7-6-23 Villager

I-70 Floyd Hill Project Director Kurt Kionka

Dickson, Ortiz and Kolker shared the good

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

On June 15, Greenwood Village and Centennial Rep. Ruby Dickson (D-37), Littleton and west Centennial Rep. David Ortiz (D-38), and Jefferson County and west Centennial Sen. Chris Kolker (D-16) drew 50 constituents to Littleton’s Bemis Library for a joint town hall, held live and by Zoom, to review the 2023 session of the general assembly.

Ortiz talked about the five gun safety bills passed in 2023 to 1) add categories of people who could ask that a judge determine if the state’s red flag law should be implemented; 2) make unserialized ghost guns illegal; 3) require gun purchasers to be at least 21 years old; 4) require a

three-day waiting period after the sale to get a firearm (primarily for suicide prevention); 5) remove the barrier to suing gun sellers and manufacturers for their malfeasance. He also touched on three bills related to reproductive rights, one that “protects healthcare patients and providers,” another that “prevents state employees from assisting an interstate investigation” (into women who come

to Colorado for reproductive health care because it isn’t legally available in their home state). Another bill Ortiz mentioned “limits deceptive practices by anti-abortion centers.”

The general assembly also strengthened the prescription drug affordability board, provided access to mental health screenings in school, and streamlined the hiring process for mental health profession-

bad of serving

lature this year, particularly SB23-213 Land Use, which was intended to increase available housing but failed under the weight of near universal opposition by mayors and city council members statewide, Ortiz turned over the presentation to Senator Kolker, who pointed out that, “Over 400 bills passed this year out of over 600 that were introduced.”

als, Ortiz told the crowd.

In the area of housing, “We protected renters by limiting security deposits and income requirements…provided $60 million of tax incentives for decarbonization, lessened the time and cost of solar installations, and expanded electric charging infrastructure,” he said. There are also new rules to enhance water conservation.

After listing some of the bills that failed in the legis-

Kolker said he was focused on education funding and pointed to HB23-1112 Earned Income and Child Tax Credits. He emphasized, “This bill does more for working families and the working poor than any other bill that we’ve passed because it gives them income tax credits…also child tax credits, increasing the ability of working families in this state to make a living.”

He also pointed to SB23-

HD37 Rep. Ruby Dickson HD38 Rep. David Ortiz SD16 Sen. Chris Kolker

I have a good friend in California who reads the New York Times and clips out stories sending them to me to digest. The articles are usually newspaper related about Pulitzer Prize winners, deaths of well-known newspaper figures. Recently I received two clippings about gambling since we publish The Weekly Register-Call in the gaming capital cities of Black Hawk and Central City.

BY BOB SWEENEY

into the World Series of Poker. Thousands of poker players show up in Las Vegas and play for millions of dollars to become the World Series of Poker Champion with prize money approaching $10 million for a first-place win, along with a coveted world champion bracelet.

features without the airfares and airport hassles.

Touring the Grand Z “Maverick” casino recently, I ran across a Central City friend who related, “I like to gamble, that’s why I chose to live here.” Many people like gaming; slot machines are the favorite choice followed by table games. Entertainment and excellent buffets and steak houses add to the gaming attraction.

Gambling is a proven skill, and especially Texas hold’em where players combine math odds, emotion, and guts, to play for large cash prizes. Poker has spread around the world faster than pickleball.

Late at night, tiring of political news, the Rockies losing again, Nuggets basking in glory as World Champions, and Bronco football not underway, I will tune

As you read this column after July 4th, know that the poker tables were busy over the July 4th week. So were pickleball courts. Gambling provides millions of dollars to state, city, and county projects. There is a reported 10,000 jobs related to state gaming.

I received two clippings, one about new Vegas rules on some casinos reducing the payout on a blackjack from 3:2 to 6:5. For example, if you wager $10 and hit a blackjack your return is $15. The new payout would pay $12. Local casinos are still paying 3:2 hopefully, most local gaming limits now match Vegas rules.

Las Vegas has always been a great tourist destination and with football, hockey, and probably baseball, sports and sports betting has become a huge industry. Colorado casinos can now provide many of the gaming

Gilpin County’s early day historic baseball teams played against Idaho Springs and Georgetown teams, often traveling by wagon and horseback to the Sunday events. Today, because of gaming revenue, Gilpin high school has one of the finest athletic fields in the state.

The second clipping really hit home because it was about the death of poker legend Doyle Brunson, a colorful Texas cowboy “hat” player, who rose to become the Iconic champion of American poker winning the World Series event in two successive years, 1976 and 1977. During his lengthy poker career, passing away a at age 89, he was still an active poker player winning over 10 World Series events. He is often quoted on TV saying that you, “Don’t get old playing poker, but you get old if you don’t play.” He was inducted into the “The World. Series Hall of Fame,” in 1988, with winnings of over $6 million dollars.

Doyle Frank Brunson was born Aug 10,1933 and grew up in Longworth, in north central Texas. He was a Sweetwater high school athlete and learned to play poker paying for

his college education, earning a master’s degree in education. Poker playing led him to meet and team up with Amarillo Slim, a major gaming celebrity who visited the Hyatt casino in Black Hawk in early Colorado gaming days.

Brunson was one of three dozen players invited to play in the inaugural World Series of Poker in 1976 at Binion’s Casino in Las Vegas, promoted by owner Benny Binion and Jimmy Snyder. He moved to Las Vegas in1973 and won $560,000 in his first tournament in 1976. The World Series is now the leading world poker event with million-dollar events worldwide.

In 1978 he authored his first book entitled, “How I Made Over $1,000,000 Playing Poker.” His books later named “Super Systems” are some of the top selling poker books today. As late as 2005, he won the Legends event, winning $1.2 million for his tenth World Series title.

He continued playing poker through 2022 until his recent death in Las Vegas May 14, 2023.

Just for the record, he proved that old guys can still be winners.

A Great itinerary to first time visitors to Hawaii

Many readers have traveled to Hawaii and are in no need of itinerary suggestions as they have their favorite islands, hotels, resorts and restaurants. But for those who have never traveled to Hawaii, here is an itinerary I put together as my travel companion was a first-time visitor to the Aloha State.

For those wondering if I lost interest in current events or politics, heck no!

For this newspaper column, I was asked to write about travel and more benign topics, which I have been doing over the past few months.

I am still a regular columnist at American Thinker, Rasmussen Reports, and on Substack at “Dr Brian’s Substack”, the latter of which offers a free subscription, so you receive all my opinion articles.

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NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com

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Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900

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Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

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Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

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lava field, barren and bleak, much like the surface of Mars. Interestingly NASA has a base on the island to test the Mars rover on the landscape.

BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH

Our Hawaiian adventure started with a nonstop flight from Denver to Honolulu, much better direct than a layover on the West coast with dodgy connections and delays.

We spent two nights in Waikiki, enjoying a variety of restaurants and lots of good shopping opportunities.

A trip to the Pearl Harbor Museum takes most of a day but is a must for a sobering US history lesson. Honolulu has traffic worse than Denver, so allow ample travel time around town.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Oahu, we then took a short flight to the Big Island, staying in one of the Kona resorts. The landscape is a giant

A drive across the island to Volcanos National Park took us from sea level over a 6500 ft pass, like driving from Denver to the mountains. The national park was beautiful with many smoldering volcanoes. A late lunch in Hilo then a drive through rainforest terrain, in sharp contrast to the rest of the island, back to our hotel and a dip in the pool.

Our third island was Kawai, again a short flight on Hawaiian Airlines. Kawaii is lush and green, and a good middle ground in busy-ness between Oahu and the Big Island. Highlights included a sunset dinner catamaran trip around the western coast to the north end of the island, seeing beautiful scenery.

The next day we took a helicopter tour over the island,

viewing otherwise inaccessible areas including waterfalls and valleys featured in the movie Jurassic Park. There are lots of helicopter companies to choose from.

Finally, a short flight back to Honolulu and another nonstop flight back to Denver. As flights home leave in the evening, nonstop is the best way, and better yet, fly business class through points or cash to catch some sleep before arriving in Denver at around 600 AM.

We skipped Maui, famous for beautiful resorts at Wailea, but to me that’s a trip better suited for a week of just Maui, rather than island hopping. On all islands the seafood is fresh and delicious, and the days are generally warm and sunny with a nice breeze.

For my travel buddy, she saw the highlights of Hawaii in 8 days and thought my itinerary was ideal for a first-time visitor to our 50th state. Mahalo!

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

Reverend Martin Niemoller

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

Member

2020

Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.

– Mark Twain

Sushi & Summer

Nathan Yip Foundation welcomes back the sun with celebration at AMG Dome

Board members, staff, guests and loyal supporters of Nathan Yip Foundation (NYF) enjoyed sushi and Jimmy’s famous rum cake for a fundraiser at the beautiful AMG Dome in Greenwood Village. In honor of their only child who died tragically in a car accident, Linda and Jimmy Yip founded NYF in 2002. Nathan wanted to make a difference in the world through education and his parents are passionate

about devoting their lives to that wish. Nathan Yip Foundation has been dedicated to providing funding and resources to K-12 rural schools in Colorado, China and other parts of the world. In 2016, the foundation shifted to focus on Colorado schools – transforming the lives of children in our state. NYF recently awarded $200,000. to 18 rural Colorado schools and districts to create and implement classroom projects that will have a positive impact on their students and classrooms. Grant applications are now available for next year. For further information about the foundation, its events and volunteer opportunities: www.nathanyipfoundation.org.

LEFT: NYF Board Member Priscilla Negreanu, Executive Director Jill Shenkel Henwood, 7NEWS Anchor Anne Trujillo who is the frequent NYF emcee and her hubby Board Member Emeritus Mike Kalush

RIGHT: Emeritus Board Members Stephanie and Kevin Tung Photos by Scottie Iverson

INSET: Volunteers donned chef’s aprons with embroidery

LEFT:

ABOVE: David and Sandra Lee with Nathan Yip Foundation Founders Linda and Jimmy Yip

Susan Cooper, Kami and Matt Guarino, Board Member Melly Kinnard, Board Member Dr. Larry Chan and wife Dr. Cynthia Chan

ABOVE: John Kenny, Rebecca Eller, Pat Branigan, Mieko Nakamura, Gayle Ray, Jim Horan

Jimmy Yip, Shiou Yun Wang, Linda Yip and Shiou’s son Englewood Presiding Municipal Judge Joe Jefferson

Hanna Tambunan and Katherine MacRossie

Heidi Ganahl shares governor’s race insight with Cherry Creek Republican Women

Successful businesswoman, entrepreneur, author, CU Regent Emeritus, non-profit founder, wife, mom of four and recent Colorado Republican candidate for governor Heidi Ganahl was keynote speaker at the last Cherry Creek Republican Women (CCRW) luncheon before summer break. She related much of what she experienced being a candidate for the important office of governor and what her party needs to do in the future.

Approximately 2.5 million voted in the governor’s race. Republicans had a 76% turn out. Democrats had a 73% turn out and the unaffiliated had a 60% turn out. “We can’t win with turn out in the 70s,” she said. (Translation: You have to buy a lottery ticket to win.) To share what she learned on the campaign trail throughout her beautiful state and the underbelly of Colorado politics, she has developed a podcast called UNLEASHED.

Cor2Cor features panel of experts on Alzheimer’s

Cor2Cor Business Alliance held its summer meeting at Ocean Prime in DTC. The focus was on Alzheimer’s awareness, hope and support with an expert panel presenting various perspectives and updates. Brianne Bettcher, PhD, ABPP-CN is a clinical researcher at University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Center. Jeff Bird is Colorado Executive Director & Region 4 Leader – Alzheimer’s Association. Susie Finley is Founder and Principal of Ascent Living Communities. Briony Catlow is Engineering & Computer Science Director at the University of Denver and also President, Colorado Coalition for Aging Research and Education (CoCARE). David Geras is Founder and CEO GoldLeaf HomeHealth. Moderator was Lisza Gulyas – Land Specialist/Real Estate Investments and Rotary Club of Denver President. In the audience was the revered Helen Ginsburg who founded the former support organization for

Alzheimer’s Association. In 1997, she started AWARE (Alzheimer’s Women’s Auxiliary for Research and Education). Among the many important takeaways: Alzheimer’s is the 7th leading cause of death. The disease doesn’t happen overnight, but over decades. With modifiable risk factors - It may be prevented or delayed. There are FDA approved therapeutics and Alzheimer’s has been cured in studies. Early multipronged intervention is necessary. What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. The key is staying physically and cognitively active. There are lots of resources. Alzheimer’s Association even offers support to caregivers.

Cherry Creek Republican Women (CCRW) Board Members surround keynote speaker Heidi Ganahl – Dorothy Gotlieb, Linda Stevens, Lisa Fertman, Andi Allott, Susan Struna, Heidi Ganahl, Evie Ashmore, Lynne Cottrell, Kathleen Turley and Carol Waller

Photos by Scottie Iverson

“64% of adults in Colorado are considered Christians. If they voted their values, we would win every election in Colorado!”Heidi Ganahl

President of Colorado Lincoln Club and Independence Institute’s Kathleen Chandler with her intern Anna Grace Holloway. Holloway, a student at University of Texas –Austin, is interning for the Local Government project at Independence Institute as well as Ken Buck’s Congressional Office.

Beth Sorrese, Heidi Ganahl and Arapahoe County Republican Party Chair Anne Rowland

Moderator Lisza Gulyas and expert panel members Brianne Bettcher, Jeff Bird, Briony Catlow, Susie Finley, David Geras

LEFT: Guests Ryan Marczewski, Maggie Palmer, Bill Palmer

RIGHT: Cor2Cor Board Member Holly McNamara, Steve Manhart Photos by Scottie Iverson

LEFT: Helen Ginsburg who founded AWARE, Cor2Cor’s Nepeta Godec and Amelia Schafer (formerly of Alzheimer’s Association)

Your

Never to return to the streets again

We rescue, socialize, and foster young kittens that can be adopted...

The good and bad of serving

Continued from page 3

056, signed by Gov. Polis on June 2, a bill he worked very hard on that put $15 million into PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) to help retirees. That money was due in 2020 but not paid because of the revenue shortage due to the pandemic.

Rep. Dickson talked about having “knocked on thousands of doors last year” when she was running for office and being told by voters in HD37 that their foremost concerns were reproductive freedom (and) the cost of inflation, transportation, fuel, and housing.” She explained, “The cost of housing translates to the issues with our homelessness crisis in metro Denver,” adding, “We’ve taken some steps but there’s definitely a lot more that I want to do to help those people, as well as to get people off our streets and make sure that we’re all happy living in the community we are living in here.”

Dickson pointed to a bill she sponsored, HB23-1255, “that says that local communities cannot just blanket say no to new housing…A community can no longer say, ‘we are full,’ no one else is allowed to move here…That’s so important (because) it completely strips property owners of any

way to build housing to help themselves, to build (accessory dwelling units), or to show their local government why (a project) would be really good for their community. More than that, it takes away the local control of all the people in surrounding communities who now are forced to deal with the overflow of the bedroom

environment because you are working with colleagues across the aisle that don’t believe that you deserve to be treated as a person. I’m going to call him out--Rep. (Scott) Bottoms (REl Paso County) and the vitriol that he brings to that chamber,” including, “hateful anti-trans rhetoric” that is “dangerous, especially in the face of the Club

not, we are asked to be better.”

He went on to describe a time when a Republican colleague “equated having a disability with choosing it, saying, ‘you choose to run with the bulls (serving in the U.S. Army), you have to deal with the consequences. A colleague came down to defend me and said it was akin to the racist comments that come from them.”

Then, Ortiz said, another

in their districts…We’ve seen a rise in domestic terrorism in this country because of those views. It is difficult for me because we have to serve with individuals like that, but they are not all like that. There are conservatives that have good ideas. I wish they would keep it about low taxes and small government and quit trying to take away the rights of our LGBTQ community, of women, and stop spewing hateful rhetoric that is inspiring domestic terrorist attacks.”

community (that is) saying, ‘no more housing.’”

As the town hall wound down, Ortiz recounted some difficult personal moments that he shared with his audience. Comparing the general assembly to his service in the U.S. Army, where a helicopter crash in Afghanistan left him wheelchair-bound, he said, “Working under the dome (at the state capital) is a difficult

Q shooting.”

Ortiz continued, describing his experience in the 2023 legislative session, when he said there were members “allowed to come to the well and spew their hate,” while, “We’re supposed to be the ones to respect the dignity of that institution and of all Coloradans that put us there whether they voted for us or not--whether they espouse those same hateful views or

Republican explained it as, “She just simply spoke the truth (that Ortiz chose to serve, therefore should accept that he took the risk that he would spend his life in a wheelchair) and it was too much. A recess had to be called.”

Ortiz spoke his truth. “We are dealing (in the legislature) with individuals that espouse racist, bigoted, hateful rhetoric, and are elected because of this

Rep. Dickson, elected seven months ago, said, “All of the moderate and purple districts in Colorado are represented by Democrats…We have a 71% majority in the House…The only Republicans in the House are from districts that reward being an extremist, which means that we go to work every day in a building where a large portion of our colleagues have publicly made threats to our safety and publicly posted on social media about wanting a new Civil War. They have called us Nazis; they have demonstrated multiple times that they are carrying concealed firearms in the legislature in unsafe manners, manners that mean that the firearm will just sort of fall out of their pocket and go off or will be easily stolen. Both of those things have happened (creating) an unsafe working environment.”

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Constituents listened to their elected officials carefully.

Photo by Freda Miklin

CDOT’s I-70 Floyd Hill project gets ready to roll this month

By Don Ireland Senior Reporter

CDOT’s proposed I-70 widening project at Floyd Hill will get underway within the next few weeks. The groundbreaking for the fiveyear, $700 million expansion project was held last week at a press conference along the site in Clear Creek County.

The renovation for the Floyd Hill area – where traffic jams are a frequent occurrence – has been discussed for years by the state. CDOT said about 70,000 vehicles travel I-70 on Floyd Hill during most weekdays. However, during peak skiing and summer tourism weekends, it’s not uncommon for vehicles traveling westbound or east to become entangled in hours-long traffic jams.

“The I-70 Mountain Corridor, particularly at Floyd Hill, is the gateway to Colorado’s mountains and a critical economic and tourism route,” said CDOT I-70 Floyd Hill Project Director Kurt Kionka in a statement. “Increasing traffic volumes, tight curves and steep grades — which are often exacerbated by weather — require a project that will improve travel time reliability and safety. By eliminating the bottleneck at Floyd Hill, the project will significantly ease congestion and decrease the number and severity of crashes.”

Kionka said Kraemer North America, the contractor for the project, expects to keep the existing lanes open as much as possible. The project’s first phase will include rock scaling and blasting on the four-mile stretch between County Road 65 and the bottom of Floyd Hill. According to CDOT, motorists should expect daytime 20-minute delay of traffic in both directions on I-70 starting in late July or early August. Crews will perform rock blasting and scaling for 20 minutes and then reopen the roadway, but motorists can anticipate up to 45 minutes of delays. Blasting is expected to occur two times per week through early 2024.

Travel lanes will be maintained in each direction of I-70 during peak travel hours,

but overnight lane closures on I-70 will happen semi-regularly. CDOT said lane closure hours would vary based on season, day of the week, the number of lanes closed, and the travel direction. There will also be reduced lane and shoulder widths, and drivers should expect reduced speed limits and increased truck traffic going in and out of the work zones. Motorists can also expect minor impacts to the westbound I-70 offramp to Homestead Road and periodic daytime flagging on U.S. 40.

In recent years, many motorists have used phone apps to navigate around the I-70 traffic -avoiding the stretch of the highway between Evergreen and the bottom of Floyd Hill. Some drivers take Highway 6 (Clear Creek Canyon) from Golden to the bottom of Floyd Hill. However, using that alternative route has resulted in traffic jams on that two-lane road that is the primary bus and vehicle route for those visiting Black Hawk’s casinos and attractions. Exit 244, listed as a Black Hawk exit two-thirds of the way down Floyd Hill on westbound I-70, is another possible way to reach the gaming city, although lengthy weekend traffic jams typically make the exit used less.

Central City leaders have expressed concern about the central section of the project, slated to include Exit 243 of I-70, the entrance to the eight-mile-long Central City Parkway. The parkway is the primary thoroughfare that brings most summer visitors to the city’s summer festivals, including the Central City Opera performances, and patrons to the six casinos in town. Some Central City visitors also opt to use Highways 6 and 119 to through Black Hawk as an alternative route, although sections of Highway 6 also will be closed for construction (see related story).

Revised plans, dates

Several different construction plans have been proposed for the Floyd Hill project in recent years. However, during an informational meeting with the

Clear Creek Rotary Club last week, CDOT representatives said the project will occur in three phases.

The east section of the project includes I-70 from near Evergreen to the upper section of Floyd Hill. Traffic roundabouts will replace traditional intersections at Exit 248 (Beaver Brook/Floyd Hill) and Exit 247 (Hyland Hills/Beaver Brook) east of Floyd Hill. CDOT said construction of the east section will begin this month and run through 2026.

The west section will begin west of Exit 243 (Central City Parkway/Hidden Valley exit) and continue toward the Memorial Tunnels east of Idaho Springs. Work will begin in fall 2023 and last until fall 2027, according to CDOT.

The central section, which includes the frequentlybottlenecked portion of Floyd Hill and Exits 244 (Black Hawk/Highway 6 east toward Golden) and 243, will include work beginning next spring. It is expected to conclude by the end of 2028. CDOT plans to have its contractor, Kraemer North America, build two additional westbound lanes above the existing ones. The overhead lanes will be tolled lanes that will transport traffic around the bottom of the existing bend at the bottom of Floyd Hill (see illustration).

The new lanes will begin just west of Homestead Road (Exit 247)and extend through the Veterans Memorial Tunnels to Exit 241 in Idaho Springs.

Traffic improvements

According to CDOT, the following will occur:

•Construction of a missing, two-mile section of the frontage road between U.S. 6 and the Hidden Valley/Central City Parkway interchanges will improve emergency response.

•Build an extended onramp from U.S. 6 onto eastbound I-70 for slowmoving vehicles to have more room to merge.

• Improve traffic flow and access at interchanges and intersections.

• Improve sight distance and safety by straightening roadway curves.

• Improve the Clear Creek Greenway trail.

• Implement environmental mitigation to enhance wildlife connectivity, air and water quality, stream conditions and recreation.

•Install two permanent air quality monitors.

Traffic warnings

During the multiple years of construction, CDOT said motorists can expect:

• Occasional daytime traffic holds during rock blasting and rock scaling operations.

• Overnight lane closures.

•Temporary lane shifts.

•Periodic, temporary onand off-ramp closures.

• Periodic, overnight detours in the I-70/U.S. 6 interchange and shortterm closures of I-70 for safety-critical work.

•Occasional daytime 20-minute traffic holds for rock scaling and rock blasting (delays of 45 minutes are anticipated).

•Temporary closures of the Clear Creek Greenway trail.

• Efforts to keep I-70 moving during construction include keeping all lanes and ramps open during peak traffic hours, ensuring lane closures are responsive to current traffic patterns, and innovating complex work above the roadway so it doesn’t impede traffic. New roadway sections will be built adjacent to current lanes to keep traffic moving.

CDOT said motorists can get updates on when blasting activities are planned by signing up for text alerts. Text floydhill to 21000 to receive alerts.

Aerial view of I-70 on Floyd Hill during a regular weekday afternoon.

Drone photo by Don Ireland

CDOT sketch of the three sections of the I-70 expansion project from Evergreen to Idaho Springs.

Architect’s sketch of how new, overhead toll lanes will help alleviate some of the Floyd Hill bottleneck. Floyd Hill is at the left side of the sketch while I-70 near the Central City Parkway is to the right. Courtesy of CDOT

SMDC Economic Development Group new building Trades unit hears about development in Centennial

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

On June 19, over 60 business members of South Metro Denver Chamber attended the Economic Development Group’s new Engineering-Architecture-Construction-Trades unit’s first monthly meeting at the new Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant at 7340 S. Clinton Street in DTC.

On hand to network and hear Centennial City Council Member Christine Sweetland’s presentation on important building projects around her city were businesspeople from virtually every industry, including real estate agents, architects, lawyers, engineers, general and electrical contractors, bankers, staffing consultants, representatives from flooring, equipment rental, pest control, telecommunications, roofing, signs, window cleaning, office furniture and supplies, and payroll services businesses. An executive from Comedy Works at The Landmark even showed up.

Council Member Sweetland, who is an independent appraiser in her day job, told the group that Centennial had recently moved its building department in-house. From the time Centennial was incorporated as a city in 2000 until this change, Jacobs Engineering performed that function as an outside contractor.

The District

The District, owned by Brue Baukol Capital Partners, is a “multi-family, multi-use, 36-acre transit-oriented development” next to the Dry Creek Light Rail Station in Centennial. Sweetland told the group it will have “1,800 residential

housing units, 2.5 million square feet of office space, a 200-room hotel, and over 30,000 square feet of retail,” along with, “a public space and a recreation center with a two-acre roof where lettuce and microgreens will be grown…

It will be a placemaking space that will be walkable and bikeable, in addition to having close access to light rail. It may even become Centennial’s ad hoc downtown. Since it’s right next to I-25, we can build vertically without it being a problem for neighbors,” she said. For more information, go to http://www. thedistrictcentennial.com.

Westray

Westray is a new, three-building complex currently under construction at 6363 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, the corner of Caley and Greenwood Plaza in Centennial. It is in the Arapahoe Urban Center Sub-Area, “which encourages the development of mixed use, urban, walkable, transit-oriented development,” near Fiddlers Green amphitheater.

Originally approved in 2010 as two office buildings and one lower-rise multi-family building, Sweetland explained, the developer recently requested and won approval to

The district The district

Centennial City Council Member Christine Sweetland is running for re-election this November. Photo by Freda Miklin

Rendering of The District from BrueBaukol Capital Partners.

Rendering of The District from the City of Centennial.

First meeting of the Engineering-Architecture-Construction-Trades Group of SMDC drew a full house to Rodizio’s Grill in DTC.

Photo by Freda Miklin

Streets of SouthGlenn

change one of the office buildings to multi-family. Schnitzer West, in their presentation requesting the change, said the purpose was to, “activate the overall development with an additional 24/7 component, providing more vibrancy to the area and more viability to retail along Greenwood Plaza Boulevard.”

Sweetland continued, “It will also be mixed-use with retail. It will be very walkable. The garage will be under and around the building, so you won’t see it. The garage space will be shared between the commercial building and the residential. Also, this will be a Business Improvement District, something that is new for us in Centennial.”

Streets of SouthGlenn

Streets of SouthGlenn (SOS) originally built in 1974 as an indoor mall, was redeveloped in 2006 “to an open walking-space mall, approved for 350 residential units and 909,000 square feet of retail. Alberta Development Partners owned everything except the Sears building (on the south end),” Sweetland said, explaining that when both Sears (in 2018) and Macy’s (in 2021) quit business at SOS, residents in

the area attended multiple public input meetings about what would be built in their place. In 2020, when it was known that Macy’s would leave, Centennial approved 1,100 new residential units on both ends of SOS combined, in addition to the 300 that were already there. The city reduced the approved retail space to 621,000 square feet, but, Sweetland said, “We still want placemaking. There are lots of parks.” The developers hope to build condos and townhomes in addition to apartments and, she added, “It’s our understanding that the Macy’s property financing is in place and ready to go.”

AUC-4

AUC-4 (Arapahoe Urban District 4), located at the southwest corner of Arapahoe Road and I-25, is a 40-acre area. After studying it in 2007, Centennial hoped to see it “transformed into an economically vibrant, pedestrian-oriented, cohesive mixed-use environment.” When that plan did not materialize organically, in 2019, Centennial developed a City-Initiated Regulating Plan, including overlay zoning, and began to focus on distributing aid to local businesses to reflect its vision for redevelopment

Streets of SouthGlenn auc-4

of the area as a walkable, mixed-use community with a parkway-type street.

“Since it is next to the highway, it is an appropriate place to build “up” (taller buildings),” Sweetland explained. No developer has yet acted on the city’s plan, likely because the area contains 23 sepa-

rate property owners, but, Sweetland shared, “We, as a city, really want to help (a developer/s) make this an amazing spot. We are looking for someone to partner with us and make it happen.”

After listening to Sweetland’s presentation, attendees spent the next hour

networking and sampling Rodizio Grill’s delicious offerings. The group plans to hold its meetings there regularly. For more information, contact Lori Gerlits at SMDC. Her email is legerlits@bestchamber. com.

fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

Renderings of new residential construction coming to the Streets of SouthGlenn

Map of AUC4, the location of Centennial’s vision for a planned mixed-use area that it is seeking someone to develop.

Best meal delivery services for seniors who don’t cook

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good healthy meal delivery options for seniors who don’t cook or get out much? My 80-year-old father, who lives alone, has a terrible diet and I worry about his health.

Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned,

There are actually a wide variety healthy meal delivery options that can help non-cooking seniors who live at home. Here are several top options to check into.

Community-Based Programs

A good place to start, is to find out if there’s a senior home delivery meal program in your

dad’s area. Meals on Wheels is the largest program that most people are familiar with, but many communities offer senior meal delivery programs sponsored by other organizations that go by different names.

To find services available in your dad’s area, visit MealsOnWheelsAmerica.org, which offers a comprehensive directory on their website, or call the area aging agency near your dad. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 to get the local number.

Most home delivered meal programs across the U.S. deliver hot meals daily or several times a week, usually around the lunch

PRESERVE PARKWAY

hour, to seniors over age 60 who have problems preparing meals for themselves, as well as those with disabilities. Weekend meals, usually frozen, may also be available, along with special diets (diabetic, lowsodium, kosher, etc.).

Most of these programs typically charge a small fee (usually between $2 and $9 per meal) or request a donation, while some may be free to low-income seniors who qualify for Medicaid. There are also some Medicare Advantage plans that cover limited meal service benefits.

Meal Delivery Service Companies

Another great option for your dad is to order him some pre-made meals online from a

meal delivery service company. These companies provide a wide variety of tasty meal choices and will usually post the nutrition information for their meals right on their website.

Most companies will also cater to a host of dietary and medical needs, such as low-sodium and low-carb meals, diabetic meals, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options. Plus, the ordering process is very easy.

Depending on the company you choose, the food arrives either fresh or frozen and most deliver all across the U.S. Prices generally start at around $8 to $13 per meal, plus shipping, however many companies provide discounts or free shipping when you order meals in bulk. And most companies work with Medicaid and some Medicare Advantage plans to help reduce costs.

Some of the best meal delivery companies for older adults, as rated by Verywell Health for 2023 include:

• Best Variety: Magic Kitchen (magickitchen.com)

• Best Value: Mom’s Meals (momsmeals.com)

What is the status of those firms today?

Have you personally been involved in any arbitration cases?

What happened?

How long has your firm been in business? How may arbitration awards have been filed against your firm?

What is your investment philosophy?

BY DONALD PETERSON

Dear Readers, What should you ask of the people who sell investments or provide investment advice?

Financial professionals who sell variable annuities have a duty to advise you as to whether the product they are trying to sell is suitable to your particular investment needs. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, and write down their answers, so there won’t be any confusion later as to what they said.

Tip: Check the background of your financial professional. You can verify your broker’s disciplinary history by checking the Central Registration Depository (CRD) either through the Colorado Division of Securities, or the Financial Industry Regulation Authority (FINRA).

Describe your typical client. Can you provide me with some names and telephone numbers of your long-term clients, based on their permission?

How do you get paid? By commission? Amount of assets you manage? Do I have any choices on how to pay you?

Do you make more if I buy this annuity (or stock, or bond, or mutual fund) rather than another? If you weren’t making extra money, would your recommendation be the same?

Are you participating in a sales contest? Is this purchase really in my best interest, or are you trying to win a prize?

You’ve told me what it costs me to buy this stock (or bond, or mutual fund); how much will I receive if I sell it today?

If your financial professional changes firms, ask if he or she was paid to change firms. Do you get anything for bringing me along?

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

• Best for Nutrition

Consultation: BistroMD (bistromd.com)

• Best Plant-Based Meals: Mosaic (mosaicfoods.com)

• Best Gluten-Free: ModifyHealth (modifyhealth. com)

• Best Chef-Prepared: CookUnity (cookunity.com)

• Best for Customization: Snap Kitchen (snapkitchen.com) For more information on this list and their testing methodology, visit VerywellHealth.com and search “Best Meal Delivery Services for Seniors.”

Grocery Stores and Restaurants

Depending on where your dad lives, he may also be able to get home delivered meals from local grocery stores or restaurants. Some grocery stores offer a selection of pre-cooked meals and foods, including roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh soups and salads. Contact the grocery stores in your dad’s area to inquire about this option. Or check with some of his favorite

right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package:

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney;

2. General Financial Power of Attorney;

3. Advanced Directive for Medical/ Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and

4. Will (or a Will with a Trust).

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

THIS DICK TANNER DESIGNED EXECUTIVE HOME IS A SYMPHONY OF STYLE, QUALITY, VOLUME, AND LIVABILITY. ITS UNIQUE FLOORPLAN INCLUDES TWO STUDIES AND A LUXURIOUS GUEST BEDROOM ON THE MAIN FLOOR. WITH ITS SPACIOUS ROOMS, EXQUISITE FIREPLACES, AND EVERY IMAGINABLE AMENITY, IT IS TRULY IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN!! FROM ITS PERCH OVERLOOKING THE VERDANT PRESERVE, A NATURE PRESERVE IN PRESTIGIOUS GREENWOOD VILLAGE, ITS OVER 10,000 PLUS SQUARE FEET OF SPACE, INCLUDING ITS WALKOUT LEVEL, OFFERS AMENITIES AND PRIVACY THAT ARE RARE, EVEN IN THIS UPSCALE COMMUNITY. WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST FENCED YARDS, THE OWNERS HAVE CREATED A VIRTUAL PRIVATE OASIS ON THIS HEAVILY TREED 3/4-ACRE SITE. WITH FIRE PITS AND OUTDOOR KITCHENS ON THE MAIN AND LOWER LEVELS AN EXQUISITE WATERFALL, A POOL AND HOT TUB ONE STILL HAS THE USE OF THE OLYMPIC SIZED POOL, TENNIS COURTS AND WALKING TRAILS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY PRESERVE COMMUNITY. WITH 2 STAIRCASES TO ALL LEVELS, DRAMATIC VOLUMINOUS ROOMS WITH EVERY AMENITY IMAGINABLE, BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORS A FABULOUS STATE OF THE ART GOURMET KITCHEN, A WINE CELLAR, EXERCISE ROOM, EXTENSIVE STORAGE AND AN INTEGRATED THEATRE ROOM... WHY LEAVE HOME?

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You can also find out about investment advisers and whether they are properly registered by reading their registrations forms, called the “Form ADV”. You can review an adviser’s most recent Form ADV online by visiting the Security Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) website.

Are you registered with our state securities regulator? Have you ever been disciplined by the SEC, a state regulator, or other organization (such as FINRA or one of the stock exchanges)?

What training and experience do you have? How long have you been in the business? What other firms have you been registered with?

Many of my clients have asked what are the critical documents needed, particularly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply being married does not give you the legal

Selected information in this column has been taken with permission by Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc., from the Colorado Senior Law Handbook, 2020 Edition (Chapter 17: Annuities, Rebecca L. Franciscus, Esq.), which is a copyrighted publication and may be accessed and downloaded for free at: www.cobar.org/For-the-Public/ Senior-Law-Handbook.

4701

Heard but not seen: my All-Star memory

Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, which will be played for the 93rd time next Tuesday, has produced its share of great memories since Babe Ruth fittingly hit the Midsummer Classic’s first home run in the 1933 inaugural.

Among them:

• Carl Hubbell striking out Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx, Simmons and Cronin—all future Hall of Famers—in a row in 1934 . . .

• Ted Williams, who would finish the season with a .406 batting average— the last player to hit .400 in either league—upstaging Joe DiMaggio, who was 48 games into his record 56-game hitting streak, with a game-winning three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning in 1941 . . .

• Jackie, Doby, Campy and Newk all playing in the All-Star Game the year after Robinson broke Baseball’s color barrier

• Tony Perez homering in the 15th inning at Anaheim Stadium to win the longest All-Star Game ever played, 2-1, in 1967

Ironman Cal Ripken, who had surpassed Lou Gehrig’s seemingly unapproachable record of 2,130 consecutive games played almost six years earlier, en route to 2,632, homering in his final All-Star appearance in 2001

• And Fred Lynn hitting the only Grand Slam in the Game’s history in 1983, and Ichiro legging out the only inside-the-park round-tripper 24 years later.

Maybe this year’s renewal will add to the list. But if so, whatever happens won’t top the historic finish in 1970.

At least, not for me.

That’s when Pete Rose ran over catcher Ray Fosse to score the winning run in the bottom of the 12th, and I covered it.

That is, COVERED BUT DID NOT SEE the most controversial play in AllStar history.

And that’s my great memory.

Back then, the “stars” still competed fiercely in the mid-season exhibition, as the ending suggests.

President Richard Nixon threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Riverfront Stadium, and, avid baseball

fan that he was, stayed to watch—rather than slipping out after a couple innings, as most dignitaries do in that situation.

Thus, the Secret Service shut down the Press Box elevator after the top of the seventh, until Nixon left.

Those reporters who needed to go to either locker room following the game’s last out were told they’d have to go down by the middle of the seventh instead.

The American League, which had lost to the National seven years in a row, took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

It was looking like the AL locker room would be a jubilant scene.

We had been assured we’d be able to see the rest of the game on TVs in a makeshift Press Room. But when the group that included yours truly got off the elevator as the NL batted in the bottom of that inning, we were greeted with an alarming surprise.

That “Press Room” in the bowels of Cincinnati’s brand-new stadium—an area defined only by large hanging tarps—had several large TVs on high stands, as promised. But because of a glitch, they were blank! We had only audio.

Trailing 4-1 in the bottom of the ninth, the NL rallied for three runs and the game went into extra innings.

Nixon stayed, so we were

stuck—hearing the call of Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek and Mickey Mantle but not seeing the action they were describing.

And that’s where I was when Rose crashed into Fosse.

The happy AL locker room everyone expected was instead a surly place. No member of the losing team liked the way Rose ended the game (a debate that rages still today).

I tried to interview Frank Robinson, who was starring for the Reds when Rose was a rookie. I figured the ex-teammate’s reaction would make a good local angle.

But after receiving only grunts in response to several questions, I decided to point-blank ask him if he thought the way Rose scored was a dirty play.

As the notoriously intense competitor sat on a bench and untied his spikes, he looked up at me and said:

“You saw the play. What do you think?”

I didn’t think I could admit that I hadn’t seen the play, so I replied, “Nobody cares what I think, Frank. They want to know what you think.”

He rose and began mingling with disgruntled teammates. I followed and eavesdropped until I had enough for my story.

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 (including one titled, HEARD but not SEEN). You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast.net.

THE

SPACES, 2 STUDIES PLUS A GUEST BEDROOM ON THE MAIN FLOOR, FENCED OUTDOOR OASIS WITH WATERFALL, POOL, HOT TUB AND FIREPIT BACKING TO THE OPEN SPACE OF THE PRESERVE. $4,995,000

ONE CHERRY LANE

UNDER CONTRACT

EXQUISITE RANCH IN ONE CHERRY LANE GATED NO-MAINTENANCE COMMUNITY, GREENWOOD VILLAGE. Dramatic,completely updated. Main floor primary bedroom plus second bedroom and study, Fabulous finished basement with theatre, restaurant sized bar and 2 additional bedrooms. 2 patios. $2,150,000

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9 SUNRISE DRIVE, THE RESERVE IN CHERRY HILLS: ON 1.72 PARK LIKE ACRE. INCREDIBLE ENTRY LEVEL PRICING FOR CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CONTEMPORARY STYLING, PRIMARY BEDROOM WITH HIS AND HERS PRIVATE BATHS. SOLD $2,221,000 BUYER NEED : HOME IN CHERRY HILLS ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE AREA, APPROXIMATELY ONE ACRE. UP TO $3,500,000. CALL ME WITH INFORMATION BUYER IS READY TO BUY!!

2787 SQ FT, PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN AND CITY VIEWS, GLEAMING WALNUT FLOORS, 20 FT CEILINGS IN AN AMENITY FILLED BUILDING: 2 POOLS, SPA, FITNESS CENTER, SAUNA,STEAM ROOM. 3 PARKING SPOTS, EXQUISITE !! CHERRY CREEK $1,900,000

ONE OF THE FINEST, BEST CONSTRUCTED HOMES IN GREENWOOD VILLAGE OR CHERRY HILLS. TRADITIONAL DESIGN,VOLUMINOUS

Littleton Public Schools is proud to extend a wholehearted congratulations to Arapahoe High School junior, Stella Counter, for receiving the June 2023 $40,000 BigFuture Scholarship through College

AHS Principal, Natalie Pramenko, and many AHS staff gathered on June 28, 2023 to present Stella with a check that will open countless educational opportunities.

Stella’s ambition to plan her college career well in advance of her spring 2025 graduation from high school is a true inspiration and we are spectacularly proud of her drive to succeed and pursue her dreams of

obtaining a Big Future through higher education.

All class of 2024 and class of 2025 students are now eligible to apply for $500 and $40,000 scholarships they can use at two- or four-year insti-

tutions by taking steps to plan their college journey while in high school. You can find out more information on how to begin the path to your child’s Big Future on the College Board website.

Colorado

/s/Linda

Published

Published:

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITYSET METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the CitySet Metropolitan District No. 2 of Arapahoe County, Colorado.

DOVE CREEK CHANNEL RESTORATION – PHASE 1 (Contract No. CPR20-00007-C-2)

Notice is hereby given that at on July 24, 2023, Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority shall make final payment to Concrete Express, Inc., 2027 West Colfax Avenue, Denver CO 80204 in connection with full payment for all services rendered, materials furnished and for all labor performed in and for the abovereferenced PROJECT.

(Signature)

Molly Trujillo

RESPONDENT MOTHER LOURDES LOYA AVALOS on August 11, 2023 at 9:45 a.m. (MST) in Division 23 of the Arapahoe District Court. **

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:

•https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div23

•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 and enter access code 2598 320 5548 (followed by #, #).

In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected in accordance with the

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that a vacancy currently exists on the Board of Directors of the CitySet Metropolitan District No. 2 (“District”). Any qualified, eligible elector of the District interested in filling such vacancy and serving on the Board of Directors should file a Letter of Interest with the Board of Directors of the District on or before the close of business on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the District Management office at 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, Colorado.

Forms of Letters of Interest are available and can be obtained from the CitySet Metropolitan District No. 2, c/o David Solin at Special District Management Services, Inc., 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80228, (303) 987-0835.

CITYSET METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2

By: /s/ David Solin District Manager

Published in The Villager Published: July 6, 2023 Legal # 11251

1. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has an unpaid claim against the said PROJECT for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such CONTRACTOR or any SUBCONTRACTOR in or about the performance of said WORK contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the WORK whose claim therefore has not been paid by the CONTRACTOR or the SUBCONTRACTOR may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

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

such final settlement will relieve Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority from any and all liability for such claim. OWNER: Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE ORDINANCE 5, SERIES 2023 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLORADO, REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTION 4-4-30 OF THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING LOCAL RETAIL SALES TAX LICENSES Copies of the Ordinances are on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours. Published in The Villager Published: July 6, 2023 Legal # 11254

Board’s BigFuture program!

PARK MEADOWS SUMMER

SUNSET SERIES

Thursdays, 4- 9 p.m. JULY 13, JULY 27 AUG. 10, AUG. 24. Enjoy a summer sunset stroll in the Vistas at Park Meadows with a cocktail in hand, live music, shopping, photo ops, activities for kids and a chance to win a summer get away.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA

ROMEO & JULIET

William Shakespeare’s famous love story told through the romantic melodies of Charles Gounod. Performances July 8, 2 p.m. July 12, 15, 21, 28, 30 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 2, 4 at 7 p.m. Buy tickets from centralcityopera.org

ART SMART SUMMER

THRU JULY 24. The Children’s Art School invites young artists to a summer of creative discoveries. Three hour morning and afternoon sessions at 2290 South Clayton St. in the University Park neighborhood. Info: visit www.artcreates.org

ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR

JULY 27-30. Be a volunteer! Visit arapahoegov.com/volunteer for details.

DENVER LYRIC OPERA

GUILD DLOG SUMMER PARTY

AUGUST 12. A French-themed Luncheon at Columbine Country Club. Tickets available at the DLOG website in mid-June. SAVE THE DATE!

DOUGLAS COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN

LINCOLN DAY PICNIC

AUGUST 19. 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Wiens Ranch. Couples $60.

CANCER LEAGUE 5K RUN & WALK

SUNDAY, AUG. 20. 27th Annual Race 4 Research at Washington Park. Register www.cancerleague.org or call 303-281-9864.

CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO OVER THE EDGE

SEPT. 7-9. Join in the fight against cancer by repelling down McGregor Square. Registration now open for 2023. www.cancerleague.org or Call 303-281-9864.

TAPS: TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS WESTERNTHEMED GALA

SEPT. 9 at Wings Over the Rockies. Founders, Lynne and Bo Cottrell, in 2005 will be honored. The Cottrell’s will be stepping down as directors

of the event. The event raises funds for military survivors. Featuring country legend Pam Tillis and singer/ songwriter Gary Morris. Also a special performance by Frank Moscato, an American Idol Gold Ticket winner. INFO: visit TAPS.org/Colorado

WHAT’S NEW?

Break Bread LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer to serve two warm, freshly cooked meals each week. Options include food prep, serving meals, walking meals to neighbors close by driving meals stop families without transportation access, or hosting a table. Call 720-335-5525 or sign up online at break-bread.org/volunteer. Check them out on Wednesday evenings for to-go meals or Sat. evenings from 4-6 p.m. at 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Money donations are also needed for the 400 meals provided every week. $145 feeds a family of 4 twice a week for a month. $1750 nourishes 1 table once a week for an entire year.

Lexus LS500 FSport has beauty and brawn

There are cars and then there are cars, like purchasing steak versus hamburger, the price varies with the quality, pocketbook, and taste of the consumer. Present day automobiles are survivors of a long list of vehicles that have been replaced, renamed, or retired. In driving a wide assortment of models in today’s very competitive market, almost every car and truck manufactured today are good. Price depends upon size, model, shape, brand, options, and what the profit market might demand from the factory and dealership.

The point is, you pay for what you get, in most cases. The more options, horsepower, luxury, hybrid technology, branding, the manufacturer’s suggested list price spells out the price. Dealership sales may reduce, or in some case, charge extra for vehicles in high demand.

The secret of purchasing a new vehicle is to get the best vehicle, with the most options, at the most reasonable price and payment terms.

The latest test car is a Lexus LS500 all-wheel FSport model that has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $83,235, with three additional options of a Mark Levinson surround 23-speaker sound system, head’s up sign display, and a panoramic glass roof bringing the price to $88,545. This vehicle is superb,

worth every dollar in design, performance, and comfort; what a pleasure to ride and drive.

The power train is the best, featuring 3.4L/ V6, with twin turbo 416 horsepower. A tenspeed transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters adds to the power train success. A knob on the upper dash allows the driver to select a super-sport, normal, comfort, or eco, choices. I would use the sport mode for entering ramps and freeways, mountain uphill drives, and eco for highway cruising and downhill drives back from the mountains. The sports mode has a growl when accelerating that is like music to hear when the car rockets forward with the turbo acceleration. With careful gear and mode selection the LS500 averages 27 mpg highway and

By H. Throttle

a 21 overall fuel consumption with a gas tank memo only to use premium fuel.

Aside from the sports car features, the car has every bell and whistle in technology, comfort, and drive assistance. The brake system has a six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers, matching the ability to stop the car as quickly as it can accelerate.

Overall, the FSport has ten air bags to the Smart Stop technology.

This is a luxury sedan that is spacious inside, stylish outside, with “Atomic Silver” paint, the latest LED lighting, and 20”/ alloy dark vapor chrome finish wheels.

Test driving this car was a real treat.