4-18-24 Villager

Protect Quincy Farm

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Everyone who knew my grandmother, Catherine “Cat” Anderson, also knew of her passion for Colorado’s natural landscape. She valued unspoiled expanses where wildlife could flourish and open spaces could remain undisturbed by urban sprawl. It was her mission to protect such places.

That passion and her love for horses inspired Cat to buy historic Quincy Farm in 1964. Its nearly 18 idyllic acres had been a working farm since the 19th century and today serve as an undeveloped sanctuary for nature along the Highline Canal in the heart of Cherry Hills Village.

Throughout her decades on the farm, Cat sought to keep it a place where time stood still as the Denver metropolitan area continued to grow all around it. She wanted it to remain such a community treasure even after her passing, Inspired by her family’s donation of their property in New Jersey to their local community, she bequeathed the farm to Cherry Hills Village — with specific legal safeguards to maintain its integrity.

Now, her vision for the farm is in jeopardy. The city’s elected leadership is attempting to trample some of those key safeguards — violating its legal agreement with my grandmother, who died in 2016.

Cat granted the property to Cherry Hills Village with a conservation easement. This easement, which runs with the property in perpetuity and cannot be extinguished, legally prevents most of the property from further development and preserves its natural and rural heritage. Specifically, the easement bars the portion of the farm that lies west of the Highline Canal from precisely the kinds of public access the city now aims to carry out.

In flagrant disregard for Cat’s wishes, the city’s plan for Quincy Farm opens the west side to unlimited public access. The plan states, “Beginning in 2024, public access to the west side will be open to pedestrians on the nature trail, the lawn, and the gardens — daily, from dawn to dusk…”

Despite concerns from members of the community, the City has already bulldozed a winding path through the west side of the property and is placing crusher fines and signage, making this a permanent trail.

Cat loved this community and appreciated and supported the need to balance preserving the natural landscape with allowing the community to enjoy the property. That’s why her conservation easement specifically outlined public access to each area of the farm.

Broad public access to the property is permitted via the High Line Canal on the east side. However, on the west side, Cat envisioned something different — a nature preserve. It was to be insulated from the heavy foot traffic, motor vehicle congestion, parking issues, litter and other woes experienced by so many Denver-area parks and trails, especially on weekends.

She contemplated the potentially negative impacts of opening the remainder of the property to unfettered public access. As the easement states “The Highline Canal Trail through the Property is utilized by thousands of people every year. There is a strong likelihood that development of the Property would lead to or contribute to degradation of the scenic and natural character of the area.”

The 2024 plan deceptively claims that opening the farm west of the Highline Canal to public recreational use is “an essential element” of the “conservation values” inherent in preserving the farm. In reality, that central feature of the city’s plan could not be further from what my grandmother intended.

As the conservation easement clearly states: “The West Area may (only) be used for Preservation Uses . . . and for Agricultural Uses. . . and managed primarily as a natural area with limited public access.” The west area was intended by Cat to serve as a sanctuary for hawks, nesting owls, and other wildlife. Permitting unsupervised public recreation from dawn to dusk is likely to imperil that same wildlife.

The city is breaking its word to my grandmother, to our extended family — and to the entire Cherry Hills Village Community. In an area that already has abundant parks, trails and other public recreational amenities — including the east side of the farm itself — elected leaders inexplicably seem determined to exploit the entire property as a magnet for visitors.

It is urgent for the Cherry Hills Village community to speak out — and reach out — to the mayor and city council. Please let them know you support Cat Anderson’s vision for our beloved Quincy Farm, and you want to see the agreement with her honored.

message from Natalie Anderson –granddaughter of Catherine “Cat” Anderson

Natalie Anderson

Natalie Anderson

Russell Lynn July 15, 1935April 5, 2024

a kind man who treated others well. He was a well-known businessman, and he was like by everyone who knew him. He always carried himself with dignity and honor and did his best to always do the right thing as he cared for others. He also enjoyed golfing and having a good laugh with friends and family.

He started his career with Martin-Marietta as a draftsman. In the early 1960’s he changed professions and went into the flower business with Lehrer’s Flowers. He was the Executive Vice-President and General Manager for over 35 years. Served on various national floral committees with FTD, AFS, and Teleflora..

He was a member of the Lions Club of Denver for 57 years holding almost every office available including President.

Russ also belonged to the Masonic Lodge and obtained a 32° level. He was a member of the Harmony Lodge for over 50 years.

He cared for the church building and grounds, and he continued to mow the church lawn and shovel the parking lot well into his eighties. Russ served on the Session of Arvada Presbyterian Church and other committees; last year he served as a Session member on our very first Session at Community of Grace.

He loved working in the yard and keeping a large rose and flower garden. He just liked being outside whether in the yard or in the mountains.

He adored his wife, Dottie. He was a beloved father of three, father-in-law of 3, grandfather of five and great grandfather of three. He leaves two brothers, 2 sisters-in law and many nieces and nephews.

Arapahoe County Budget

Arapahoe County faces significant budget shortfall starting in 2025

After years of insufficient tax revenues, combined with a continued increase in demand for services, Arapahoe County faces a choice—and is asking for your input. Read more and provide your input at acbudget.com

Tell us where you want to vote!

Arapahoe County’s Elections Division wants voters’ input about locations for voter service and polling centers (VSPC) for the November 5 General Election.

The County will manage 32 VSPCs in November, and will accept public comment regarding placement of those facilities until April 29. Characteristics such as building size, road access, ease of access for voters with disabilities, and similar factors will be considered as locations are determined. Scan the QR code to take the survey.

I always look forward to Friday night, usually for an event or dinner outing with friends or family. This past Friday night was an over-the-top event as a ribbon cutting guest at the Grand Opening of “Little Man Ice Cream” in Greenwood Village at 4940 S. Yosemite St. in the Belleview Square Shopping Center.

BY BOB SWEENEY

The Cherry Creek High School marching band performed at the event and received free ice cream cones for their efforts. A huge crowd of over a 1,000 ice cream fans stood anxiously in line awaiting the opening of the 9th Little Man ice cream shop.

our first, outstanding advertising representatives at The Villager 42 years ago. Along with Cathy were her husband, her daughter, and granddaughter.

And 97-year-old Villager office volunteer Shirley Klotz was present with her friend Cindi Bancroft. It was a magical evening with possibly the largest ribbon cutting crowd in Greenwood Village history.

Little Man features 24 hand-crafted ice cream flavors including vegan and sorbet options along with ice cream pints, pies, and cakes.

Little Man will cater gradu-

Saturday night Iran fired

300 missiles into Israel. The “Iron Dome” defense system deflected the missiles with only one girl injured. The night sky was filled with incoming projectiles as residents sought shelters from the deadly attack.

The evening was warm for ice cream; young and old enjoyed the event. Dr. Warren Washington and wife Mary were in attendance, along with Gerri, and me for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Dr. Washington has served under five U.S. Presidents as a foremost climate scientist.

It was nostalgic seeing Cathy Pepper Neistat, one of

ation parties, weddings, birthdays, office parties and more. Visit littlemanicecream.com

It was a joyous event and just felt good! We need more ice cream in our lives. It reminds me of those wonderful ice cream fountains in America’s small towns. Congratulations, and a cordial welcome to this new, vibrant local business. ***

Only time will tell what the Israelites will do in response to the Iranian warning and ongoing threats. The intent was evil and the missiles, without the Iron Dome miracle, could have killed thousands of people and caused major destruction.

Iranian TV showed crowds celebrating the attack chanting, “Death of America.” This is the first attack on the Israel state from inside Iran in modern history. My guess is that Israel will respond with force against nuclear bomb

site facilities, oil refineries, and seaports. Israel has never attacked Iran and they didn’t start the war in Gaza. Diplomacy may cool the situation, but it appears that a time-bomb is ticking with Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Maybe the time has come for action since Israel did not cast the first stone. It would be wonderful if everyone in the world could enjoy an ice cream cone in safety and peace on a Friday evening.

Correction: On page 6 of our April 11, 2024 issue, we mistakenly said that state Senate District 16 includes parts of Gilpin, Boulder, Jefferson, and Arapahoe Counties. SD16  is only in Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties. The Villager regrets the error and thanks Robyn Carnes for bringing it to our attention.

Loren Martinez, Director of Operations, Bob Sweeney and owner Paul Tamburello

The Cherry Creek High School band entertained those waiting.

Bob greets Cathy Pepper Neistat, The Villager’s first ad rep

Money Sense

Smart ways to transfer the family business

These tips from Bank of America can help you create a meaningful legacy while generating a healthy retirement income.

For most business owners, retirement is either a subject they welcome or the last thing they want to think about. If you are looking forward to that day, you have probably already started preparing to move on from your business. Indeed, selling your business — or gifting it to the next generation — may be central to your retirement plan.

Assuming your company has the systems in place to operate without your direct participation, your first step is to get an accurate assessment of its worth. A professional valuation and tax expert can help you look past your emotional attachment to the company and gauge its true value.

Prior to making any move, consider your income needs in retirement, keeping in mind that merely matching your current salary may not be enough if the business has also been paying for things like health insurance, car leases, club memberships and tax preparation — expenses you may have to start covering. Having a conversation with your financial advisor is key to making the right decision.

With all that information in hand, consider these three options for transferring or selling the business to family members, friends, longtime employees or another interested buyer.

Transfer the business as a gift. Say you want to pass the business down to a child or grandchild. The lifetime federal gift tax exemption gives business owners considerable latitude to transfer part or all of the company as a gift. The exemption can change annually.

You may owe federal gift taxes on amounts exceeding the exemption, but once the business is out of your hands, it is no longer part of your estate, and future growth of the company will not subject your estate to additional transfer taxes. You may also be able to supplement your retirement income by continuing to work for the new owners.

Assist the buyer with financing. What if you want to sell the business to a family member or an employee who does not have enough assets to complete the transaction? To get around that, you could lend the buyer the money for the sale in exchange for a promissory note, which allows the buyer to pay you back directly. You and the buyer determine what terms work for all parties involved. The buyer benefits from the opportunity to own a business, and you receive a steady stream of income from the principal and interest that the buyer pays for an agreed-upon period.

Even after a sale, many former business owners can stay involved and earn income by serving on the board of directors or consulting. You might even continue helping with day-to-day operations in a

reduced but vital role, such as serving long-time clients that are used to working with you.

Execute a partial sale. If you do not want to cut ties with your business entirely, another option is to sell part of the company while retaining a portion of business assets and income. You will want to spell out the arrangement with the new majority owners in the formal transfer or sale agreement. That also should be the case if you are turning the business over or selling it to other family members. You may pay capital gains tax on any profit from the sale, but you may also get a steady income from rent or lease of office space or other assets.

Whatever choice you make, a smooth transition can be the crowning legacy of the years of care and effort you have poured into your business. And you can have the satisfaction of knowing that your vision has the potential to live on for generations to come.

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

Amy and Ed Venerable surrounded by the auction team

Bridget Marx and Lori Marks-Connors

Seth Ward with Libby Weaver

Joe Sakic of Colorado Avalanche fame with auction team member

The event committee included: Chiara Kline, Vickie Newman, Amy and Ed Venerable, Erika Fisher and Libby Weaver

LEFT: FULL CIRCLE Founder Father John Bonavitacola from Arizona surrounded by AJ Creswell and Ben Stincer

Event Chairs Amy and Ed Venerable Photos by Scottie Iverson

Seth Ward, Lake Helm, David Mandarich, Corey Helm

Carl Koelbel named President and CEO of Koelbel and Company

Buz Koelbel will continue to serve the company as Chairman

Koelbel and Company, a 70 year-old family-owned real estate company with deep roots in Colorado, announced today that Carl Koelbel will officially be named President and CEO of the company—taking the reins from the highly respected and venerable Buz Koelbel who has served in the role for more than 47 years. Buz Koelbel will continue to offer oversight and leadership to his three sons and the broader Koelbel team from a macro level in his new role as Executive Leadership Advisor. “It has been my greatest reward in life to serve as the President and CEO of Koelbel for the last four decades and I truly relished the complete journey, whether it be the tumultuous downturns or the unprecedented growth and change,” said Buz Koelbel. “But the time has come to take a step back from the day-to-day operations and hand that responsibility over to Carl and the highly capable next generation to lead Koelbel into the future.”

Buz has been a pillar of Colorado’s business and real estate community for decades. He continued the family real estate development tradition when he joined the firm his father founded in 1976 and became president in 1985. Since that time, he has shepherded the development, management and investment activities that produced many of Koelbel’s premier residential, commercial and retail projects in the Denver metro area and in mountain resort communities. More recently, he established Koelbel as a leader in affordable housing/workforce housing for lowand moderate-income Coloradans. As a business leader committed to serving the communities where we live, work and play, Buz’s past and current service with community service organizations includes the Urban Land Institute – member and past trustee of the Recreational Development Council; Denver South Economic Development Partnership, member and past chair of the Board of Governors; vice chairman of Economic Literacy Colorado; and board member of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“Timing is everything in business and in life and I am confident this is the right time to pass the baton. The future of Koelbel and Company is bright… Denver is one of the most exciting, innovative, and vibrant communities in the entire country,” said Buz. “Having three members of the third generation of Koelbel working at the company certainly provides the opportunity

“It has been my greatest reward in life to serve as the President and CEO of Koelbel for the last four decades and I truly relished the complete journey, whether it be the tumultuous downturns or the unprecedented growth and change,” said Buz Koelbel. “But the time has come to take a step back from the day-to-day operations and hand that responsibility over to Carl and the highly capable next generation to lead Koelbel into the future.”

for a far broader and longer-term horizon to build on what has been established during the first 70 years.”

First born son, Carl Koelbel, who joined the team 14 years ago, will lead the company as President and CEO. In 2010 Carl helped Buz launch the Koelbel Urban Homes platform and managed several ma-

jor projects for Koelbel and Company. Like his father and both paternal grandparents, Carl is a graduate of the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business with a Master of Business Administration degree in real estate. He also has a bachelor’s degree in economics and international Relations from the University of Southern California. Carl was

instrumental in adding new dimensions to Koelbel’s commercial division. Under Carl’s leadership, over the last decade Koelbel and Company has been responsible for numerous high profile commercial projects including collaborative office spaces like Catalyst and Watershed in RiNo; mixed use developments like The Point at Nine Mile Station

“Koelbel is proud of its 70-year history but is even more excited about what the future brings for the company,” said Carl Koelbel. “The values we’ve created over the past seven decades will ensure we maintain our legacy well into the future. For Koelbel and Community, a focus on building legacy communities means defining ‘community’ in the widest possible terms. Community exists in the places where we work and play as well. Understanding that is a key insight to creating timeless communities of all types.”

in Aurora; Sloan’s Lock Block 3 and Lincoln Commons in Denver; and many more. Carl has also been instrumental in building hundreds of units of affordable housing throughout the region.

“Koelbel is proud of its 70-year history but is even more excited about what the future brings for the company,” said Carl Koelbel. “The values we’ve created over the past seven decades will ensure we maintain our legacy well into the future. For Koelbel and Community, a focus on building legacy communities means defining ‘community’ in the widest possible terms. Community exists in the places where we work and play as well. Understanding that is a key insight to creating timeless communities of all types.”

The Koelbel family have always been very active in the community and given back through a myriad of ways. Carl plans to continue this tradition and ensure the company continues its long tradition of charity. He sits on the Advisory board of the Salvation Army where he helps to consolidate their real estate holdings throughout the city of Denver. Additionally, he helps oversee the Koelbel Family Foundation, which was established in 1996, and has supported numerous worthy causes, including the Sewall Child Development Center, Economic Literacy Colorado, Rocky Mountain Public Media, Goodwill Industries, The Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Colorado Conservation Trust that was created as an open-space advocate for the State of Colorado. They believe that education, at all levels, is the singular most important foundation for the future of the state and country. This year alone, they gave a million-dollar endowment to Rocky Mountain Public Media for the Koelbel KUVO Jazz studio which will help continue the tradition of jazz in the community. A large focus of their philanthropic activities has been in multiple areas of the education arena including the central library facility for the Arapahoe County Library District, the Koelbel Building at CU Boulder and the Sewall Child Development Center.“Carl’s leadership style appeals to the older generation of our team members as well as the millennials. His collaborative manner instills trust and allows team members to build on their individual and collective strengths,” said Tom Whyte, CFO of Koelbel and Company. “Carl carries forward the rich tradition of his grandfather and his dad of developing projects that honor Denver’s history but embracing new standards and styles. He provides team members opportunities to expand their roles but still provides the team direction and a sense of patient urgency.”

Buz and son Carl Koelbel

be in the know

State GOP chair Dave Williams is a lightning rod for controversy

Colorado GOP chair Dave Williams is one of two candidates in the June 25 Republican primary for congressional district five to replace U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, who has announced he will not run for re-election to Congress.

The other candidate is radio host and local personality Jeff Crank, who has been endorsed for the nomination by the editorial board of the Gazette Newspaper, the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action), former CD5 primary candidate Joshua Griffin, and former U.S. Rep. Joel Hefley (R), for whom Crank was a top staffer when Hefley represented CD5 in Congress.

Williams has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Congressional District Five is contained wholly in El Paso County, where its Republican-affiliated voters outnumber its Democratic-affiliated voters 63% to 37%, as of April 1 (no fooling). Like most of Colorado, half of all active voters in CD5 are unaffiliated, but it has been represented by Republican Lamborn since 2007 and before that, by Hefley for two decades.

Dave Williams has been stirring up squabbles within his party since March 2023, when he beat out six other contenders for the top political job, taking over from Kristi Burton Brown, who declined to run for a second two-year term, as did the four people who preceded her as state party chair.

The last Republican to win the Colorado governor’s office was Bill Owens in 2002. GOP candidates last won the races for attorney general, secretary of state, and state treasurer a decade ago. Democrats also currently hold a 46-19 majority in the state House and a 23-12 advantage in the state Senate.

According to a recent report from Colorado Public Radio, “In 2016, the state had nearly equal numbers of Republican, Democratic and unaffiliated voters. Eight years later, the Colorado GOP lost around 130,000 active voters, compared to Democrats, who only lost 20,000 active voters. Meanwhile, the ranks of unaffiliated voters increased by nearly 700,000.”

Williams doesn’t hesitate to place blame, telling party members that recent electoral losses were the result of “feckless leaders who are ashamed of you and ashamed of our principles.”

In 2022, when Williams ran against Lamborn in a GOP primary, Williams tried to have “Let’s Go Brandon,” a pejorative used by some to refer to President Biden, listed on the primary ballot as his middle name. That idea failed, as did his challenge to Lamborn.

Williams’ being an active candidate in a GOP primary for Congress while remaining as state party chair has earned him rebukes from a significant number of state party regulars. His decision to make endorsements in Republican primaries, including congressional district four (CD4), where eight Republicans are running, has also raised the ire of many who are willing to

say so and be named publicly. Historically, the state party did not take sides in GOP primaries.

State Sen. Bob Gardner had also hoped to challenge Williams for the GOP nomination in CD5 but fell short of obtaining the required number of valid signatures on his petitions. In a recent interview, Gardner said, “I’m a former county party chair and former state party general counsel. In my time, it would’ve been unthinkable for the state party or the county party to be so heavily involved in anyone’s race at all. Much less have a chair running for office simultaneously.”

Through the state party, Williams has also engaged in public name-calling of other well-known Republicans and conservative organizations, including outgoing Congressmen Ken Buck and Doug Lamborn, CD4 candidates Deborah Flora and Jerry Sonnenberg, Williams’ opponent for the GOP nomination Jeff Crank, former state party chairs Dick Wadhams and Kristi Burton Brown, GOP

“You have used your position to demean and denigrate fellow Republicans. You should be empowering and lifting up our elected GOP officials, not tearing them down. There are plenty of Democrats willing to denounce our fellow Republicans; you should not be aiding them in their actions.”

– Rich Sokol, South Metro Fire Rescue Board Member

2022 candidate for governor and the last Republican to hold any statewide office, Heidi Ganahl, conservative business executive and owner of The Gazette Newspaper and Colorado Politics, Phil Anschutz, and state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, the inaugural GOP candidate for Colorado’s new 8th congressional district in 2022, who lost to U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo by only 1,632 votes out of 236,501 cast. He also singled out conservative Koch-backed group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) for name-calling. AFP is a huge funder of Republican candi-

“Sandra Fish is a fair, honest, and respected reporter. As a Republican I’m embarrassed by the GOP chair. As a State Senator I’m stunned by the blatant disregard for our Constitution - and by a former legislator no less. Disgusting.”

– State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer

dates nationwide up and down the ballot.

In CD4, current U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, trying to win re-election from the eastern slope after declining to run again from CD3 on the western slope, has been endorsed by Williams on behalf of the state party, even though Republicans Deborah Flora, state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, and state Reps. Richard Holtorf and Mike Lynch have also been certified to appear on the CD4 GOP primary ballot. Republicans Chris Phelen, Floyd Trujillo, and Peter Yu are still waiting for a determination of sufficiency for their petitions submitted to the Secretary of State on March 19.

At the State GOP Assembly in Pueblo on April 6, a 42-year veteran Colorado reporter, Sandra Fish, who writes for The Colorado Sun, was removed by a sheriff’s deputy because Williams felt that the Sun’s coverage of the GOP was unfair, referring to Fish as a “fake journalist,” and The Colorado Sun as, “just an extension of the Democrat Party’s PR efforts.” Later, he told a Colorado Politics reporter that he would have also kept 9News and the Denver Post from covering the assembly for the same reason, had they been there. They were not.

The kerfuffle with Fish made news far and wide, including in The Guardian, a daily British newspaper, the Washington Post, and Newsweek.com.

Locally, Kirkmeyer posted on social media, “Sandra Fish is a fair, honest, and respected reporter. As a Republican I’m embarrassed by the GOP chair. As a State Senator I’m stunned by the blatant disregard for our Constitution - and by a former legislator no less. Disgusting.”

GOP state Rep. Matt Soper said, “A healthy and transparent Republic means you allow the public and media to observe the process of selecting candidates to represent our state in public office. This is regardless of if you agree or disagree with the reporter.”

Kristi Burton Brown posted, “This is a dangerous take by the current @cologop. Removing (a named publication) that pretends to be real news is one thing. Remov-

Dave Williams

Jeff Crank

Dave Williams

Continued from page 8

ing a journalist who’s widely known to be hard-hitting but fair is quite another. Transparency is necessary for our nation.”

Williams’ public response to the incident was, “The only backlash we see is from the fake news media, radical Democrats, and establishment RINOs (Republicans in name only) who hate our conservative base and who always look for opportunities to boot lick the crooked press or pundits who hate true Republicans and President Trump.”

On April 4, Kelly Maher, who

Colorado Politics referred to as, “a veteran Republican campaign operative and political commentator with 9News,” filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that Williams used his state party-paid email account to send messages to the state party’s contact list of Republicans:

• Announcing his candidacy on January 8, 2024.

• Attacking Jeff Crank, one of his primary opponents, on February 26 and again on February 27.

Maher’s FEC complaint also alleged, “The state party paid for and distributed a mailer (criticizing) Crank (and) The Gazette Newspaper, based in Colorado

“I’m a former county party chair and former state party general counsel. In my time, it would’ve been unthinkable for the state party or the county party to be so heavily involved in anyone’s race at all. Much less have a chair running for office simultaneously.” – State Sen. Bob Gardner

Springs, and its owner, Phil Anschutz (after) The Gazette’s editorial board endorsed Crank.”

Reactions to Williams’ behavior have also been seen closer to home. In December, former Arapahoe County GOP Chair and current South Metro Fire Rescue board member Rich Sokol resigned from the state GOP’s executive committee, telling Williams, “You have used your position to demean and denigrate fellow Republicans. You should be empowering and lifting up our elected GOP officials, not tearing them down. There are plenty of Democrats willing to denounce our fellow Republicans; you should not be aiding them in their actions.”

Polis’ housing bill is once again on shaky ground

Last year it was called SB23-213 Land Use and its prime sponsors were state Sen. Dominick Moreno and state Reps. Iman Jodeh (Aurora) and Steven Woodrow (Denver). It drew significant opposition from mayors, city councils, the Colorado Municipal League, and others. It also drew support from many civic and housing groups.

But the opposition was strong and vociferous. The state infringing on cities’ customary home rule rights to make their own land use rules, for any reason, including addressing the well-documented housing shortage in Colorado and especially metro Denver, did not sit well. Although the bill passed the state House, where Democrats have a lopsided 46-19 majority, it died in the state Senate without a final

vote being taken.

This year, the bill is HB24-1313 Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities. It doesn’t contain everything that was in last year’s Land Use bill, but it still touts the overarching theme that the state can set housing policy for cities, as long as it’s for a good reason— to increase available housing—despite Colorado’s long history that many believe favors local control.

Sen. Moreno is no longer a sponsor because he left the legislature to take the job of deputy chief of staff-strategy in the new administration of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Jodeh and Woodrow are once again prime sponsors, now joined by state Senators Chris Hansen (Denver) and Faith Winter (Adams, Broomfield, Weld).

The arguments against the bill are the same as they were for SB23-213, along with a new issue. HB24-1313 could ultimately result in the withholding of a municipality’s Highway Tax User’s Fund allocation if it doesn’t comply. That provision was not a part of SB23-213 and it alone has drawn new enemies to HB24-1313.

On Sunday, April 14, after five proposed amendments to the bill in the full House had failed, Democrats passed HB24-1313 in the state House with seven members of its caucus voting no. All represent counties in the front range that include cities who hold their zoning authority close.

One of those no votes came from Greenwood Village Rep. Chad Clifford, who, in a public meeting two

weeks earlier, openly telegraphed that he expected this bill to pass the House and die in the Senate, as did SB23-213 a year ago.

The other Democratic no votes for HB24-1313 Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities were cast by Reps. Shannon Bird (Adams, Jefferson), Kyle Brown (Boulder Broomfield), Lindsey Daugherty (Adams, Jefferson), Eliza Hemrick (Arapahoe, Douglas), Bob Marshall (Douglas), and Brianna Titone (Jefferson).

The bill now moves to the state Senate, where it would be expected to be heard by the Local Government & Housing Committee. As of this writing, it does not appear on that committee’s schedule published through April 26.

Most local police foundations donate all the money they raise

After a recent report about the Aurora Police Association Charitable Foundation disclosed that it used an Arizona telemarketing firm to solicit donations by phone and paid that telemarketing firm $2.08 million out of the $2.86 million it raised, The Villager reached out to three local police foundations in our area to find out more about their operations.

An independent group, separate from the city and the GV police department, the Greenwood Village Police Foundation (GVPF) was formed in 2014. It is a 501(c)(3) organization whose board consists of volunteer community members who do not seek recognition.

The GVPF board chair told The Villager, “The Foundation identifies items that meet its initiatives, purchases those and donates them to the GV police department. GV City Council is not involved in this process, but is informed by the police department of purchases being made by the GVPF. The small part the Foundation is providing for the safety and wellbeing of all the residents of Greenwood Village is more than enough reward for all of the board members.”

GVPF has five defined initiatives it supports:

• K-9s (police dogs)

• Technology

• Equipment

• Scholarships & Training

• Health & Wellbeing

Through 2022 (its 2023 books are

still with its outside CPA), GVPF purchased $215,554 of items meeting its five initiatives, including:

• K-9s

• Drones, used for traffic control and missing children

• Software for drones, used to map an accident site accurately and quickly, to allow the clean-up of an accident site much quicker to permit normal traffic flow to resume

• One-person portable jaws of life, used to open locked doors of homes and apartments when someone calls 911 in a health emergency

• During Covid, provided qualified professionals to assist the police officers in the physical and mental issues affecting all of us

During the five years 2018-2022, GVPF received donations of $211,412.

The only money it spent during that entire time, other than paying a parttime independent contractor hourly for limited clerical duties, was $2,206 in 2019 for brochures describing the foundation and $104 for a website update in 2020. GVPF paid no other expenses in 2021 or 2022.

GVPF’s website is https://www. gvpolicefoundation.org

The Cherry Hills Village Police Foundation (CHVPF) was formed in 2021 by former CHV City Council Member Mark Griffin with the endorsement of the mayor and the city council. Griffin is president and chair of the CHVPF board. Other board

members are CHV residents Jan Harrison Griffin, Jeremy Abelson, and Tyler Zakovich. All are volunteers and are not compensated in any manner. Griffin told The Villager, “The CHVPF is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) organization whose annual tax return is available upon request to anyone who wishes to review it.

The mission of CHVPF is to fund initiatives in the categories of:

• Education & Training

• Equipment

• Legislative Mandates

• Safety Gear

• Health & Wellbeing

• Personnel & Family Assistance

Griffin told The Villager that that all Foundation funds are kept at Midfirst Bank and Raymond James investment banking company. Expenditures are made through the CHV Police Department with funds transferred from the foundation to the city after approval by the city council.

He also told The Villager, “To date, we have funded:

• Custom made ceramic ballistic vests and helmets for each officer.

• A health and wellness program including physical and mental wellness.

• Stop strips to enable fleeing suspects’ vehicles to be disabled.

• A complete re-equipping of the workout facility with the latest health equipment.

• A fully trained K-9 Belgian Malinois dog.

CHVPF’s website is http://chvpolice foundation.org.

The Aurora Police Foundation (APF) was formed in the aftermath of the 2012 Aurora Theater shooting, when “the community came together to discover ways to work together for a safer community.”

Its mission is “to support the operations of the Aurora Police Department by providing grants for officer training, equipment, and supplies, and to support community involvement.”

APF board chair David Levesque, a retired Air Force veteran who was stationed at Buckley AFB and later worked for Lockheed Martin before becoming a brewmaster and founding Launchpad Brewery with his friend Henry Rusch, told The Villager that APF has only one paid employee and almost no other administrative expenses.

They do not use any private fundraising companies or solicit donations by telephone, email, or direct mail. All fundraising for the Aurora Police Foundation is done in person.

Other members of APF’s board of directors include Dr. John Gay II, Andrew Withrow Filz, Kevin Hougen, Steve Foster, Todd Baker, Vic Evans, Alex Frieling, Ginna Rahbagg, Jim Puscian, Sarah Rathke, and R.J. Williams.

APF’s website is https://aurorapolice foundation.org

The Villager welcomes Little Man Ice Cream to Greenwood Village

Little Man likes to do things big!

When Paul Tamburello planned the grand opening of his ninth metro Denver Little Man Ice Cream store at 4940 S. Yosemite Street in Greenwood Village for 6:30 p.m. on a Friday night in mid-April, the team arranged to have the Cherry Creek High School Marching Band entertain what turned out to be a 250-person-long line of people waiting for their first scoop. That line never slowed down.

When Little Man finally closed its doors that evening, Tamburello and his team had scooped ice cream for over 1,000 people.

Bob and Gerri Sweeney, owners and publishers of The Villager, were honored for their decades-long support of the community with cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the new shop. Also there to boost the excitement were Susan Sweeney Lanam, Villager creative marketing director, and

world-renowned climate scientist Dr. Warren Washington and his wife Mary, who are close friends of the Little Man family. An early expert in the field of climate change, Dr. Washington served under five U.S. presidents.

We caught up with a very happy Cherry Creek High School parent, Marnina Kregas. She was there with her whole family to share in the fun. Marnina and John have two sons in the Cherry Creek Marching Band. Senior Cameron plays first trumpet and will be attending the music school at CSU in Fort Collins next year. Freshman Alexander is a percussionist. Also on hand were son Brandon, a seventh grader at Campus Middle School, and

daughter Delaney, who’s in the third grade at Belleview Elementary.

People began lining up to get their first taste of Little Man’s famous homemade ice cream an hour before the doors opened. Little Man ice cream comes in 24 daily flavors plus special ones that change regularly, along with sorbets and even vegan choices.

Tamburello said he considers Little Man “a youth leadership company that sells ice cream to make it all happen,” adding, “We are excited to be in this center and in this community.”

Loren Martinez, Little Man Ice Cream Director of Operations, greeted the crowd, sharing, “I always wanted to be a band

director because I love to teach. That’s why I volunteered at Cherry Creek High School (with the marching band).” He was also a concert coordinator during his time at CSU in Fort Collins.

Basha Cohen, Little Man’s Director of Marketing and Community Development, said, “Our whole mission is to create community, to be a part of every neighborhood we’re in.” She credited Bob and Gerri Sweeney for the value they create by “having a community newspaper like The Villager that comes out every single week.”

As he cut the ribbon to get the party started, Bob Sweeney said it was the largest grand opening he’s seen in 43 years in Greenwood Village. He also brought greetings from GV Mayor George Lantz, who was unable to attend the festivities due to a prior commitment.

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Villager Newspaper publishers Gerri & Bob Sweeney got a little unsolicited help cutting the ribbon to open the GV Little Man Ice Cream store. Photos by Freda Miklin, Harry Warters and Little Man Ice Cream

Little Man Ice Cream owner Paul Tamburello, in the blue shirt, and his team were ready to serve the people of Greenwood Village.

Loren Martinez, Little Man Director of Operations

The ice cream toppings are piped through the store and always ready to go.

From left to right, Marnina, Alexander, Cameron, John, Brandon, and Delaney Kregas. Cameron plays 1st trumpet and Alexander is a percussionist in the Cherry Creek Marching Band.

250 people waited in line for their first taste of ice cream from the new store.

All the members of the CCHS Marching Band were rewarded with logo bandanas for coming out to play for Little Man’s grand opening. Some thought they’d make perfect head scarves.

Daniel James Buckley

April 11, 1935 – April 11, 2024

Daniel James Buckley of Cherry Hills Village, passed away peacefully on his 89th birthday, April 11, 2024 surrounded by his devoted and loving wife Lynn and all of his children.

Dan was born on April 11,1935 in Denver, CO. He was married to Lynn (Marilyn) Nolt, the love of his life on July 16, 1960 up until his death. After attending Colorado College, Dan joined The Buckley Powder Company, founded by his father, Jim. Serving as President, Dan became renowned for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to both employees and customers alike. Under his faithful leadership, the company flourished and remains vibrant and prosperous even after a century of operation. Dan was extremely generous supporting numerous charities and individuals throughout his lifetime and selflessly contributed without seeking recognition. His hobbies included golf, gardening, traveling, Turner Classic movies, craft cocktails and listening to Frank Sinatra. Dan’s most cherished legacy is his family. He had a nurturing and close

bond with his six children and their spouses and sixteen grandchildren. Each one had a deeply personal connection with him, a testament to his unwavering love and devotion. His family and his wife Lynn, held the highest place in his heart.

He is survived by his wife Lynn and 5 children, Jim (Helena), Kathy (Jeff), Steve (Jane), Jill (Dave), Jennifer (Marc) and preceded in death by his beloved son Scott who passed away in 1972 and 16 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church located at 2200 S Harrison St, Denver, CO 80210 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Daniel Buckley’s name to Macular Degeneration Research, 22512 Gateway Center, PO Box 1952, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1952

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SPORTS SPECIAL EDITION

A Conversation with Dave Logan - Part 2 of 3

In the second installment of Villager sports columnist Denny Dressman’s conversation-in-print with Dave Logan, the radio “Voice of the Broncos” discusses balancing the demands of his play-by-play responsibilities and his daily show on KOA with coaching high school football.

DD: How difficult has it been to balance coaching with your work at KOA and being the” Voice of the Broncos”?

DL: It’s been 31 years and there have been some close calls, but I’ve never missed a Broncos game and I’ve never missed a high school football game. I think you can count, probably on one hand, the number of practices I’ve missed in 31 years. There are times when it requires me to miss a Broncos charter for a preseason game, but I’ve been able to catch up with them.

You have to be intentional with your time when the season comes around. I feel

like we’ve got the routine down pretty well now; I know exactly what it’s going to take from a time standpoint, from a physical standpoint. I think the formula has been successful.

DD: Thirty-one years means you started the same year the Rockies started play. That’s a long time.

DL: My first year as a head coach was 1993, Arvada West. At that time, I was doing a nighttime show, 6-to-8, by myself. So, I accepted the job. I didn’t feel it would interfere with my nighttime shift and everything. I didn’t even check with Lee, my boss at KOA, because It was going to be a job on my time. He quickly let me know that was not the smartest thing to do, but we worked it out.

Four years later, KOA asked if I would work with Scott Hastings and do an afternoon show on their sister station (760). I knew Scott a little from the Nuggets. Good guy. So, I said sure, if that’s what you want to do. At that point, they said, “But you’ll have to stop

DD: How difficult has it been to balance coaching with your work at KOA and being the” Voice of the Broncos”?

DL: It’s been 31 years and there have been some close calls, but I’ve never missed a Broncos game and I’ve never missed a high school football game. I think you can count, probably on one hand, the number of practices I’ve missed in 31 years. There are times when it requires me to miss a Broncos charter for a preseason game, but I’ve been able to catch up with them. You have to be intentional with your time when the season comes around. I feel like we’ve got the routine down pretty well now; I know exactly what it’s going to take from a time standpoint, from a physical standpoint. I think the formula has been successful.

coaching.” I thought about that overnight—I had been coaching 3-4 years at that point—and I really love working with the kids and football. I told them, “I’ll just stay at night.” So, we worked out me doing the afternoon show but continue coaching.

I’m aware that I miss time on that afternoon show during the biggest time of the year in terms of sports for KOA. It’s the Broncos season, CU season. This has been duly pointed out to me. I’m very appreciative of iHeart for allowing me to continue to do something that I love and something that I love and is very important to me.

DD: Is it easier, logistical-

ly, with Cherry Creek located so close to KOA?

DL: Yes. It is. When I left Mullen, and before the Cherry Creek thing opened up, I almost took the Denver East job. The deciding factor, for me, was I could not figure out a way—and I drove it three four times, different routes at different times of the day—I could not figure out a way from a time standpoint to get from Denver East back down in the Tech Center area, which is where everything work-wise, including the Broncos, is located for me. I just couldn’t make it work.

That was really an intriguing opportunity. If logistics had worked out, I would have done it.

DD: So, was Arvada West the first coaching job you pursued after ending your NFL career?

DL: I had applied for the Golden High School job the year before. Three days after they gave me the job, they said, “We’re going to bring a veteran head coach on.” I said, “Great. What’s he going to coach?” They said, “Well, he’s going to be the head coach.” I thought they were kidding, since they had already given me the job. But they weren’t. So, I didn’t coach that year.

Golden was 4A and Arvada West was 5A, a big program. Their head coach, Brian McGregor, had been there 27 years. It was almost June when he retired. The defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator and I were the only ones who applied because everyone else had filled other jobs earlier. My middle school coach, Jim Temple, encouraged me to apply, so I did. I don’t know how, but I wound up getting the job.

The offensive coordinator thought that my hire was a publicity stunt and that I would use that to move on to

a college job in a year. The defensive coordinator said, “Well, I’m not very happy, but I’m in this for kids, so Dave, if you want me to stay, I’ll stay.”

That was Jim Zajac. and he’s been with me ever since. Salt of the earth, a great coach and great with kids.

DD: Did you ever think about coaching in college?

DL: I was offered the University of Northern Colorado head job in 2011. Dick Monfort called and asked me if I’d just go up there and talk to them. So, I went. I didn’t realize it was going to be an interview committee. When I walked in the room, there was this horseshoe table with about 12 people sitting around it. We talked, and they offered me the job later that day.

It was intriguing, but if I had done that, I would have had to give up everything. We would have had to move to Greeley. I would have had to give up the Broncos. I was prepared to do that. From a selfish standpoint, I would have loved it for the challenge it presented. But it made zero sense for my family. And from a financial standpoint, it would not have been the smartest thing to do.

DD: What about the NFL?

DL: Coach Shanahan offered me a job coaching receivers, back in 2000. I gave that a long, hard look. I was really honored that he would even consider me. I would have loved it, from a challenge standpoint. And the hours didn’t bother me at all. But from a family standpoint, it just didn’t work.

DD: What were the logistics to coach this last state championship game in Fort Collins when the Broncos were playing in Texas the next day?

DL: I don’t talk too much about it, because then it becomes way too much about me. I signed on to do it. Both are my jobs. There have been two or three that were close, that you wouldn’t want to travel that way if you didn’t have to. Jack and Mary are good friends who absolutely rescued me last year.

But I made it, and that’s all that matters.

NEXT WEEK: Looking ahead

INTERESTINGPEOPLE PATCHES CASKEY

Patches Caskey is next on my interesting people interview roster. Patches and I are former neighbors at Glenmoor where we both served on the homeowner’s board for many years. We have each traveled to Tijuana with Greenwood Community Church to build homes, seeing what an impact we can make in the life of a young local family.

Patches was born Ann, with a scratch on her cheek from a forceps delivery. She once scratched it to the point that it bled. The nurse applied a bandaid and asked if she could nickname Ann “Patches” and the name stuck! And a great fit as she is much more a “Patches” than an “Ann”!

Let’s learn about your roots. Share a bit about where you grew up and your journey to Denver?

That may fill the whole article! My husband Sam and I both grew up in a small Texas refinery town in the 1940s-1950s-a magical time.

Tripoli, Libya: The feel for adventure took us to Tripoli when we were 25 years old and with an 18-month-old (later adding a daughter to the family). There were picnics at Sabratha and Leptis Magna, Roman ruins-with no guards and very few tourists. We didn’t realize how neat that was until now. We enjoyed the beautiful Mediterranean again with no tourists. Our neighborhood was just 200 yards from the beach. We lived in Tripoli six years and fortunately, we left two weeks before Gaddafi’s coup.

Morristown, New Jersey: Our second foreign assignment

for Texans was New Jersey (which we loved).

Caracas, Venezuela: Then on to Caracas-quite a change in weather! Restaurants there were fabulous, the local arepas with cheese inside we still can’t duplicate, our kids became fluent in Spanish playing with the neighbor kids, another beautiful home overlooking the valley of Caracas. Notice I didn’t mention that Sam and I became fluent in Spanish.

Westport, Connecticut: Back to USA…. Have you figured out that Sam worked for Exxon International?

Copenhagen, Denmark: Magical Copenhagen was the next home, seriously right on the sound across from Swe-

den-watched neighbors jump in the icy water in the winter, nude beach within eyesight (not appropriate for kids). With each overseas assignment our children’s schools had American teachers and curriculum that readied them when returning to public schools in the USA.

Cairo, Egypt: After a few years on to Cairo-adventure for me

several times a week (what a hard life!). The University of Chicago located in Cairo offered courses with tours of artifacts being unearthed in the middle of the desert, documented, and then resealed for lack of recourses available to display them. Went into a mastaba (buried tomb) that had just been unearthed, afterwards wondering if that was a wise idea! The University of Chicago also offered a course in hieroglyphics which we expats seriously studied only to realize that the Egyptologists had differing interpretations of the figures. Now you see why Cairo was my favorite!!!

Mendham, New Jersey: Back to the Good Old USA and New Jersey.

Denver, Colorado: When Sam decided to retire naturally, we headed to Denver to be with our first grandson. Oh yes, our two children had settled here a few years before and now we too have called Denver home for the last 30 years.

and work for Sam. By now our daughter is off to Colorado State University and we are empty nesters. I had a 3-yearold stallion boarded near the Pyramids, rode through the desert from one set of pyramids to another set of pyramids

Through all our moves, we have made many lasting friendships.

Denver is known for its unique charm and diverse offerings. What specific elements of life here do you find most enchanting and why?

We love the casual lifestyle, all types of sports available, and the weather! As they say-if you don’t like it, wait 30 minutes!

As a resident deeply connected to Colorado, what do you perceive as the most significant challenge currently facing our state?

To me the challenge is the growing population and plans for I-70 and I-25. Of course, always safety in our schools and our streets.

Reflecting on your personal journey, could you share a pivotal moment that left a lasting impression on you?

The church I belong to sponsors trips through Youths with a Mission to build houses for the less fortunate in Tijuana. (I’ve been 7 times and can’t wait to go again.) In 2 days, you help build a safe, secure home for a family that has been living in a cardboard /tin lean-to with a dirt floor. You see a future for their children as they have electricity to study by and a safe place to sleep (as we would say “a roof over their head!”)

Family bonds often bring us immense pride. Would you be willing to share a cherished moment or achievement involving your family that holds a special place in your heart?

Just this past weekend the whole family, adults, grandchildren, and great grandchildren rented a huge house in Breckenridge to enjoy being together, some snowboarding, some playing pool, enjoying the hot tub, and lots of action in the kitchen. It was everything we had planned it to be. Perfect 5 days together.

Beyond the demands of daily life, what activities or hobbies bring you the greatest joy and fulfillment in your free time?

Playing golf with my lady friends and then having lunch. Even when the ball doesn’t go where I think it should, it is fun to be out on a beautiful day with friends.

Denver is a culinary melting pot. Could you recommend one or two local restaurants that hold a special place in your heart?

At our stage in life, keep it simple. A good steak purchased at Tony’s and grilled just right makes us happy.

As we conclude, could you share with us a favorite quote or mantra that serves as a guiding light in your life or encapsulates your outlook on the world?

My thought is “Go with the flow!” If you can’t change it, adjust!

IN THE EYES OF BRIAN Bio Retinal specialist, writer, Greenwood Village resident email: joonbug@mac.com

Sam and Patches volunteering at the US Senior Open at the Broadmoor

Patches on her horse stabled near the Pyramids of Egypt

Patches at a Glenmoor Ladies golf event

Patches and her homebuilding team in Tijuana.

Patches and her daughter Leigh

15 Colorado Authors featured at AuthorU’s Spring event

AuthorU is pleased to announce this year’s Spring Author Tea event will feature 14 Colorado authors: Mara Purl-women’s fiction; Katherine Burlake-suspense; Brian Barnes-historical fiction, Judith Briles-historical fiction, memoir, writing; Louis Sauvain-fantasy; Natli VanDerWerken-YA; Joseph Caldara-middle school; Richard Rieman-children’s; Linda Rae Schaal-children’s and inspirational; Roxanne Burkey-tech thrillers; Kathleen Fanagan-new age/ spirituality; Doug Krug-business/ leadership; Linnea Tanner-fantasy historical; and John Maling-children’s/poetry. Colorado artist Linda Gruenwald supports handwritten notes and will have her personalized notecards featured as well. Each of the authors’ books will be available for sale and for signing throughout the afternoon.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 1 to 4 pm in the private home of organizer Judith Briles located in southeast Aurora. “This is the 8th year that AuthorU has produced its annual tea,” said Judith Briles who organizes the event. “I’m thrilled that many Colorado authors will be part of this year’s benefit and that we continue to support the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame with it.”

The event also includes a typical “high tea” food spread, tea and a delicious punch. And it’s free to those who are registered.

RSVP by REGISTER here: https://bit.ly/AuthorsSpringTea For more information, call 720767-2255

GREENWOOD VILLAGE FIT BODY BOOT CAMP RIBBON CUTTING

APRIL 18, 5:00 p.m. in conjunction with South Metro Chamber. Located at 7475 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial. Discounts on enrollment and monthly rates. RSVP: 303-775-1225.

CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING.

APRIL 18, 4-6 p.m., Morning Story, 4930 S. Yosemite, Suite D1C-Greenwood Village. $20 per attendee. Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres and cash bar. Election of officers, nominating committee members and Funds Allocation Committee Members for 2024-2025. RSVP: Laura Shipmen (4lshipman@gmail.com) or Barb Reese (barbarasreece@aol.com

CHERRY CREEK REPUBLICAN WOMEN LUNCHEON MEETING

APRIL 19, 11:00 a.m. Social Time, 11:30 a.m. meeting. Doubletree by Hilton, DTC - 7801 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. RSVP by April 4 at www.cherrycreekrepublicanwomen. org Cost $36. Speakers: Aurora City Council members, Danielle Jurinsky, Steve Sundberg, Stephanie Hancock.

FRIENDS OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

APRIL 20 11 a.m. at Cherry Hills Country Club. FON to award $113,000 to nursing students. Rick Crandall will be the Master of Ceremonies. Tickets: 720-891-3412.

E-RECYCLING EVENT SCHEDULED FOR CENTENNIAL RESIDENTS

APRIL 20, 8-11:00 a.m. Centennial Civic Center. Bring non-perishable food items, pet food or $5.00 minimum monetary donation benefiting Nourish Meals on Wheels in memory of Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon. Centennial Rotary Club also collecting lithium-ion batteries.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY WATER SUPPLY STUDY OPEN HOUSES

APRIL 24, 5-7 p.m. at Smoky Hill Library at 5730 S. Biscay Circle, Centennial. MAY 9 at the Kelver Library, 5855 Main St., Byers. Visit arapahoeco.gov/waterstudy

ANNUAL WAR MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN PRUNING WORKSHOP

APRIL 27, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free event. Bring a sharp pair of bypass primary shears, leather gloves and kneepads. BGrubb@ssprd.org 303-483-7014.

30TH MS COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT

APRIL 27, 2 p.m. For women age 60 plus. Event at Mizel Arts & Culture Center, Elaine Wolf

Theater, 350 S Dahlia St., Denver. Hosts: Ms Senior America 2019-2020 Esmeralda Ybarra

Hendrick; Ms Colo. Senior America 2008, Linda Holloway. Tickets at Mizel Arts & Culture Center Box Office. 303-316-6360. ColoSRAmerica.com

CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO

HOPE BALL

APRIL 27. Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. Contact barbarasreece@aol.com for tickets.

MUSEUM OF OUTDOOR ARTS LA

PRIMAVERA FESTIVAL

APRIL 28 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. Marjorie Park, 6331 S Fiddler’s Green Circle, Greenwood Village. Pancake brunch, live Celtic music, maypole dancing, basket making, yard games and more. Adult beverage bar. Will also premiere a latest permanent installation of local artist, Lonnie Hanson. Tickets at MOAONLINE .ORG

ARAPAHOE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE

Full payment is due by APRIL 30. Visit arapahoegov/treasurer

WHAT’S NEW?

Cherry Creek Republican Women memberships are due. Annual dues are $40 per year for regular members. Info: sstsruna@comcast. net or call 303-913-1394.

OBJECTIONS TO REAL PROPERTY CLASSIFICATIONS & VALUATIONS

Beginning MAY 1, 2024 and no later than JUNE 10, 2024. Assistance: County Assessor’s office at 303-795-4600.

THE BIG WONDERFUL 10TH ANNUAL DERBY PARTY

MAY 4, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Beerfest, Bluegrass, Bazaar. Free Entry! Tickets required for beeriest. Use Code Villager5 for $5 off Best Fest tickets. Visit Belleviewbeergarden.com

ARAPAHOE COUNTY WINE & CHALK ART FESTIVAL

4TH ANNUAL - MAY 18 & 19 at the Fairgrounds. Visit arapahoecountyeventcenter. com

GREATER ENGLEWOOD 35TH ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS BANQUET

MAY 16, 5-8:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Lakewood. Tickets available thru May 3- Lindsey@ myenglewoodchamber.org

25TH VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE

MAY 25, 10 a.m. - noon at Bethany Lutheran Church (4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills

Please call me if you have room to board my trail riding horse. She can stay in a stall, paddock, and or pasture. Former Cherry Hills resident.

303-880-6222

PET & BABY SITTING

In your home. Pets $85/day; Child $20/hr. Exc. Ref. Eileen Murphy

303-704-8638

emm30000@gmail.com

Village. Honor servicemen and women who gave their lives in service and those that lost a battle with post-traumatic stress at home. View images and biographies of Colo. fallen heroes; show support for Gold Star families, military officers and Veterans in attendance. Free event.

MENTAL HEALTH OF COLO.

UNMASKED

JUNE 8, 6 p.m. at Haven in the Pines, 463 E. Happy Canyon Rd., Castle Rock. Theme “Unmasking Discrimination.” Cocktail attire, heavy Hors d’oeuvres. Tickets 720-208-2220.

SOUTH METRO CHAMBER GOLF

TOURNAMENT

JUNE 10 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at Meridian Golf Club. 8:00 a.m. Shotgun start. Four player scramble followed by an awards reception. Light breakfast, BBQ lunch, hors d’oeuvres during the awards ceremony. RSVP: jKeener@bestchamber. com or call 303-795-0142.

BOYS HOPE GIRLS

HOPE COLORADO

HOSTS 22ND

ANNUAL HOPE

CHALLENGE GOLF

JUNE 10. Tournament to be held at Colorado Golf Club Preservation Trail in Parker. Four-person scramble. Breakfast, 18

holes of golf, drinks,Dinner. RSVP: 720-5242061.

NOW OPEN

LITTLE MAN ICE CREAM in Greenwood Village at Belleview & Yosemite. Now hiring!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BOYS STATE

JUNE 2-8 FOR HIGH SCHOOL

JUNIORS

Premier civic program in Sterling, CO. Applications: www.CoLegionBoysState.org

CLUBS: DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS

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

ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB

MEETINGS

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway, Englewood. Info: Gail 720-377-7682.

2024 Honda Ridgeline Trail truck is Mile High

The Denver Auto Show has come and gone, with good attendance, and many awards including Cherry Hills resident Ed Bozarth honored into the Auto Hall of Fame. Bud Wells fainted, suffered a fall at the show, and didn’t get to sell and autograph his book, ”2,600 Cars and a Dog Sled.” Bud has been a journalist for 67 years, editing newspapers and writing his car column every Saturday in The Denver Post. On top of that, he is just a great gentleman, along with his carmate riding shotgun, wife Jan. You can go on-line and order the book at budwellscars@comcast.net

The Auto Show featured many electric vehicles that are great to view, but have many challenges going forward with charging, et al.

The industry may be re-thinking the rush to electric automobiles. My choice by far… the gas/electric hybrids, the best of both worlds.

Arriving this week is another fantastic vehicle that is just top-drawer in the form of a Honda Ridgeline AWD / Trail Sport pickup. This gray truck is impressive with performance featuring a V6 engine producing 280 horsepower with a 9-speed transmission and paddle shifters. No need for turbo boosting with the

larger engine that averaged 20 mpg overall in fuel mileage. The engine has an automatic heavy duty transmission cooler for towing purposes.

A double-seated crew cab

can haul five passengers with a large truck bed perfect for freight or recreation equipment. The exterior is a “sonic gray” and the interior black

with leather trimmed seats heated and cooled. Underneath, the truck features 4-wheel independent suspension, best for trail drives. The truck has all the latest safety features rating a perfect fivestar overall safety score. The final assembly for the Ridgeline is in Lincoln, Alabama. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $44,500. A very competitive price in today’s truck market.

The drive is enjoyable, with electric power steering,

lane keeping assistance, along with cross traffic monitoring and forward collision mitigation braking, with a long list of additional safety features.

Honda has spared nothing on this Ridgeline with LED lighting, heated windshield, and outside mirrors, and 18” alloy wheels with terrain tires. This is not a goliath truck, but compact, powerful, and well-balanced with V6 power and three drive modes, mud, snow, and normal. It handles well and has a feeling of safety and performance. The ride is solid, the seats attractive, and a seven-speakers sound system.

There is nothing to not like about this Ridgeline truck. It’s TOPS.

By H. Throttle

10TH ANNUAL DERBY PARTY

MAY 4

BELLEVIEW BEER GARDEN & SURROUNDING STREETS 12PM - 6PM

BEERFEST - BLUEGRASS - BAZAAR

FREE ENTRY!

TICKETS REQUIRED FOR BEERFEST

USE CODE FOR $5 OFF BEER FEST TICKETS!

VILLAGER5

THEBIGWONDERFUL.COM

THE BEER GARDEN IS OFICIALLY OPEN!

VIST BELLEVIEWBEERGARDEN.COM FOR HOURS, WEEKLY HAPPENINGS & MORE!