A get well soon to our highly regarded colleague Freda Miklin as she had rotator cup surgery on her shoulder last week. She is at home recovering and can’t quite type yet. She did write some major news stories on deadline prior to the surgery, always thinking ahead. Freda is already experimenting with “Dragon” voice recognition software. Can’t keep a good woman down!
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A reminder of the upcoming TAPS Celebrity Classic event at the Grove Ranch Saturday, Sept. 11. This event supports families who have been left behind by their loved ones being killed in military action. Lynne and Bo Cottrell have been hosting this event for decades raising funds for these families. This is an opportunity to enjoy an evening of prime rib, great Nashville entertainers, along with our favorite musical group Tony David and Wildfire. Tickets and tables, call Lynne at 303-696-0450. TAPS.ORG/COLORADO
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During this pandemic I succeeded in losing about 10 pounds from missing so many luncheons with friends and potential friends. One of my favorite eateries, Zanes, has to move as Marina Square is to be leveled next summer and replaced with a luxury apartment building and retail shops. A Shea property project in the works with Denver planning and zoning. (North of Belleview is Denver).
Looking for a great place to dine, go to Citron Bistro at Yosemite and Hampden where Tom and George moved from Marina Square decades ago and purchased the Marie Calendar building. Friendly hosts and a great afternoon happy hour.
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Gerri and I had lunch with Greenwood Mayor “Emeritus” Ron Rakowski and Margaret at another great eatery, Benedicts. Owned and operated by Greenwood residents, they serve awesome breakfasts and meals throughout the day. They have about six egg/benedict choices and they are delicious. Benedicts is located at 8181 E. Arapahoe road with spacious parking.
I enjoyed Benedicts so much I was back there again on Friday noon meeting with talented and energetic South Metro Denver Chamber President and CEO Jeff Keener. We had an enjoyable reunion along with The Villager creative marketing director and my daughter, Susan Sweeney Lanam. We have joined forces with the chamber to help support their “100 Year GALA” anniversary coming up on Friday night, Sept. 24, at Wings Over The Rockies.
Arapahoe County native son Brian Vogt has been selected as the honorary chair for the event. Brian is the CEO of the Denver Botanic Gardens. Prior to joining the Garden in 2007 Brian was CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber and four-years as vice-president of Economic Development.
Brian was one of the founding fathers of Centennial, along with John Brackney, Randy Pye, and others. Centennial is celebrating the cities 20th anniversary this year.
I have known Brian for 40 years and used to visit his mother Dorothy Vogt, who was the Arapahoe County Treasurer. She was a very gracious lady. I didn’t know his dad who was in county law enforcement.
I always thought, and still do, that Brian would make a great congressman, or U .S. senator from Colorado. He has a great job now, but maybe he could plant some new lovely flowers in Washington D.C. They could use some good weeding by an expert.
Tickets and tables are on sale now for the event that will be a sell-out with catering provided for the evening by Footers and entertainment by Groove’N Motion. Tickets and tables call 303-795-0142.
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Last, but not least, I enjoyed lunch with John Madden and his administrative assistant Kathi Macy at Del Frisco’s last Thursday. John has listed his Greenwood penthouse for sale and now splits his time between Denver and Sanibel Island in Florida. He is in good health and very proud of his support of The University of Denver, The Boy Scouts of America, and a long list of projects, along with the operation of the nation’s best health facility, Club Greenwood. John, along with George Wallace were responsible for most of the development of the business areas; George on the East and John on the West. Two area business pioneers with great vision who saw the future of a mixture of commerce, retail, and residential.
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A historic news note from the oldest weekly newspaper in Colorado the Weekly Register-Call out of Central City and Black Hawk.
Seems the residents on Sept. 1, 1872 voted $300,000 in bonds to aid the Colorado Central Railroad to build a new railroad to Gilpin County. The results were 1,114 in favor and 39 against.
I would call that a landslide to haul rich gold ore out of the richest square mile on earth.
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I’m really happy with the Broncos; both quarterbacks seem talented and I hope that we keep and play them both. Very likely that one, or the other, might be injured so we need good backup. The Rockies are on a roll and improving rapidly. There is hope! Love those walk off wins leading the league. We had a walk off loss Monday night against the Chicago Cubs after leading most of the game.