1, 2024, all stores in Colorado who do not fall within that exception will only be permitted to furnish a recycled paper carryout bag to customers at the point-of-sale for a fee of at least 10 cents.

Single-use plastic bags will be prohibited. Also, cities and counties will retain the ability to increase the fee for recycled paper carryout bags above 10 cents.

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

or to District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado or on or before May 1, 2023 (date)*, or the claims may be forever barred. Patricia K. Johnson 27680 E. Lakeview Drive Aurora, CO 80016 Published in The Villager

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2023 BUDGET AND NOTICE CONCERNING BUDGET 2022 AMENDMENT HILLCREST WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that proposed budget for the ensuing year of 2023 has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Hillcrest Water and Sanitation District that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a public hearing during a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the District to be held via zoom/audio at 7:30 a.m., on December 29, 2022.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that amendment to the 2022 budgets of the District, if necessary, may also be considered at a public hearing held during the above-referenced regular meeting of the Board of Directors. www. us06web.zoom.us/j/87331013388?pwd=OFNKR0p0VitXdWF3a3FIc 0d6VnBSdz09

Meeting ID: 873 3101 3388

Passcode: 081385

Telephone: 1-719-359-4580

A Copy of proposed 2023 budget and, if necessary, the proposed amendments of the 2022 budget are on file in the office of the District located at Community Resource Services of Colorado, LLC, 7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E, Greenwood Village, Colorado and are available for public inspection.

Any interested elector of the District may file or register any objections to the proposed 2023 budget and the proposed amendments of the 2022 budget at any time prior to the final adoption of said budget and proposed budget amendment by the governing body of the District.

Dated: December 19, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE HILLCREST WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT /s/COMMUNITY RESOURCE SERVICES OFCOLORADO, L.L.C.

Published in The Villager

Published: December 29, 2022

Legal # 10965

Assistant number two is my old-fashioned calendar/planner. In the age of electronics, some people think a paper planner is unnecessary. Careful observation will show that those people always know where their smartphone is.

I could never part with my paper planner. For one thing, it’s too big to lug around so it’s less likely to go missing than my smartphone. And it never needs charging. And I know how to use it.

I may never completely understand all the features of my smartphone. But I do love it. Its calendar looks so clean and neat all year. My paper planner only looks that way in January and

I need it nearby because my fancy smartphone has a way of disappearing when I need it most. On the bright side, it rings every time I get a spam call which is pretty darn often. So I’m able to track it down in the couch cushions or the linen closet—or underneath my planner on the floor. My planner doesn’t ring, ding or vibrate like my phone does, but it does make seeing the big picture easier. I like having the whole week laid out before me complete with appointments, tasks and the occasional shoe print.

But my planner can’t remind me when it’s time to leave for appointments like my smartphone does—when it’s charged. And electronic reminders are very helpful when you pay attention to them.

I prefer my paper planner for to-do lists though. I love crossing off tasks so much that sometimes

Together my planner and smartphone are a team, backing each other up, making up for each other’s deficiencies. My smartphone is with me when I leave the house. My planner steps in when the smartphone is missing—or dead.

I’d like to say the result is a perfectly organized life, but I don’t like to lie during the holiday season. You see, there’s a flaw in my system. As clever as my two assistants are, they can’t talk to each other. That means when I’m out and about and I make an appointment on my phone, I have to remember to add it to my planner when I get home. And when I’m at home and make an appointment in my planner, I have to add it to my phone—if I can find it.

The result is I occasionally double book myself or miss something altogether because it’s not on the calendar I’m using at that moment. I’ve solved this problem electronically, though not satisfactorily. I’ve set a reminder in my phone to remind me to sync my calendars once a week. This works well as long as the phone is charged and I can find it.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ON

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE

COURT

DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado80112 (303) 649-6355Telephone

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner,

In the Interest of:

BABY GIRL HARRIS, Child, and concerning, ERICA VANHOORNE AND SAMUEL HARRIS, Respondents.

Kiley Schaumleffel, Esq. #46107 Assistant County Attorney 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel:303-636-1308

Case No:22JV458 Division:34

NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding Respondent Mother, ERICA VANHOORNE is set for January 26, 2023 at 4 P.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 can-not 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.

Due to COVID 19, the Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •www. 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).

YOU ARE FURTHER

COMMANDED to appear before the Court at said time and place, either in person or by phone. If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Date: December 21, 2022

Kiley Schaumleffel, Esq. #46107 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Aurora, Co 80012

Published in The Villager

Published: December 29, 2022

Legal # 10963

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW

JAN. 7-22, 2023. The 117th NWSS will host 29 rodeo performances and a full schedule of horse shows. Info: nationalwestern.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN PARKS & RECREATION HOLIDAY EVENTS

Jan. 13 & Feb. 10 5-8 p.m. Goodson Rec. Center. For ages 3-12 for movie nights. Bring your blanket.

Popcorn & pizza served. Info: 303-4837014

CITY OF CENTENNIAL NEWS

Centennial City Council Meetings move to Tuesdays in 2023. Study Session followed by a Regular Council Meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Council Work Session on the second Tuesday of the month. Study Sessions and Work Sessions at 6 p.m. Regular Council meetings a t 7 p.m. Open to the public.

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE WELCOMES THREE NEW SERGEANTS

The Police Dept. has three new sergeants; promoted are: John-Norman Flaum, Casey Firko and Brennan Leininger.

‘WHAT’S NEW?” DENVER JAZZ CLUB YOUTH ALL-STAR IS LOOKING FOR A HIGH SCHOOL TRUMPET PLAYER

Contact The Director, Ed Cannava at ecan11@msn.com

By H. Throttle

2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo is a top performer

The 2023 test cars just continue to get better, maybe even smarter as the new safety features continue to expand and improve. The drive this week was the Mazda CX-5, a Japanese assembled vehicle, that is well equipped and a smart drive.

Powerful, the CX-5 has a 2.5L engine providing 227 horsepower with normal and sport modes. The “Deep Crystal Blue Mica”

paint shelters the sport’s car performance hidden in the SUV design. The sky-active transmission with six-speed choices makes for a versatile drive on all highways. The independent all-wheel suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars provide an exceptional ride and performance to match the powerful turbo engine.

The five-passenger vehicle has comfortable rear seat leg room with heated and cooled

seats front and rear. Truck space is spacious with a power trunk key opening feature. Surrounding the CX-5 are 19inch bright alloy wheels with all-season tires. A moonroof adorns the roof for summer drives in the mountains. LED lights finish off the exterior with auto dimming lights.

The interior features leather trimmed seats with a “ Caturra Brown” interior. A center console screen controls the

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action and is simple to use with a choice of radio channels, including the latest channels with a Bose-10 speaker sound system.

Safety equipment earns this CX-5 perfect 5-Star safety score in four categories that is a very high safety rating. All of the safety features are included in the suggested manufacturer’s price of $39,360.

This is the complete package, equipped for Colorado

winters with heated outside mirrors and windshield wiper deicers. This SUV sedan has it all from superior acceleration, handling, 24 mpg. fuel economy, and all-wheel drive. The power train has a 50 months/ 50K power train warranty.

This is a smart car for drivers who want a little more than a family sedan in performance and pleasure fully loaded with special features.

Lexus introduces new RX F-Sport Turbo model

The classy Lexus RX F-Sport model was a treat to propel around Denver streets and Colorado mountains recently. The new RX/ F-Sports is new to the Lexus line and features sport’s tuned suspension with McPherson struts, coil springs, and solenoid activated shock absorbers. The ride is remarkably comfortable and the 366 turbocharged engine can give a burst of speed, reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

The all-wheel drive Lexus is a premium model for Lexus with the price starting at $57,750 but rising with an attractive list of options. Comfort, teamed with performance, can be found in this new sport model. The

sleek design, elegant interior, leather seats, steering wheel, knobs and to the ambiance.

Ten-way power seats and sports aluminum pedals and scuff plates adorn the front floorboard of the four-door blue sedan. The specs indicate that the top speed for the RX is 130 mph.

The eight-speed transmission compliments the drive along with the close-up phone charger in front of the center console. This is a smart car from the front grille, LED lights, and luxury interior. Lexus Safety Systems provide the latest in safety features and long with radar cruise control and safety sign warnings.

Driving in the mountains is a panoramic sunroof for

full view of the now snowcapped Rocky Mountains. Excellent local dealers add

to the overall selection of this model along with a full line of Lexus models, but this

RX-F-Sport is the new premium model. Nice present for the holidays.