Centennial Citizen 031722

Week of March 17, 2022

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An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 17

Man convicted in 2020 fatal gas-station shooting Samuel Birch found guilty in week-long trial

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A man walked up to a conveniencestore clerk and calmly asked for cigarettes. Then, just as calmly, he told the clerk to give him the contents of the cash register.

“It’s going to be you, your stomach or the money,” the man told the clerk.

He added: “I can shoot you when I leave, or I can shoot you right now.”

The clerk placed cigarettes and money in a bag and handed it to the man, who said “thank you” right before shooting the clerk in the abdomen.

An Arapahoe County jury decided the shooter was Samuel Birch, finding him guilty on March 10 of several charges related to the murder and

another robbery committed the same day at another convenience store. The suspect’s statements to the clerk were recorded on surveillance footage.

Birch was accused of the shooting and robbery at the Circle K convenience store at Quebec Street and County Line Road in Centennial, just north of Highlands Ranch, on the night of Nov. 26, 2020.

Defense attorneys framed the trial as resting upon the statements of Birch’s ex-girlfriend, who came forth

and identified Birch as the shooter in the weeks after the incident.

The prosecution argued that the evidence points to Birch even without the former girlfriend’s recollections.

Birch is in his early 30s and at the time of the shooting was living in an apartment with his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Olson, in west Centennial.

The clerk, Mauricio Omar Perez, 24, died of the gunshot wound.

SEE TRIAL, P10

Arapahoe County OKs $300,000 for homeless navigation center Money will be enough to cover initial staffing costs

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

South Metro Fire Rescue responded on March 8 after a small plane crashed in the median of C-470 between South Jamaica Street and South Peoria Street.

Plane crash-lands near Centennial Airport Passengers escape with minor injuries

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A plane landed on the grass median in the middle of the E-470 toll highway near Centennial Airport,

and two occupants of the aircraft safely exited but sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital, according to South Metro Fire Rescue.

“The two people on the plane

exited on their own, were walking and talking with (emergency) responders,” said Eric Hurst, spokesperson for South Metro Fire. “Their injuries were classified as minor and non-life threatening.”

SEE PLANE CRASH, P8

INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | SPORTS: PAGE 24

BEST OF THE BEST

A proposal to create a navigation center to help those who are homeless in the areas of Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan is coming closer to reality after Arapahoe County approved $300,000 to be used over three years for the center.

The money will go to the South Metro Community Foundation, chaired by former Littleton mayor Susan Thornton, who said the funds will be enough to hire two full-time employees who can begin outreach efforts by the end of this year.

Pitched as a “one-stop shop” for resources, the navigation center would connect those who are homeless to services for healthcare, job training, food assistance, addiction recovery and more.

SEE HOMELESS, P6

VOTE NOW! CentennialCitizen.net

2 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

MY NAME IS

GREG GLISCHINSKI

Advocate for older adults honored for volunteer work Start in the west I’m 71 and have lived what is now Centennial for 43 years.

I’m originally from Anaheim, California. During a summer break in college, a friend and I took a road trip around many of the western United States. One of the states was Colorado. I decided this was where I wanted to live and work once I graduated. I found a company that was willing to move me out here and lived here since.

My career was in the high-tech industry, specifically computers both in field service and sales.

Advocating for older adults I started out seeing a need to change health care policy for consumers — not only older adults but for generations after me.

I joined an AARP chapter back in 2008. During the first meeting, a member reported on the legislative advocacy. Right after the meeting, I asked him how I could get involved with the advocacy group.

Once I saw AARP worked many other areas of policy, I got involved in some of those like utilities, such as gas, electric, telecommunications; financial security like “work and save”; long-term care; voting rights; and predatory lending.

Capitol presence Here in Colorado, I work mainly with our legislative advocacy group.

During Colorado’s legislative session (the roughly four-month period when state lawmakers pass bills), we work on legislative bills affecting older adults.

I also give written and oral testimony to the state legislature. I enjoy this part of my volunteerism. The hard part is trying to keep oral testimony at two to three minutes.

Wide influence I am a member of the South Suburban (Centennial) AARP Chapter.

Most of its members live here in Centennial.

Currently, I also volunteer as the West Region Volunteer Director. I work with volunteers in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming as well as nationally with volunteers and staff in both the AARP national office and other regions.

The thing that stands out the most are the great group of people I have worked with over the years. They really want to make a difference in not only their communities but for everyone. I am very honored to be a part of that.

Show on the road I have also traveled around Colorado to answer questions about Medicare as part of the AARP Speaker’s Bureau. I not only talked about Medicare but other subjects like the Affordable Care Act, AARP

Greg Glischinski of Centennial was selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2021 AARP Colorado Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious state volunteer award for community service, according to a news release. COURTESY PHOTO

101 … and our legislative advocacy in the state. One of the most common questions is, “Tell me about AARP’s insurance programs.” My answer is: AARP is not an insurance company. We are affiliated with certain companies on behalf of our members.

Read up on Medicare If people have questions about Medicare, the first place I direct them to is Medicare.org and AARP. org. Another is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at Shiphelp.org. These are all good sources to find out about Medicare.

I will add, for those who are not eligible for Medicare but are about to be, to do their research before choosing a plan and company. Many people spend more time on planning their vacations than they do on

choosing Medicare insurance.

If you’re interested in volunteering You should contact your local AARP state office. Another great source not only for volunteering with AARP but other groups is AARP’s CreateTheGood website.

You might not know From 2011 to 2021, I served on the City of Centennial Senior Commission (which advises the Centennial City Council on matters affecting seniors).

As a kid, I would sneak into Disneyland.

If you think we should interview someone for My Name Is ..., or if you would like to be interviewed for the segment, contact Ellis Arnold at earnold@coloradocommunitymedia. com or 303-566-4109.

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Centennial Citizen 3

March 17, 2022

Parker brewery prepares for St. Patrick’s Day party

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Before Andy Barnett had his brewery in Parker, he was a hobbyist, making beers at home with the help of his ever-curious sidekick: his toddler son.

His son, who was about four at the time, always wanted to help with the brewing, Barnett said.

“For him it was like a science projOect,” Barnett said.

One day, his son wrote out a label for one of the beers, calling it Barnett and Son. Years later, Barnett used the same name for his business.

“Now this is like my hobby out of control,” Barnett said from the taproom in March. “I left the corporate job when we opened this and no looking back.”

Barnett and Son Brewing Co., located on Twenty Mile road near the corner of Mainstreet, has been open since May 2015. The local spot has a variety of beers on tap including the Parker Pilsner, a blonde stout and a mango sour.

“I think if there’s a theme here it’s that everything is balanced and drinkable,” he said. “Always we have something for everybody, light to dark, mild to hoppy.”

As spring gets closer and weather warms, the brewery is getting ready for one of their biggest events of the year: St. Patrick’s Day.

This year, the event will consist of a three-day party beginning on March 17. The event will feature limited-edition beers, Irish performances and food trucks offering special menus.

“It’s a lot of fun when it’s packed,” Barnett said with a smile. “It’s so fun just the energy to have this place packed and have music going and beer flowing and food trucks serving up food.”

During the pandemic, business was up and down, with the second wave of shutdowns impacting Barnett and Son more than the first, Barnett said.

“This winter with omicron, people have just stayed home,” he said. “So hopefully as the weather gets nicer and COVID is more under control, people are ready to come back out and enjoy themselves a little bit.”

The brewery hosts a variety of customers from families with kids to groups of friends. Most days, there are also food trucks available outside for those who drum up an appetite while sipping their brews.

“We try to appeal to a wide variety of people,” Barnett said.

The best way to keep up with the brewery’s events and happenings is through their Facebook or Instagram accounts, Barnett said.

“Parker is growing like crazy and there’s a lot of new stuff being built, but people like to have their little place they call home,” he said.

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We want to hear from you Arapahoe County is examining how best to serve the public health needs of residents and businesses. To make that happen, the County is seeking resident input that will help us prioritize the services offered by the health department.

Look for weekly surveys—available each Friday— and provide your input.

Visit arapahoegov.com/health Where can you vote in the 2022 elections?

Arapahoe County Elections Division is seeking public feedback on possible locations for new voter service and polling centers (VSPCs) for the Nov. 8 General Election. The comment period will remain open from Thursday, March 3 to Monday, May 2. Scan the QR Code with your smartphone to provide your input.

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4 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

The art of restoring vintage luxury and sports cars Farland Classic Restoration still going after 30 years

BY RACHEL LORENZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Although it’s not the usual kind of car the business works on, the story behind a 1952 Hudson Hornet compelled the folks at Farland Classic Restoration to take on the challenge of returning it to its former glory.

“Sometimes we do those kind of cars,” said company owner Jack Farland. “We call it sentimental motors. You know, people are in love with some car for some reason and want to bring it back to original.”

In this case, in the early 1960s, the owner of the Hudson, his six siblings and their parents used to Farland Classic Restoration restores vintage cars such as this 1967 Fiat Dino, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL and 1954 Jaguar XK120. travel all over the country together PHOTOS COURTESY OF FARLAND CLASSIC RESTORATION in that car, Farland said. has a million BTU gas heaters,” he Farland Classic Restoration, car competitions. said. “You turn it on and the dollar The company also buys and sells located for over 30 years in Englesigns, they’re just rotating like a cars. Last year, it sold 44 classic wood, restores vintage luxury auslot machine. It’s crazy.” cars from its 5,000-square-foot tomobiles and sports cars. With 20 So managing the money is key. showroom down the street. Car employees, the 15,000-square-foot “I don’t care what business,” Farsales create more gross income shop is one of the larger restoraland said. “You have to do a good for the business than the shop by tion businesses in the country, job with the finances, or you can’t “a fair amount,” Farland said.

Farland said. stay in business. Probably more Although restorations are roughly In addition to nostalgia-filled important today than ever because family cars, they’ve worked on Fer- 90% of what they do, margins are everything’s so tight. Costs go up slim on that side of operation. raris, Maseratis, Porsches — some so fast.”

Parts, technicians, buildings, ennow worth millions — that have Farland Classic Restoration ergy — it’s all expensive, he said. gone onto win awards at Pebble developed a system that works well “We have a big paint booth that Beach and Amelia Island’s premier for them. A customer’s money for the project is placed in an account upfront. Then Farland technicians Experience closely track what they do and bill the account on a regular basis. the Passion JAMES KIM, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR As the caretakers of vintage $35 adult • $10 student cars, Farland Classic Restoration Jack Farland owns Farland Classic ResPRESENTS needs to be familiar with the old, toration with Trina Farland, his wife.

FRI. MARCH 25 • 7:30 PM of course, but also the new.

Bethany Lutheran Church, company recently started performFor about the last five years, Cherry Hills Village ing electric conversions, that is, instead of writing down the work replacing the internal combustion they’ve completed, technicians SAT. MARCH 26 • 7:30 PM engines of classic cars with elechave used their phones and QR First Congregational codes to track what work they’ve tric motors. These cars, such as the United Church of Christ, done on which car.

1966 Porsche 912 they’re currently Greeley “All that information goes on to a converting, have a very small carbilling software program … and all bon footprint when the shop’s done SUN. MARCH 27 • 4:00 PM the things that are done to that one with them.

Abiding Hope Lutheran car then end up on a bill,” Farland Farland wants to provide an Church, Littleton said. “Then every week, whatever avenue for people who’d like to For ticket & more info, visit work was done on that particular continue to drive these little pieces ColoradoBach.org car, that much money is taken out of history but in a more modern March 25–27, 2022 of the (customer’s) account.” way.

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Centennial Citizen 5

March 17, 2022

Venardos Circus to return to Littleton Shows beginning April 14

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Venardos Circus, a Floridabased traveling circus, will return to Littleton for 15 shows over two weeks, beginning April 14. The group previously performed in Littleton last summer.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch an array of acts and performances by the circus troupe of aerialists and acrobats. Hosted at the Aspen Grove shopping center in southwest Littleton, located at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, the shows will take place inside a custom-made red-and-white striped tent that evokes the nostalgia of oldschool circuses, but without the animals. “We live to be on the road, expressing our creativity and bringing joy to families across the country,” Kevin Venardos, the show’s ringmaster and producer said in a statement. “We can’t wait to return to Colorado.”

Tickets for general admission are $16.50 for youth under 12 and $27 for adults. Children 24 months and younger are free.

There will also be premium reserved seating available, with

tickets starting at $37.

Tickets for opening night, which is April 14 at 7 p.m., will be 50% off.

Get tickets by visiting the website at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/venardoscircus.

Classic circus delights such as popcorn, cotton candy, housemade pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy and more will be available during shows, which will last about 90 minutes with a brief intermission.

The dates for all Littleton performances are: • Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m.

• Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The circus will also perform 15 shows at Collision Brewing Company in Longmont from April 27 to May 8.

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6 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

HOMELESS FROM PAGE 1

“The services are already here but people are not always connecting with those services,” Thornton said.

“There are a lot of barriers, and that’s something I think the center can really help with.”

The project is a part of a laundry list of proposals from a task force of leaders in Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan who launched the Tri-Cities Homeless Action Plan last summer to help get more people housed.

Prior to the announcement on March 10, the navigation center had just $10,000 approved from Arapahoe County, with $25,000 earmarked for a “feasibility study,” a cost that would be split between the three cities.

Ultimately, the center will occupy a physical space where people could come to shower, do laundry and possibly stay the night.

Arapahoe County’s funding alone will not be enough to secure brick and mortar space, as Thornton put it, but the center could manifest

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first through a shared space with an existing nonprofit.

Thornton said her foundation is currently waiting to hear back on grant applications to see what philanthropic support the center can get. In total, Thornton projects the center could cost about $212,000 per year to run if it were to occupy a physical space.

“It’s past time that we should be doing this work, we want to start connecting people with needed services,” she said.

Thorton made it clear the navigation center is not a shelter, something that other task force leaders have repeatedly emphasized.

“Emergency shelters are important especially when it’s bitterly cold ... but it’s a stop gap,” she said.

Mike Sandgren, who heads Change the Trend, a network of nonprofits, churches and agencies working on homelessness solutions, said a navigation center will provide the social infrastructure needed to address homelessness in a way a shelter cannot “What you don’t want to do is just stand up an emergency shelter and say ‘we solved homelessness’ beON AVERAGE, AARP MEMBERS ENJOY

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In a Sept. 2020 file photo, a man dismantles a canopy during a sweep of a homeless PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT camp along the South Platte River.

cause that’s not necessarily creating the system to move people beyond the experience of homelessness,” said Sandgren, who also serves on the tri-cities task force.

Still, Thornton said a shelter could appear sometime in the future and hopes the work of the navigation center will show the need for more investments in homelessness.

“I’m hopeful that, especially when people start seeing the statistics about how many people get off the street and into safe and secure housing, that the general public will be more supportive of resources for homeless,” she said.

The Denver metro area is facing a rise in homeless numbers, with a 2021 study by the Metro Denver Homelessness Initiative showing the number of unhoused people in the region climbed by 15% between 2018 and 2020.

According to data from Arapahoe

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County, between January 2020 to January 2021, 17 people experiencing homelessness in the county died on the street from natural causes, 22 died by drug overdose and four died by hypothermia.

The navigation center will serve as just one of several proposed remedies to that crisis, with Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan looking to spend $705,000 over three years to put in place a litany of proposals.

This includes affordable housing initiatives such as vouchers and staffing a “response team” to help people understand the bureaucratic process of obtaining driver’s licenses and birth certificates.

And recently, the three cities, as well as Arapahoe County’s commissioners, approved a $330,000 contract to pay a homelessness coordinator for three years to helm the cities’ action plan, though no one has yet to be named for that position.

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Centennial Citizen 7

March 17, 2022

‘Ready to rock and roll’ Tall Tales Ranch creates community for people of all abilities

BY DANA KNOWLES, JULIO SANDOVAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

At Tall Tales Ranch, their motto is “unapologetically different.” But in many ways, this nonprofit’s ambassadors aren’t that different from most people. They go to college, have hobbies and hold down jobs, all while living with intellectual and developmental disabilities like autism or Down syndrome.

Rocky Mountain PBS spoke with three ambassadors from the organization who range in age from 30 to 38 years old.

Casey Gunning wants people to know she has confidence. “I’m funny, I’m kind, I’m honest. I play basketball, I used to ski and do all the Special Olympics stuff,” she said.

Andrew Carlson jokes that staying busy keeps him out of trouble: “I work and I love sports. I play tennis and hockey and golf.”

For Tony Saponaro, it’s about getting rid of the stigma that goes along with having a disability.

“Whether you have hearing loss or whether you’re mentally handicapped or physically handicapped, people think you’re irresponsible and can’t do anything,” he explained.

The nonprofit’s founder, Susan Mooney, called Tall Tales Ranch a SEE TALL TALES, P9

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8 Centennial Citizen

PLANE CRASH FROM PAGE 1

The small aircraft was on fire on the grass median the afternoon of March 8 as firefighters sprayed it with water, as shown in a video tweeted by the fire agency. No vehicles were involved in the crash, according to the fire agency.

‘Forever chemicals’ not used, agency says In aircraft rescue and firefighting situations where fuel is on fire, sometimes concerns arise about substances known as “forever chemicals” that can cause environmental problems.

Such concerns surround what are called PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS-containing foam is considered a “forever chemical,” and although South Metro Fire Rescue is equipped with some, it was not used during the March 8 fire, Hurst said.

One scenario where South Metro Fire Rescue might use that

March 17, 2022 foam is to suppress a burning aircraft while occupants are trapped inside or attempting to escape, Hurst said.

“Yesterday, all occupants were safe and out of danger, so SMFR chose not to use PFAS foam, which would have created an environmental clean-up issue,” Hurst said on March 9. “The result was a longer-lasting fire that was extinguished using water and foam that is environmentally safe.”

The kind of foam South Metro Fire Rescue used to help put the aircraft fire out is called “Class A” foam, Hurst said.

“It’s designed to mix with water and better extinguish natural combustibles” like grass, wood and so on, Hurst said. “It also forms a smothering blanket effect much like the PFAS-containing foam so it cools and smothers the flames at the same time.”

If PFAS-containing foam was used, the incident would be reported to the proper state and federal agencies, and the dirt would be removed by an environmental clean-up company, according to Hurst.

Minor damage along highway The plane likely went down around 2:15 p.m., according to Hurst. The fire was under control as of a tweet just after 3 p.m.

March 8 from the fire agency.

The landing, which the fire agency called a “crash” on Twitter, occurred between Peoria and Jamaica streets in Douglas County.

The northbound and southbound on-ramps from Interstate 25 to eastbound E-470 were closed due to the crash, and E-470 was closed at Peoria Street, according to a tweet from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 2:33 p.m.

March 8.

Southbound E-470 was closed at Peoria, while northbound traffic was getting by on the shoulder, according to a tweet from the CSP E470 account, which appeared to be a Colorado State Patrol account.

The E-470 Public Highway Authority was still assessing the damage on March 9, but it appeared to be minimal at that point, according to Heather Burke, spokesperson for the highway authority.

“Our cable median barrier was damaged, which we anticipate will be fixed within the next few weeks,” Burke said.

The traffic closures lifted at about 6 p.m. March 8, Burke said.

Aircraft incidents not uncommon in area The involved plane is a Cessna P210N single-engine, six-passenger aircraft that was flying from the south toward the north and

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went down just south of Centennial Airport, according to another South Metro Fire tweet.

The incident appeared to be a crash, Hurst said.

“I would categorize the incident as a crash since witnesses said the plane contacted the ground and did not move,” Hurst said. “A landing usually means a plane touched down and traveled a distance to slow down before stopping.”

There was no information about what caused the accident, Hurst said on March 9. The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB, or National Transportation Safety Board, were notified and will conduct an investigation, according to Hurst.

Asked whether an emergency plane landing has happened on or near E-470 before, Hurst said he knew of one incident where a small plane went down in the E-470 median near Jordan Road on Oct. 29, 1997.

“My understanding is the plane had minor damage (and) no injuries or deaths occurred,” Hurst said.

At least several aircraft incidents or accidents in the Centennial Airport area have made local headlines in recent years. The airport has said the way planes land or depart is generally overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration, and that whether a plane lands safely depends largely on the pilot.

For more details on aircraft incidents in recent years, see our previous story at tinyurl.com/ CentennialAirportAreaIncidents.

l w d t e

i t t n i l s p o w d

s e R q

Centennial Citizen 9

March 17, 2022

TALL TALES FROM PAGE 7

life-sharing community for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to live together and have shared experiences.

“We do a pretty good job of making sure someone’s got a roof over their heads and that they’re fed and that kind of thing but that community piece tends to be what’s missing,” Mooney said. “There’s still a lot of isolation and separation and so when we learned first hand what people were living with and what our son was looking at for a future we just really felt like we wanted to do something to help.”

Mooney and her husband, Pat, started Tall Tales Ranch almost eight years ago after their son, Ross, was diagnosed with an acquired brain injury at the age of

14.

“As soon as he became ill and became disabled, we started looking around for options for what would be available for him to live and work and be part of a community, but we couldn’t find anything that we were really impressed with,” Mooney said.

She wants Ross to have the same things in life that she wants for her other two children who are neurotypical.

“We wanted Ross to be able to experience a complete life, one where he can have meaningful work, one where he can live in a community where he’s respected and has friends,” she said.

This story is from Rocky Mountain PBS, a nonprofit public broadcaster providing community stories across Colorado over the air and online.

Used by permission. For more, and to support Rocky Mountain PBS, visit rmpbs.org.

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10 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

TRIAL FROM PAGE 1

In a four-day trial this month, the jury in Arapahoe County District Court found Birch guilty of firstdegree murder, first-degree felony murder, two counts of aggravated robbery and tampering with physical evidence.

‘You’ll find out eventually’ Because the suspect’s face was covered on the security-camera footage, much of the trial focused on whether jurors could be sure Birch was the man in the videos.

The prosecution pointed to DNA from yellow gloves found in Birch’s Ford Fiesta car that matched Birch’s DNA, arguing the gloves appear to be the same ones the suspect wore while committing robbery.

Birch also appears to be the same height as the suspect based on “height strips” — markings that indicate how tall someone is on surveillance video — next to the doors at the convenience store.

But the prosecution attorneys also argued that Birch spoke as though he knew he were guilty of a serious crime on separate footage from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Birch was arrested for a separate incident on Dec. 7, 2020, after Douglas County sheriff’s deputies pursued him after a hit-and-run crash, according to court testimony. In body-worn camera footage from the Douglas County scene, Birch repeatedly asks deputies for a cigarette.

“Would you light one of those for me, though? I’m about to go to jail for a

very long time,” Birch says to a deputy.

He adds: “I’m about to be in there for years, bro.”

When Douglas County sheriff’s personnel ask what his name is, according to the prosecution, Birch says: “You know (what) it is; you’ll find out eventually.”

Birch thought deputies were going to connect him to the Centennial robbery and shooting, said Lisa Gramer, one of the prosecuting attorneys.

Gramer told the jury: “Your common sense and life experience and reason tells you that his statements to (Douglas County deputies) were not because of a DUI and crash.”

Authorities found .22-caliber ammunition in the apartment where Birch stayed and in his car, appearing to match the bullet that killed Perez, Gramer argued.

Earlier testimony in the case from Arapahoe County sheriff’s Investigator Ben Bussard said the weight of the projectile in the incident is consistent with a .22 round but could not state whether it was consistent with rounds of different sizes and potentially other calibers, defense attorney Grayson Lindstrom had argued during an earlier hearing.

One of Birch’s gloves tested positive for gunshot residue, Gramer said during trial.

Birch chose not to testify during the trial.

Confession alleged Defense attorney Lindstrom argued that “this case rests on the word of one person: Ms. Olson.”

Olson, 28, testified that she was lying in bed when Birch told her about the robbery and that he showed her the

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“I just turned away. I, like, rolled over in the bed. I just didn’t believe it,” Olson said in court.

Soon after, Olson saw in a news report that a clerk had been shot during the robbery, she told the court.

“I believe (Birch) said the clerk had a gun and maybe was trying to shoot back,” Olson recalled.

Perez didn’t appear to be armed, according to surveillance footage.

Speaking about why she didn’t go to police right after Birch allegedly told her about committing the robbery, she said: “Honestly, I was just really scared.”

Birch burned items of clothing in the fireplace in their apartment to avoid being identified from the surveillance footage, the prosecution argued.

The defense argued Olson’s actions made her uncredible, pointing out that she didn’t end her relationship with Birch even though she was told Birch killed someone and committed robbery and she allegedly saw him destroying evidence.

“That’s not the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Lindstrom said.

Olson ended her relationship with Birch after learning he had police contact in Douglas County, Lindstrom added.

The prosecution argued Olson did not want to believe the person she loved was capable of committing the crimes — and she was worried about “how (Birch) was behaving and what he would do,” Gramer said.

Gramer underscored that Olson was the one who reached out to police — it wasn’t that she ended up speaking to police because they found out about her involvement.

“She has absolutely no motive to make this up,” said Gramer, adding that Olson “doesn’t get any money out of this.”

‘Spent that money on drugs’ Birch was also accused of robbing another gas station on the same day as the other robbery, at Arapahoe Road near Havana Street in central Centennial at about 4:30 p.m.

The suspect in that robbery entered the Conoco gas station and pointed a handgun at the clerk, according to information previously released by the Arapahoe sheriff’s office. The clerk gave the suspect the cash drawer, and then the suspect fired a single round into the ceiling. (That clerk was not injured.)

The prosecution also argued that Birch’s “desperate” need for drugs fueled the robberies.

Around the time of the robberies,

Olson had tested positive for COVID-19 — and she was the main source of income for herself and Birch, she told the court.

“He found out that his girlfriend was sick with COVID, and they weren’t going to have money flow anymore,” Gramer said.

Text messages from Birch show he was looking for some type of pills, the prosecution argued.

“And we know that in the Conoco robbery, he’s much more agitated,” Gramer said.

At 5:07 p.m. that day, Birch says he has money and wants to buy the substance via a text message, the prosecution said. Shortly after, in response, he’s told to “come over,” Gramer said.

“And then the robbery at the Circle K takes place at (around 6:30),” Gramer said. “And you can see he’s much more relaxed in this robbery.”

Birch also later sent Olson a text that said, “I spent that money from last night on drugs,” according to the evindence shown in court.

Examining clothing A key piece of evidence was a sweatshirt covered in paint, which prosecutors argued was the same sweatshirt surveillance footage caught the shooter wearing that read, “No pain, no Jane.”

Olson said Birch asked her to paint over the sweatshirt and that it bore that phrase.

Authorities were able to examine the sweatshirt with several different light sources but could not see anything other than the outermost layer of paint, according to court testimony.

Lindstrom, one of the defense attorneys, criticized the way the sweatshirt was examined and argued more could have been done to see what was underneath the paint.

Authorities should have tried to “take a Q-tip and dip it in paint thinner” and test whether it would damage the outer parts of the sweatshirt to evaluate whether that tool could have been safely used to remove paint from the relevant part of the clothing, Lindstrom said.

The prosecution maintained that it was Birch’s sweatshirt that was pictured in the surveillance footage.

For Birch not to be the person who committed the crimes, Gramer said, “The coincidence would have to be you have a painted sweatshirt, .22s in your home, .22s in your car, gloves that match” the ones from the crime scene.

Previously, Birch has pleaded guilty to burglary of a building in 2013, to assault in 2013 and to criminal mischief in 2015, according to online court records.

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12 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

March 17, 2022

VOICES

Built to last — are we?

M

any years ago, business author Jim Collins wrote several impactful books on how some of the country’s and world’s most successful businesses have survived, or in some cases, failed. He covered the topics through “Built to Last,” “Good to Great,” and “How the Mighty Fall.”

Each of these books are insightful and FROM THE helpful in looking at the history of how companies like Walmart became empires, EDITOR although Sam Walton’s original vision is far from what the company has become.

Collins’ works also look at failed companies such as Radio Shack and its missteps that led to eventual closures.

If we were to apply Collins’ points in these books to today’s America, and more specifically, here in Denver, I ask the question — Are we built to last?

For a variety of reasons, I would say the Thelma Grimes answer is no.

For now, we will skip the fact that leadership nationwide is faltering and that is not a good character in being a lasting, successful entity.

Instead, I want to look at how we are living as a nation, especially here in Denver. In a recent Facebook post, a friend spoke excitedly about becoming a first-time homeowner.

However, the post was not general merriment as he went on to talk about the monthly mortgage payment for the home he will now be taking on with some stress.

You see, the home was priced way above what it should be. I am not talking a couple thousand dollars either. I am talking $100,000 to $200,000 more than it should be sold. That means a higher mortgage for first-time homeowners who are already a bit stressed before the key unlocked the door.

This is a common problem across the Denver metro area.

Homes are being sold for two to three times what they should be, making the thought of affordable housing more of a punchline than reality.

So, what does that have to do with being built to last? Well, let’s look at this young family. They wanted to buy this home and stay in the place they grew up, near family.

However, what about the young families with no strong ties to our community? Do you really think young, educated families will want to stay here if they cannot make enough money to afford a house? If they cannot earn a living wage and actually live comfortably?

Ultimately, they will leave and seek more affordable options in a city either starting to grow, or one that is making it possible for young families to have a shot.

The loss, in the end, is ours. We are going to start losing young families and students graduating from college and entering the workforce. These young families and minds are the ones who establish our future.

They bring fresh ideas to our companies. They bring money to our economy as they spend at retail store and restaurants. They spend money to take part in community entertainment and events.

However, if all their money is going towards ridiculous mortgage payments, continually increasing utilities and HOA fees — will they stay here? Will we be able to keep great minds and citizens here?

Our markets are not built to last if we make it too hard for young professionals to even get started in the first place.

Instead we are heading toward a more realistic narrative of how the mighty fall.

Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media. Contact Thelma by emailing tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

I N D E P E N D E N T An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of

A publication of

Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: CentennialCitizen.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

Gratitude as a game-changer for life

I

t has been said that gratitude is one of the strongest human emotions. If someone has shown you gratitude or expressed their sincerest thanks, you know exactly how powerful of an emotion that is. And even if there was no display of gratitude, it is also equally as powerful to know that we have done something for others or for ourselves that no one else knew about, and we experienced that gratifying feeling of accomplishment.

Gratitude is powerful, gratitude is a gamechanger. Let me share the scenario and set the stage for an amazing event that I was blessed enough to observe firsthand.

There was a venue of about 6,000 people. They had assembled for a conference that took place over a few days. On the last day there were a couple of extremely well-known speakers at the event. They each gave inspiring and motivating speeches on their own before coming together on the stage to answer questions from the audience.

Many of the questions were answered with analogies and stories from the speaker’s own life lessons. It was an open-mic situation, and people were lined up around the stage. One of the attendees approached the microphone and started to formulate his question. He first gave compliments to the two speakers, recognizing them for the contributions that their teachings had made in his own life. But then he welled up with tears as he asked his question.

“By listening to both of you over the years and reading your books and applying your teachings, I have become very successful, and I am always motivated and positive. But I have a son who is just so negative, so pessimistic, and he isn’t getting excited about anything. What advice do you have?”

You could have heard a pin drop.

One of the speakers left his chair on stage and walked right up to where the man was standing.

He dropped to one knee on the stage speaking directly to the man. The entire arena was silent.

The speaker told him that when he got home that evening to walk into his son’s room, sit on the edge of his bed, and tell him how grateful

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he was to be his dad. That he couldn’t believe that God entrusted him with a son like this, and that he loved him dearly.

And then the speaker continued, telling the dad to do this every morning as his child wakes up, and every night before he goes to bed. Just pour out gratitude and love on him and don’t stop, do not just do Michael Norton this for a few days, make this a habit and commit to it and watch his child change.

The cameras panned the audience, tears flowing down cheeks, and the 6,000 people remained silent. I happened to be sitting with the speaker’s family in the audience, and I was sitting right next to his son. As I looked over at him, he too had tears streaming down his face. At the time his son was in his 40s. I asked him, “Did your dad do that with you?” He answered, “Every day of my life, and still does it today. If not in person because we don’t live together, he calls me to tell me how grateful he is to be my dad.”

That speaker was Zig Ziglar, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I had the opportunity to witness. How many people went home that day and told their children, their spouse, their siblings, their employees, their co-workers how grateful they are for having them in their lives? Probably almost everyone. Gratitude is powerful, gratitude is a game changer.

Is there someone you need to share your gratitude with? Has it been too long since the last time you expressed just how blessed you are to have them in your life? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@xinnix.com, and when we can show others just how much we love and appreciate them, it really will be a better than good year.

WINNING WORDS

Michael Norton is the grateful president of XINNIX, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

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Centennial Citizen 13

March 17, 2022

Business planning for retirement

P

erhaps you have heard of the “great resignation” or other issues of workers leaving the workforce recently. Business owners planning for their own retirement are not exempt from the desire to perhaps join their ranks.

In fact, sometimes business owners may feel stuck. Maybe they would like to resign or retire, but can’t due to responsibilities to customers and employees, leases, and vendors.

The latest figures from January showed that 4.5 million people voluntarily left their positions last November. Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, also known as JOLTS, reports that over 20% or nearly 33 million people left their positions since April 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic also drove millions of workers into early retirement.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, more than 3 million additional people retired. An article in Kiplinger’s at the height of the pandemic states “Covid-19 weary

business owners need a succession plan.”

Just as in financial planning when advisers coach their clients to plan for the inevitable, so too should business owners. This is why the State of Colorado Office of Economic Patricia Kummer Development and International Trade, along with a host of other advisory groups and the Exit Planning Institute, launched a Business Owner Readiness Survey to help business owners determine how to exit from their business.

There are 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day and this generation owns 51% of privately held businesses in the United States. In recent surveys, 3 out of 4 business owners “profoundly regretted” their decision to sell within one year of exiting

due to lack of “readiness.”¹ Privately held businesses headquartered in Colorado could benefit from creating a succession plan.

Here are some tips to help business owners plan for their future: • Create a contingency plan in case of illness or premature death.

• Form an advisory team with your attorney, CPA, and financial adviser.

• Consider adding industry experts, outside advisers and a family member to your board.

• Review the financials. Know your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

• Consider a business valuation study.

• Understand your business structure by who are owners and how you file your taxes.

What are your roots, business plan and future goals? These may help you identify a suitable transition.

Business has a better success rate and smooth succession when you have time to plan, choose your advis-

ers and develop your successors. No one likes an emergency exit. Planning ahead of time to be prepared will help in your day-to-day operations as well as give you a roadmap to guide you through the next steps.

Our state economy thrives when businesses thrive. There are resources to help you improve your readiness and advisers to help with financial reviews and valuations.

Now is the time to prepare for your own future, even it is many years away. You don’t want to be caught off-guard with an emergency, and not be able to protect your legacy, family and employees.

1. State of Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

agenda to refocus on academic basics and empower parents to have a say about what their children are taught. If that required the firing of the superintendent, so be it. Supporting these new board members prior to their election was necessary, but it is very important that we don’t become complacent and not continue to support them going forward. Keep up the good work.

Cheryl Matthews, Larkspur

fossil fuel interests and the alternative energy industry continue to stand in the way of nuclear’s promise primarily for

industry sector self-enrichment to the

FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

Patricia Kummer has been a Certified Financial Planner professional and a fiduciary for over 35 years and is Managing Director for Mariner Wealth Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Public education benefits all Whenever public education is in flux, I feel the need to speak about vouchers.

Permit me some hypotheticals.

Imagine I don’t use the public rec center and instead ask for my share of the recreation budget to join a health club.

Or, perhaps I don’t use the library so I would like my share of the library budget to choose my own books. Or, I won’t be using the new I-25 Crystal Valley Park Parkway exit so please send me my share of that cost.

These hypotheticals are nonsense, of course. Why? Because tax money is gathered to provide a service to the community as a whole. There is no individual share of the recreation, library, transportation or any other budget.

Public education is no different. My education tax dollars do not directly pay for my child’s education. If that were true, a family without children in the school system would pay no education tax, and a family with four schoolchildren would pay four times more. The notion of an individual’s “share” of the education budget is no different than my other hypotheticals. The concept is contradictory.

Public services like education exist to benefit the entire community, and it is each taxpayer’s choice whether to use them or not, as it always has been. Any money taken away from public education hurts all of our kids. In a society where so many seem to be concerned about people receiving government handouts, I find it ironic that some of those same people want to put their hands out.

Use public education or don’t, but choosing not to does not entitle you to a government handout.

David Dole, Castle Rock Support for school board majority I would like to thank the voters of Douglas County for voting in our four new conservative Douglas County School Board members last November.

I support their first formal action of eliminating the mask mandate for schoolchildren and leaving it to the parents to decide whether to have their children masked or not. Freedom of choice is a critical element to a democratic republic. I also support their

SEE LETTERS, P15

Thomas perfect for sheriff job Lora Thomas is a perfect candidate to run for Douglas County sheriff. She has the education, past experience, fiscal sense and best of all is not an insider of the present sheriff’s office. She does not have “baggage” to bring to the position.

I have watched Lora’s career path as she became coroner, and then commissioner. She has a good head on her shoulders and high standards.

I am happy to campaign for her.

Barbara Chapman, Highlands Ranch Look to natural gas, nuclear Natural gas supplies are tight. Consumers in our area recently paid the highest prices for electricity and natural gas seen over the past 20-plus years.

I have 21 years of data for our home natural gas and electricity costs. Although monthly costs have backed off from the 21-year high we saw this fall, and are back very close to the 21-year average, consumer concern for prices continuing to trend higher is an occurrence that need not be happening.

The $550 million in 2021 extra gas costs, the $1.7 billion Power Pathways transmission line project and the $7 billion alternative energy electric resource plan are just a few examples of what to expect from the rush to alternative energy in conjunction with the regulatory and legal stranglehold placed on bringing new supplies of natural gas into current generation platforms and the short-sighted, immature fear of nuclear energy. By comparison, per recent published estimates, a combinedcycle gas plant can be brought online for approximately $150 million.

Nuclear generation is a tried and true, safe, reliable and affordable source of power generation. Unfortunately, radical alarmist environmental groups,

Memory In Loving

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. 303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at CentennialCitizen.net

14 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

March 17, 2022

LIFE

Tatiana Christofferson, of Boulder, was adopted through a Ukrainian outreach orphanage program in 2009. Christofferson, who lived in Ukraine until she was a teen, has struggled in recent days with occasional friends and family members who currently support the war.

Even as the world condemns Russia’s invasion, Ukrainians are feeling helpless

BY TATIANA FLOWERS THE COLORADO SUN

T

etiana Doiun was watching movies with her husband at home in Highlands Ranch when Russia’s president began an invasion in Ukraine last month.

Without skipping a beat, Doiun called her elderly mother and aunt, who live together in Dnipro, a city in central Ukraine. When her mother finally answered the phone, it was about 6 a.m. there and she was shocked to hear that the war had begun.

Doiun’s mother and aunt are not planning to flee because both are in their 70s and have health issues.

They would struggle to carry luggage and don’t want to leave their cats behind.

Dnipro has not yet suffered from the harshest attacks by Russia. However, on Sunday, Ukraine’s top security official said the Russian army is planning to encircle the city, as it works to cut off access to the southern Black and Azov seas and capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, about 300 miles from Dnipro.

Each night before going to sleep, Doiun calls her mother and aunt to ensure they’re still alive. “It feels like the worst days of my life,” she said. “I feel ashamed, honestly, to complain because I can’t imagine how my loved ones and everyone else in Ukraine feels.”

Pockets of reprieve Since Feb. 24, Russian forces have attacked Ukraine from the north, east and south, with focus on cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv and the port city Mariupol. As the world condemns Russian President Vladimir Putin for starting the war, and as officials continue imposing hefty sanctions on Russian businesses and oligarchs, Putin is doubling down by targeting Ukrainian civilians trying to escape the conflict zone. The invasion has created the worst

refugee crisis in Europe since World War II and has united the world in solidarity against Putin and in support of Ukraine.

But even amid world condemnation, Ukrainians in Colorado are still feeling helpless and isolated as they watch their country’s infrastructure being destroyed each day. They’re trying to follow the movements of their loved ones amid spotty cell service and bombing in different regions, and they’re keeping tabs on their friends’ and families’ safety from afar as the world tries to make sense of a yearslong conflict that came to a head last month.

A map of Ukraine with purple showing the locations of Coloradans’ loved ones and red showing cities targeted by Russian forces.

“I’m just in so much pain and feeling hopeless.

That’s the worst pain I feel like there is,” said Tatiana Christofferson, who lives in Boulder. “I think of me helping, as speaking out for them,” she said of people still living in Ukraine, as she began to cry.

Ukrainians in Colorado said even amid the devastation, they find pockets of reprieve when they’re able to contact friends and family stuck in the war zone.

When family members support the invasion However, lately conversations between Christofferson and her father are brief. Her father, who lives in Donetsk, part of the disputed Donbas region, supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Parts of Donbas are controlled by pro-Russian separatist groups, and there is often intense fighting in the region.

Christofferson, who was estranged from her father, met him five years ago after 25 years apart.

She fears they might again lose contact over their opposing beliefs about Russia, she said. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but my dad does not let me speak of mine in front of him,” she said in a tearful interview.

Oleg Soloviov, a student studying political science and economics at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, said his grandparents, who live in Moldova, share a similar viewpoint and also side with Russia and support reuniting the former Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991.

Oleg Soloviov, a student at Colorado State Univer-

Lisa Savchenko Ripa, of Highlands Ranch, moved to the U.S. around age 7. A majority of her family members still reside in multiple regions of Ukraine.

Oleg Saloviov, a student at Colorado State University, said his parents were in Moldova when Russia invaded Ukraine in late February. They consider themselves lucky that they were not able to return home to Ukraine.

PHOTOS BY 0LIVIA SUN / THE COLORADO SUN VIA REPORT FOR AMERICA

sity, said his parents were in Moldova when Russia invaded Ukraine in late February. They consider themselves lucky that they were not able to return home to Ukraine.

“I don’t think they actually see what Russia is doing,” he said. “The only thing they hear from is Russian news, and I believe that’s a big reason why they support it. It’s upsetting and I feel powerless because I can’t really do much.”

He’s considered returning to Ukraine since the war started to volunteer or even fight alongside fellow Ukrainians. If his family finds themselves in danger, that would be the deciding factor. “I wouldn’t just sit here,” he said. “I would just go at that point.”

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March 17, 2022

UKRAINIANS FROM PAGE 14

Taras Overchuk, who has family in Ukraine, spoke from Denver International Airport on Friday as he waited to board a flight to Poland. He planned to buy an old car there before driving to Lviv in western Ukraine. He decided to return to Ukraine because he couldn’t bear watching the war unfold while his family members bore the brunt of it and while his brother is fighting with the Ukrainian army.

Overchuk plans to spend a few weeks in Ukraine identifying areas most in need of foreign aid. He will soon report those findings back to the local group, Ukrainians of Colorado, which is offering a support group for Ukrainians in the state, while collecting medical supplies to send to Ukraine.

“The situation changes really regularly, so in order to be effective you need to understand every day, what is going on,” Overchuk said Friday. It took 12 hours for him to cross the border between Ukraine and Poland this weekend, as he and thousands of others waited there in the snow. He has tried to persuade his family members to evacuate, but they will not leave Ukraine.

Refusing to leave “People are really patriotic there, and when you leave and flee, you’ve worked so hard to prove to the rest of the world and to Russia that you can be a successful country with an economy and educated people,” said Lisa Savchenko Ripa, who lives in Highlands Ranch and has family across Ukraine and Russia.

“Fleeing is kind of giving up all of those things.”

Benito Mares is another Coloradan traveling to Ukraine this week to offer help through his nongovernmental organization Refugee Direct Aid, which he started in the 1990s during the Balkan wars. On Wednesday, he’s making the trek to Poland, where colleagues driving

LETTERS FROM PAGE 13

detriment of rate payers everywhere.

Rather than take advantage of nuclear and our vast supply of fossil fuels to bring more generation capacity on line, Xcel, due to regulatory man-

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olhous

ho The Sc

in from Kosovo will pick him up and then they all will travel to Lviv.

The small group is taking $20,000 in cash and medical supplies, such as heavy-duty gauze bandages, that they’ll distribute when they reach Ukraine. They’ll focus on supporting single women whose husbands are fighting in the war and children, Mares said.

“This small amount of money and this small amount of material won’t last long,” he said. “It won’t be hard to find deserving targets.”

Vlada Petraglia was at a Ukrainian Catholic Church in Denver on Monday afternoon, offering advice to Mares before his trip and connecting him with Ukrainians on the ground who could use the organization’s help. People in the army are most in need of warm clothes, portable chargers and money, she said.

A few days ago, Petraglia’s parents had left their devastated city, Kharkiv, as Russia escalated attacks on residents there. Petraglia’s family finally made their way to Ternopil, in western Ukraine.

The drive would normally take about 13 hours, but as many people evacuated alongside her family, it took about three days before they reached safety. As they drove, Petraglia’s family feared bullets, or a bomb, would hit their car.

Until then, Petraglia’s family had been taking cover in a bomb shelter, only visiting their nearby apartment to feed their cat. The family won’t leave Ukraine. Petraglia’s father would likely be recruited to fight alongside the Ukrainian army if he tried to leave the country, but he is too ill to fight, Petraglia said. And Petraglia’s mother refuses to leave Ukraine without her husband, so the family is stuck in Ternopil. Petraglia feels a sense of relief — for now — that her family is relatively safe. “But who knows when Russia is going to reach there,” she said of Ternopil.

A bomb recently destroyed the preschool where Petraglia’s mother

was working, so she has no job to return to after the war ends. Photos show that about 75% of the homes belonging to Petraglia’s loved ones in Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, have also been destroyed. There’s often no internet service or electricity there, even as temperatures dip below freezing at night, she said.

“My city doesn’t exist anymore,” Petraglia said. “They’ve bombed almost each civilian building.

Every other building has a bomb in it. They’re doing everything for Kharkiv to disappear.”

What helps her feel less lonely is being able to help friends and family navigate their way out of their towns under siege, she said. Her loved ones trying to escape are not able to think clearly while in shock, so Petraglia is offering encouragement while providing literal directions.

When Petraglia makes contact with friends in Ukraine, they often ask when President Joe Biden and other world leaders will call on NATO to implement a “no-fly zone” over Ukraine, which would limit attacks from Russian warplanes.

Western leaders have firmly rejected the request, fearing it would lead to conflict between U.S. and Russian fighter jets, which could create an even more catastrophic conflict, or World War III. “If the world does not get involved, Putin will take the countries surrounding Ukraine, because he’ll feel no one has enough power to stop him,” Petraglia said.

“If Ukraine loses, it will be dangerous to everybody,” she continued. “I’m not feeling safe in Colorado. I’m all the time telling my husband to look and see how far bunkers in Colorado are and where they are on the map because (Putin) is insane. And if you’re thinking that it’s a war between Ukraine and Russia, it’s not anymore.”

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow discussed the war with the Colorado Sun on Thursday. The Centennial Demo-

crat, who is a member of the House Armed Services and House Intelligence Committees, said many are calling on the U.S. to move from imposing sanctions to a more aggressive boots-on-the-ground approach.

But the threat of a nuclear conflict with Russia makes that unlikely.

Putin has dreamed about recreating the Soviet Union and its sphere of influence since its collapse in 1991, Crow said. Annexing Ukraine is the most important step to rebuilding that empire, Putin believes, and now he’s using force to absorb Ukraine, which he considers Russian, Crow said.

He’s cutting off food and electricity supply now, while bombing the country until it either surrenders or collapses, which is a war crime, Crow said. He said Putin will likely not agree to a ceasefire because that would be viewed as weakness.

Now, Ukrainians in Colorado are doing whatever they can from afar.

Soloviov, the student at Colorado State, said he already had plans to become a diplomat or ambassador to Europe.

“Now with the war going on, I want to do it even more, because clearly, we didn’t work hard enough and fast enough to make Ukraine a part of the European Union and NATO,” he said. “And now people are having way more struggles and it could have been stopped.”

Doiun gets offended when Americans incorrectly call her country “the Ukraine” or when they pronounce the silent “K” at the front of Kharkiv. But one glimmer of hope during the conflict, she said, is that Americans are becoming more educated about Ukraine and the aggression it has faced from Russian leaders for years.

The war has challenged every aspect of the life of Victoria Katsuba, a Colorado State student whose family is from Rivne, Ukraine. But the war has made her more proud of being from Ukraine. She said

dates and legal requirements, is expanding the use of expensive alternative energy generation while at the same time asking customers to be unnecessarily restrictive in electricity usage. If capacity stagnates, smart meters may be Xcel’s go-to to involuntarily reduce customer demand.

While natural gas and nuclear are not currently fashionable, or popular these two power sources have the proven

potential to provide bountiful planetary power while alternative energy’s dual problems of low power density and consistent intermittency are being addressed.

Fossil fuel generation is now an incredibly clean source of power generation. Per the EPA, between 2005 and 2019, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 11.7% and overall emissions by 33.1%. Current technology has

reduced poisonous pollutants to almost zero.

In response to the quote from the Office of Utility Consumer Advocate that the transition to alternative energy is going to be expensive, I can only concur by saying, we ain’t seen nothing yet.

Douglass Croot, Highlands Ranch

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SEE LETTERS, P26

PACE Center

One night.

Two great local music options!

You choose: Jazz or Classical!

Tickets at PARKERARTS.ORG or 303.805.6800

16 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

UKRAINIANS FROM PAGE 15

BEST OF THE BEST

she hopes xenophobia against Russians does not increase, because the war was waged by their leaders, not Russian civilians.

“It’s complex, and I think when people lose their humanity and just focus on one thing besides focusing on a lot of perspectives, it gets hard,” she said. “A lot of things can happen at the same time. Just being knowledgeable and doing your research and doing better for your community, I think, is going to be a

step up.”

How to help • Humanitarian groups, such as the local Ukrainians of Colorado and Razom for Ukraine are collecting medical supplies to send to Ukraine.

• Nova Ukraine is assembling care packages for people in Ukraine.

• United Help Ukraine and Sunflower of Peace are groups providing first-aid backpacks to paramedics, doctors and others on the frontlines.

• Voices of Children is helping to provide psychological support to Ukrainian children affected by the

2022 BEST OF THE

BEST VOTE NOW! Through April 15th

CentennialCitizen.net To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.

SOUTHGLENN

war.

• The Kyiv Independent is working to support local journalists covering the war from neighboring countries.

• On March 31, Colorado State University is hosting a documentary and panel discussion about post-Soviet corruption, among other topics.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com.

The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Centennial Citizen 17

March 17, 2022

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS

Presents

Summer Camps & Programs 2022 A Child’s Touch Summer Camps:

Avid4 Adventure:

Summer Camp kids are divided into three age groups between pre-school age and 13.

Children are able to form friendships, and partake in age-appropriate activities.

The Castle Rock summer day camps teach kindergarten through 12th graders of every ability level a range of outdoor adventures, introducing them to the parks, trails and mountains in the surrounding area and getting them excited to stay active. The program has several day camp options in Castle Rock plus resident overnight camp options less than 2 hours from Castle Rock and expedition camp options leaving from Louisville.

For information, visit www.AChild’sTouch.com Arvada Center programs: This summer, the Arvada Center is offering a variety of half-day camps and prescheduled full-day camp packages. These full day packages combine morning and afternoon sessions for a day of arts activities, while also limiting interactions between other campers not in the same sessions.

Some of the 2022 programs include: • • • • • • •

Ceramics Dance Drama Digital arts Humanities Music Visual arts

Audience of One is a music theater company committed to developing character, integrity, teamwork and leadership in our youth through the theatrical and arts experience.

These skills will enable them to succeed and joyfully serve their community. Camps are available to children ages 5 through 18.

Camps include:

During this dynamic, high-energy program, young innovators will:

For information, visit https://avid4.com/ castle-rock-colorado-summer-camps.

Chatfield Stables: With a variety of summer camp programs, Chatfield Stables offers programs to children 7 and older. This is a hands-on only horse camp. Each child is assigned a horse to take care of for the entire week. They learn safety and horse care from the ground up including grooming, saddling

The summer workshops at the Children’s Museum of Denver are designed to offer a little something extra with extended fun and learning in the museum’s most popular exhibits.

For information, www.MyChildMuseum.org The Golden Community Center offers day camp for kids age 5 to 12 and those turning 13 during the summer months. The state-licensed summer camp programs are full days with drop off between 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and pick up between 3 and 5 p.m. For more details, visit the website for the full summer camp brochure.

For information, visit www.AO1Theater.org

For information, visit www.cityofgolden.net/ play/recreation-attractions/community-center/ KSHOP 5/7 WORday-camp/.

AUDITIO 10AM-2PM NS 5/9 &

Summer Camp 2022

• Dive into cutting-edge ocean research as they adopt their own robotic fish, design and patent aquatic plants, and take their fish friend home in a mini tank.

• Combine science and art to build their own robotic artist, engage in design thinking, make spin art and learn how inventions can change the way people create.

• Discover real space exploration technology when they create Spacepacks and AstroArm devices, mine an asteroid and observe erupting ice volcanoes.

• Experiment with the fun of physics, engineering and gaming as they design, build and test their own mega marble arcades.

The program is available in the following Front Range cities: • Aurora • Castle Rock • Denver • Lakewood • Greenwood Village • Littleton • Highlands Ranch • Arvada For information, visit https://spacevoyage.com/

Children’s Museum of Denver Summer Camp:

City of Golden Summer Camp:

Seussical Kids Fame Jr. Kitty Cat Capers Rock your Callback Audition prep Dance

Workshop 5/7 10AM - 2PM

In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF), the nationally acclaimed Camp Invention program is coming to the Denver metro area for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. This weeklong summer adventure provides opportunities for open-ended, hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering and more.

Rotating through a variety of activities each day, children have fun collaborating with friends, thinking creatively and inventing their own solutions to real-world challenges.

The all-new 2022 program will thrill both new and returning campers with an expedition full of far-reaching explorations, fascinating discoveries and exhilarating “a-ha” moments.

For information, visit http://www.chatfieldstables.com/horse-camps.html

Audience of One Youth Theater Camp:

• • • • • •

Camp Invention:

City of Lakewood summer program:

City of Lone Tree:

The City of Lakewood offers camps for kids and teens throughout the year. Parents can register children for a variety of camps either online or by phone. Some camp options include:

Summer camp is the perfect place for kids to be kids, especially after the last year of evolving school schedules and modified activities. Douglas County Libraries is offering an array of in-person summer camps for kids ages 4 to 11 at Camp DCL, June 7 through Aug. 6.

• • • • •

Gymnastics Climbing Athletics STEM Adventure camp

For information, visit cityoflonetree.com/ dcl-summer-camps-help-kids-make-up-forlost-social-learning-time/.

For information, visit www.lakewood. org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Programs-and-Activities/ Camps#section-1

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5/10

Summer Camp 2022

Auditions 5/9 & 5/10

Showcases 6/17-6/19 & 6/24-6/26 For more information: www.thevenuetheatre.com Ed@thevenuetheatre.com

Showcases 6/17-6/19 & 6/24-6/26 Rehearsals 10am-2pm Junior Company 1pm-4pm Senior Company

For more information:

27132 Main St.www.thevenuetheatre.com Ed@thevenuetheatre.com Conifer, CO 80433 www.thevenuetheatre.com The Venue Theatre exists to provide an accepting and enriching environment for the youth of our community—for discovery, exploration, and celebration of their unique and extraordinary abilities.

Summer Camps Week-long day camps for students entering 3rd through 8th grade

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Camps include: Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, and YouthBiz register at YACENTER.ORG/summer-camps Cherry Creek: 3550 East First Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206

Belmar: 401 South Pierce Street Lakewood, Colorado 80226

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March 17, 2022

• Lone Tree: www.codeninjas.com/locations-list/us/co/lone%20tree

SUMMER CAMP PAGES CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

City of Thornton: The City of Thornton hosts a variety of classes and programs each summer.

Watch for the 2022 guide at www.thorntonco.gov/recreation/Pages/.

KidzToPros STEM: With multiple locations across the Front Range, KidzToPros focuses on pushing campers to build valuable STEM, arts and sports skills through in-person or online summer camps. Camps are available in: • Jefferson County • Adams County • Douglas County For information, visit www.KidzToPros.com Code Ninja: These camps are slated to spark a child’s inner ninja and transform their love of technology and video games into new skills. The camp is for children ages 5 and 15. Code Ninja camps are available across the Denver metro area. For information, visit: • Castle Rock: www.codeninjas.com/cocastle-rock/camps • Highlands Ranch: www.codeninjas.com/ co-highlands-ranch-wildcat-reserve/ camps • Parker: www.codeninjas.com/locationslist/us/co/parker

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• Thornton: www.codeninjas.com/locationslist/us/co/thornton • Arvada: www.codeninjas.com/locationslist/us/co/arvada Denver Zoo Summer Camps: The zoo’s safari camps are aimed at children with a drive and desire to discover the world of animals.

Camps feature: • • • •

Animal experiences Zoo expeditions Engineering authentic solutions Real-world challenges

For information, visit www.DenverZoo.org/safari-camps/

Space Voyage Space Camp: This program immerses students in “thinking like an astronaut.” This year, Space Voyage is in its 31st year of space camp, inspiring kids and encouraging problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.

Space Voyage offers learning and confidence building within a space motif. Space Voyage brings to life the importance of math and science, builds confidence through genuine achievement, creates a sense of belonging, and offers a fun and fantastic place for kids to learn and grow.

Space camp is the highlight of the summer for many students. Launch nine-foot rockets, fly simulators and learn about space. Pathfinder ages 6-7, Cadets ages 9-14, Interns ages 14+.

Summer 2022 offers six full weeks of day camp, Monday through Friday, June 13 through July 29. Come for one or more weeks. Discounts available.

Space Voyage Summer Camp challenges kids ages 6-15 to “think like an Astronaut.”

This day camp, in Littleton, offers a high-energy, hands-on program. We offer six weeks of camp. Come for one or more weeks. It will be the best week of the summer.

For information, visit the website https://spacevoyage.com/camp/ or call 303-985-3143

Downtown Aquarium Summer Camps: Throughout the summer, the Denver aquarium hosts a variety of programs for children of all ages. Some programs include: • • • •

World Oceans Day Sea safari summer camp Zoologist for a day Marine biologist for a day

For information, visit www.AquariumRestaurants.com Everbrook Academy: Tapping into a world of wonder, Camp Everbrook provides activities to enhance learning and create an atmosphere to make new friends.

For information, visit www.everbrookacademy.com Open to a variety of ages; camp activities

INVENT.ORG/LOCAL

include: • • • • • • •

Farm-to-table activities Hands-on science Healthy habits Introduction to school routines Sports and fitness STEM experiments Games and projects

Evergreen Country Day Summer Camp: Evergreen Country Day’s Summer Camp offers opportunities for children to continue learning, growing, honing their skills, amplifying their interests, and making friends.

With a range of classes designed for early childhood, elementary, and middle-school students, Evergreen Country Day’s Summer Camp sparks imaginations and energizes learning of children ages 2 to 15.

For information, visit https://evergreencountryday.org/programs/summer-camp/ Evergreen Parks and Recreation District: There are a variety of summer programs and camps available in 2022.

For information, visit www.evergreenrecreation.com/201/Camps Some of this year’s camps include: • • • • • •

Summer adventure camp Outdoor climbing camp Gymnastics camp Outdoor adventure camp Boating camp Summer sports camp

GameBreaker Lacrosse: The program will be running Colorado day camps for boys and girls in Littleton this

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March 17, 2022

summer. Lacrosse campers will work on their individual stick skills and positional training and learn team concepts and situational gameplay daily. Half-day and day camper options are offered.

For more information, visit https://laxcamps.com.

HRCA summer camp programs: Each year, the Highlands Ranch Community Association hosts a variety of summer camps for children ages 5 and 12. In 2022, the summer camp catalogue is full of variety with theater and sports to science and more.

Tutoring Center: While summer is all about rest and fun, it is also important to make time for keeping up and enhancing academic skills. Through a variety of programs at the Tutoring Center of Golden, children can keep up with reading, math and writing. Some of the programs at the center include: • Geniuses in Training Program • Reading Program • Writing Enhancement Program • Little Geniuses in Training For information, visit https://golden.tutoringcenter.com

Some of the 2022 programs include: • • • • •

Camping Splish Splash Colors of the week Music palooza Adventure land

For information, visit www.HRCAOnline.org.

Kent Denver School: The full summer program at Kent Denver School offers all children ages 3–18 the opportunity to experience innovative, creative, hands-on learning in the arts, athletics, academics, and technology and design. Summer programs include: • • • •

A summer day camp Athletics Academics Innovation and technology

For information, visit www.kentdenver.org/ about/summer/summeratkds.

KidsConnections: The annual Englewood KidsConnection summer camp program is on schedule. Ses-

sions are held from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday from May 31 through Aug. 5.

The KidConnections camp provides: • • • •

Social and emotional growth Connections with new friends An answer to summer boredom New experiences

For information, visit https://www.englewoodco.gov/parks-recreation-library-golf/ play-englewood/programs/youth/2021kidconnections-summer-camp.

KidzArt: These camps offer curriculum geared to stretch minds, exercise imaginations, and introduce new idea-generating techniques, all while having fun and building confidence.

For information, visit: • www.kidzart.com/franchise/castle-rock/ • www.kidzart.com/franchise/highlandsranch • www.kidzart.com/franchise/lone-tree

Littleton Parks, Recreation and Community Education: The local program will offer a variety of summer activities with registration ongoing.

Sports and other programs will be available throughout the summer.

choices range in half-day or full-day musical theater options for elementary, middle and high school age groups.

Camp options include: • Performing arts mini camps • Musical theater show camps

For information, visit https://littletonma. myrec.com/info/activities/.

For information, visit www.paacolorado.org/ theatre-summer-camp/

Parker Arts:

School of Rock Golden/Lakewood:

Summer camps are available for youth ages 4 and 18 between June 6 and Aug. 5. Programs include half-day and full-day options.

Some of the summer programs include:

Looking for something unique for kids this summer? Music has become increasingly popular through the years, and the Golden/ Lakewood locations for School of Rock have plenty of offer, including:

• Play-A-Day • KidStage Stars

• • • • •

For more information, visit https://parkerarts.org/.

Performing Arts Academy:

Guitar lessons Drum lessons Singing/vocal lessons Keyboard lessons Bass lessons

Performing Arts Academy has a selection of both one-week and two-week programs. The

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Venue Theatre: The Venue Theatre Company, founded in 2013 as an educational 501c3 nonprofit, provides enriching performing arts education for the youth of the greater Denver and Foothills area. With highly trained, Broadway-experienced educators, The Venue meets all children at the level they are currently at and encourages them to develop their skills both as performers and as individuals.

In the summer of 2022, The Venue is already accepting registration for the “Sound of Music”. The production is open to students in first and 12th grades.

Details and dates include: • Parent meeting: May 16 • Audition Workshop: May 7, 10 a.m.

• Rehearsals start – May 23 • Auditions: May 9 and May 10 • Read-through – May 16 For more information, visit www.theVenuetheatre.com

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Talk to the Camera Video & Movie:

SUMMER CAMP PAGES CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

• Songwriting For information, visit https://bit. ly/3Mwwnmx.

Learn to make videos and movies through a program that includes video and movie making camps, theater and acting camps through STEAM-Based, hands-on curriculum. The summer program is for children ages 6 and 16.

For information, visit talktothecamera.com.

South Suburban Parks and Recreation: The regional organization provides a variety of program year-round and during summer.

Find programs in the following locations: • • • •

The Family Sports Center in Centennial Lone Tree Recreation Center Sheridan Recreation Center The Douglas H. Buck Community Center in Littleton • The Goodson Recreation Center in Centennial For information, visit www.sspd.org

Young Americans: Summer day camps are a way for young people to experience FUNancial education through an award-winning program, which is facilitated by the Young Americans Center for Financial Education staff. These dynamic camps, while emphasizing fun, feature interactive activities, hands-on application of instruction as well as outdoor time on our beautiful program deck. Camps are available for youth entering third through eighth grade in the 2022-23 school year. Camps are available in Denver and Lakewood.

For information, visit https://yacenter.org/summer-camps/

Tigar Gymnastics Camps: The Wheat Ridge center offers a variety of classes and programs throughout the summer, including: • • • •

Kinder gymnastics Girls’ gymnastics Ninja skills Parkour

For more information, visit www.TigarGymnastics.com.

Town of Castle Rock: The town hosts both half-day and all-day

Wings Over the Rockies: Besides providing daily education and entertainment to the community, the Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum offers a summer program for kids. The in-person camps cover STEAM-related subjects for elementary, middle and high-school aged students. Camps are held at the main museum in Denver and the Centennial Airport.

Camp options include: • Engineering to Mars – A camp designed to prepare future astronauts, scientists and engineers for all the challenges the red planet has to offer. This camp is offered at The Air & Space Museum in Denver • Skyward – This option is for campers who are serious about aviation. This session offers an in-depth look at airplanes and helicopters, airport operations, and a chance to interact with aviation professionals who believe that it’s never too early to get started. This camp is held at the Centennial Airport off Arapahoe Road. https://wingsmuseum.org/camps/

camps every year. The 2022 program is currently accepting registrations.

To learn more, visit www.crgov.com/3270/Summer-Camps.

Programs offered in full-and half-day programs include: • Athletics and adventure • Summer jedi and fencing • Adventure club Town of Parker: Each year the town offers a variety of summer programs for children. In 2022, some of the scheduled activities include: • • • • •

Cooks and books camp Farm-to-table cooking STEAM superheroes Rollercoaster science Sports camps

For information, visit parkerrec.com/1921/ Summer-Camps-for-Kids.

Activities include: • • • • •

Arts & Crafts Swimming Board games Climbing Outdoor play

For more information, visit www.rootedinfun.com/191/Sun-Camp.

YMCA summer camp programs: With recreation centers across the Front Range, the YMCA offers a variety of summer camp programs for all ages.

Some of the summer programs include: • Summer day camps at 20 locations • Specialty day camp and adventure camp at the Arvada and University Hills YMCA • Sports camp For information in your area, visit www. denverymca.org/programs/youth-programs/ summer-camp.

Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Sun Camp: Wheat Ridge operates a summer Sun Camp for children ages of 6 and 13. The program is available during the Jefferson County Public Schools’ spring, summer and winter breaks.

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

Centennial Citizen 21

March 17, 2022

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22 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

Get Away Going Away

eLivingtoday.com

Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter.

However, a staycation – a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) – can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel.

Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together.

Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before.

Camp out in the backyard.

Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own back-

yard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.

Set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal

then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy.

Have a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.

Visit an amusement park. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value.

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

Centennial Citizen 23

March 17, 2022

Egg-painting workshop to aid Ukraine

V

0130, denverartmuseum.org.

alkarie Gallery, 455 S. Saulsbury St., Lakewood, offers workshops March 21, 22 and April 7, 9 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. on painting the elaborate and beautiful Pysanky, Ukranian Easter eggs. A $100 donation to the International Rescue Committee to assist with Ukranian Aid, plus a $1 ticket fee, will get you a workshop spot. Visit the shop and select a time to register your space (10 people per class). Then email your confirmation of a $100 donation.

Teacher Maria Valentina Sheets learned from a Ukraine native and will teach the traditional beeswaxresist technique. 972-672-8965. All proceeds will go directly to Ukraine Aid. Ovation West Ovation West Musical Theatre will present “Godspell” by Michael Tebelak, book, and Stephen Schwartz, music and lyrics. Performances: March 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver and April 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and April 10 at 2:30 p.m. at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Tickets cost $30/$26/$20, ovationwest.org or 303-674-4002.

Library open house The Arapahoe Libraries community is invited to an open house at Eloise May Library, 1471 S. Parker Road in unincorporated Arapahoe County, between noon and 2 p.m. on

Jazz orchestra Colorado Repertory Jazz Orchestra returns to its start-up location, Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, for a session of Big Band Jazz at 7:30 p.m. on March 26. Vocalist Marion Powers will be featured, as well as new and old jazz numbers. Tickets start at $38. 720-509-1000, coloradojazz.org/ concerts.

Valkarie Gallery in Lakewood is offering workshops on painting the elaborate Pysanky, COURTESY PHOTO Ukranian Easter eggs.

Stories on Stage Stories On Stage presents “Think Outside the Book X, Y and Z.” Stories on Stage will perform for in-person seating at 2 p.m. on April 3. Virtual performances begin at 7 p.m. on April 8 and will be available for viewing anytime thereafter. Tickets: 303-494-0523, storiesonstage.org.

— the material we love to hate. A community art project in March and April will help the public understand how much single-use plastic they use in a week. The results will be displayed at a community event in June. To participate, contact Moira Casey, exhibit curator, mcasey@littleton.gov.

Newman Center Presents “National Geographic LIVE: Secrets of Whales With Brian Skerry” will run on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall. Newman Center is at 2311 E. Iliff Ave. on the University of Denver campus. 303-871-7720, newmancenterpresents.com.

Ongoing at DAM “La Malinche” is at Denver Art Museum through May 8. Mexico’s legendary La Malinche had many facets to her place in national history. Reservations/tickets: 720-913-

Alamo Drafthouse Littleton’s Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the Aspen Grove shopping center along Santa Fe Drive is reopened and remodeled, with a food and drinks menu available

March 27 to enjoy crafts for the kids and information about the many library services available. From 12:30 to 1:30, there will be an interactive performance by Logo-Li, a Colorado-based West African drum and dance troupe. 303-542-7279, arapahoelibraries.org/events.

Solo show at museum Artist Kalliopi Monoyios will have a solo show, “Patterns of Consumption,” at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton from April 1 to June 26. It will look at our interrelationship with plastic

Sat. April 9, 2022, 10am to 5pm Sun. April 10, 2022, 10am to 3pm

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24 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

March 17, 2022

SPORTS Valor struggles to score in title contest

Highlands Ranch, Arapahoe lose in semi-finals

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Senior Raegan Beers summed up Valor Christian’s frustrations after a 52-40 loss to Grandview in the Class 5A championship girls basketball game on March 12 at the Denver Coliseum.

“We couldn’t hit the broad side of the barn,” she said after the Eagles finished the season with a 23-4 record but failed to win their second straight state title.

Valor shot 20% of its field goal attempts in the first half as Grandview raced to a 26-15 lead. The Eagles shooting improved a little, especially in the final two minutes of the game, but a 32% shooting figure for the game isn’t a winning statistic.

“Oh yeah, it was frustrating not hitting your shots,” added Beers.

“My shots were not falling, and our guards’ shots weren’t falling. We couldn’t do anything about that, but we tried to keep playing defense and

Arapahoe players Natalia Simonson, 2, Sam Crispe, 44, Emily Thomas, 21, and Abby Morgan, 15, get together for a post-game hug as their Warriors ended their season in the Final Four round to Valor Christian 65-49 on March 10 at the Denver Coliseum.

PHOTO BY PAUL DISALVO

did that well.”

Valor played good defense for most of the game, but Grandview still shot 55.6% in the first half and 45.9% for the game.

“Sadly, we didn’t shoot the way we needed to,” said Valor Coach Jessika Caldwell. “We did some good things defensively but, in the end, too many offensive boards and not capitalizing on our stops on defense on the

offensive end hurt us. I’m proud of our girls for fighting and enduring a challenging season of so many road games (because of a flooded gym early in the season).”

Grandview outrebounded the Eagles, 33-24, and had a 43.4% offensive rebounding percentage. The Wolves had a 24-4 advantage in points in the paint.

One of the featured matchups in

the game was between McDonald’s All-Americans with Grandview’s 6-foot-7 Stanford commit Lauren Betts going against Beers, the 6-foot-3 center who will be going to Oregon State.

Betts had 13 points and 10 rebounds while Beers finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, making only six of 18 field goal attempts.

Macey Huard was Valor’s other double figure scorer in the title game with 10 points.

Leading up to the championship game, the 5A semi-final games were played on March 10 at the Coliseum.

Valor Christian got past Arapahoe, 65-49, and Grandview ousted Highlands Ranch, 65-51.

Beers had 28 points, 14 rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists to spark the Eagles who also got points from Huard (13), freshman Quinn Van Sickle (12) and Mariah Hilliard (11).

Sydney White was the top scorer for Arapahoe (18-8) with 15 points and Sam Crispe added 13.

Highlands Ranch ended with a 21-5 record and was led by Emily Williamson with 21 points. Betts had 22 points for Grandview.

ThunderRidge repeats as 5A state champions Second-half comeback secures title for Grizzlies

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ThunderRidge’s dressing room was quiet at halftime after a slow start in the Class 5A boys state championship basketball game against Fossil Ridge on March 12 at the Denver Coliseum.

However, the top-seeded Grizzlies made plenty of noise in the second half like the team had been doing all season to pull out a 58-49 victory, taking home their second straight state championship hardware.

It was the school’s fourth state boys basketball title as the Grizzlies finished the season with a 26-2 record, with the team’s comeback magic helping in several games.

ThunderRidge fell behind 12-0 at the start against hot-shooting Fossil Ridge and trailed 30-22 at the halftime intermission.

“The players were quiet at half,” said ThunderRidge Coach Joe Ortiz. “They are usually shouting and chattering. We talked about discipline, we talked about toughness.

We’ve been there many times. We know what we can do. We did it.”

ThunderRidge opened the third quarter with a 12-0 run to grab a 34-30 lead and then had a 14-4 spurt to take a 53-41 lead into the final two minutes of the game.

“We’ve been down a bunch of times and it says a lot about our re-

silience and character,” Ortiz said.

“It also says that we’re not perfect.

People exposed us. We’ve had our flaws shown in the tournament and during the year, but our strengths showed. Not just in this game but the first two rounds. Our strength in the second half showed, that’s our strength, our heart, our fight, our toughness, our depth and our heart. I’m super proud. There were several times this year we could have quit. These guys didn’t quit and deserve the state title.”

Andrew Crawford, a 6-foot-5 sophomore, had 16 points to lead the way against Fossil Ridge. Zach Keller, the Grizzlies’ 6-9 senior, scored 13 points. Senior Joey Billelo, playing despite suffering from food poisoning, added 11 points and senior Jackson Brennan had 10 points.

Brock Mishak of Fossil Ridge took game-scoring honors with 25 points but the Sabercats, who shot at a 60% clip in the first half, cooled off and hit 41.9% of their field goal attempts for the game.

“It feels amazing to win the state championship,” said Crawford.

“Back to back is crazy. Coach Ortiz tells us there is no pressure when we go out. We just have to show we are number one and the best in the state. They (Fossil Ridge) came out firing but we’ve been down all year and we find a way to win.”

In the semi-finals on March 11, ThunderRidge came back to get past Denver East, 55-54, and Fossil Ridge advanced with a 65-56 triumph over Chaparral.

The ThunderRidge Grizzlies show off their championship awards after their 58-49 PHOTO BY PAUL DISALVO win over Fossil Ridge on March 12 at the Denver Coliseum.

Keller scored on a tip-in which he admitted went off an opponent’s hand with 29.8 seconds remaining to give the Grizzlies the win.

East couldn’t get anything going offensively and Quis Davis’ desperate 3-point attempt fell short at the final buzzer.

ThunderRidge was eight points behind early in the fourth quarter but with the help of Crawford, crawled back into the contest.

“We had to match their momentum to get back in the game,” said Ortiz. “We got the momentum flipped and did a good job of changing the game. Zach’s play was phenomenal and that was all heart.”

Keller wound up with 19 points, Crawford had 15 and Billelo added

10.

“We just came out and played our game,” said Keller.

Fossil Ridge went on a 14-2 run at the end of the third and start of the fourth periods to take control against Chaparral, the only Colorado team to beat ThunderRidge this season.

The Sabercats dominated inside in the fourth quarter with a 26-10 scoring edge on points in the paint during the finalperiod.

Nick Randall paced Fossil Ridge with a game-high 25 points. Guard Luke Williams had 21 points for Chap while Bennett Pegues and Joel Speckman each had 10 markers for the Wolverines, who finished the season with a 21-5 record.

Centennial Citizen 25

March 17, 2022

Girls compete in oratory contest George Washington High student wins event held by Littleton Optimists

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

“Healing the World with Optimism” was the topic stated for five young women from the area who competed in the 2022 edition of the Annual Oratorical Contest, sponsored by the Littleton Optimist Club.

The club awards $500 to its winner, a start on a college scholarship. That person goes on to compete at state level — and perhaps, district and national. Finally, a World Championship winner is announced, with enough scholarship money to head to college for a degree.

This year, the contest was held via Zoom, instead of in Bemis Library’s lower-level meeting room, which meant that the buzz of excitement felt in a crowd of students, families and teachers was missing, but the five young women who competed were energetic and composed.

Contestants were: Rose Webster, 17, from George Washington High School in Denver, first place; Athena Vimal, 15, Mountain Vista High School, Highlands Ranch, second place; Lynae Lambert, 16, Arapahoe High School, Centennial, third place; Hailey Hatch, 13, Mountain Ridge Middle School, Highlands Ranch, fourth place; and Sloane Siegal, 12, Newton Middle School, Littleton, fifth place.

Optimist International information says that this is the longestrunning program sponsored by the organization, which focuses on supporting young people through this and other programs.

Prizes are awarded at club, district and world/regional levels.

The long-running contests started in 1928.

At the district level, Webster’s next stop, there will be scholarships of $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 and the winner there will go to the World Championship Oratorical

Athena Vimal, 15, of Mountain Vista High School, came in second at the Littleton Optimist Club Annual Oratorical Contest.

Rose Webster, 17, from George Washington High School in Denver, will now compete in the district level of Optimist oratory competitions after taking first place at the Littleton contest.

Hailey Hatch, 13, of Mountain Ridge Middle School, was the fourth-place winner in the oratory contest held by the Littleton Optimist Club.

Lynae Lambert, 16, of Arapahoe High School, took third place in the Littleton Optimist Club Annual Oratorical Contest.

Sloane Siegal, 12, of Newton Middle School, was the fifth-place competitor in the oratory contest hosted by the Littleton Optimist Club.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Contest, date and location to be announced.

Eligible contestants must be under 19 as of Oct. 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, and interested contestants were told to prepare a four- to five-minute speech on the designated subject, with each club winner expected to move on to district contests, where scholarships are again awarded. CEGEP students in Canada are also eligible.

Littleton Optimist Club member Darrell Schulte has been club chairman for this contest for a number of years.

The organization also holds an essay contest for young people.

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26 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

C R O S S W O R D LETTERS P U Z Z L E

marketing it as a senior center, and/or sign the petition at change.org.

Kathryn Murphy, Highlands Ranch

FROM PAGE 15

Event center not senior center I am a senior living in Highlands Ranch since 1987. I attended the open house for the proposed Highlands Ranch Senior Center. The building diagram showed 3-4 offices for Douglas County, a small fitness center that could be used for Silver Sneakers, a kitchen area, and a large open space that could be divided into smaller spaces to be used as needed. All the proposed programs are currently available through the recreation centers or the library. The 2019 cost for this building was $10 million from Highlands Ranch residents’ taxes. There are no figures for what it would cost in today’s dollars.

This building can be used by anyone, it is not limited to seniors or residents of Highlands Ranch.

The proposed site will bring a lot of outside traffic into the heart of Highlands Ranch and increase traffic on one of the busiest and most dangerous streets in our community. This site will also change the topography and limit the size of one of the few remaining open spaces in Highlands Ranch.

Please don’t let this happen! Email or call the Highlands Ranch Metro District and let them know you oppose the building of an event center while

What Kids First really means I read the resolution that Mike Peterson, the president of the DCSD Board of Education, is putting up for a vote.

Now I’m no lawyer so my interpretation could be way off. But after I cut through all the Whereas’s and Therefore’s, this is what I read.

“We the KF Team got caught breaking the law while colluding about firing Superintendent Corey Wise. And because of our smugness and stupidity, we’re now being sued and could be in some serious legal trouble. So we have to stick together. And since we all know that there is only one guy at the helm of the KF Team, the one you look to for guidance on issues (and sometimes how to vote), you three women need to submit to his wisdom and let him do the talking for all of you. Besides, he’s already got a working relationship established with that expensive lawyer he hired at the taxpayers’ expense. And, don’t worry about a thing. You won’t be kept in the dark. His lawyer will give you all regular updates on the issues Mike deems important for you to know.

Just say ‘Aye.’” Like I said. I’m no lawyer, but that’s how it sounds to me.

Mike Dubrovich, Parker

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Centennial Citizen 27

March 17, 2022

COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

Career Training

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DEADLINES CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: MONDAY, 5 P.M. SERVICE DIRECTORY: THURSDAY, 5 P.M. LEGALS: THURSDAY, 3 P.M.

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Help Wanted Public Works Operator The Town of Elizabeth Public Works Department is seeking an individual who is organized and self-motivated for an entry-level full-time position.

The preferred applicant should have at least one (1) year of experience in, but not limited to: assisting in park mowing, trimming, building maintenance, light and heavy equipment operation, equipment maintenance and repair, water meter reading, sewer and water mainline repairs, minor water and wastewater plant repair and maintenance, minor landscape type equipment repairs, and general labor for the department.

Preferred applicant to be considered is to be within 30 minutes of the Town of Elizabeth, CDL Class B (or able to obtain a CDL Class B within 1 year of accepted hire/training provided by the Town) and to be available if needed to work during weekends and Holidays along with any needed overtime. A background check and references will determine final eligibility. Please inquire with the Public Works Director for more detailed information at 303913-6453. Valid Driver’s license required. Hourly salary starting at $19.23 per hour DOQ and includes current Town benefits EOE/M/FV. Applications will be accepted until the job is filled. Send resume and completed town application to Town of Elizabeth/Public Works Director Mike DeVol. Town of Elizabeth PO Box 159/151 Banner St. Elizabeth, CO 80107, Fax to 303-646-9434 or Email to mdevol@townofelizabeth. org

Part Time Office & Maintenance Help Mountain Mini Storage needs part time Office and Maintenance help. Opportunities to gain full time employment based on skills.

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28 Centennial Citizen

March 17, 2022

COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

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Centennial Citizen 29

March 17, 2022 COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

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www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

March 17, 2022

Centennial Citizen 31

obtained by going to the Arapahoe County website and the Centennial Citizen Andrea Ferber: until the second regular December 21, 2021,303.566.4088 the undersigned Pubwww.arapahoegov.com, then go to the Finance election (May 6, 2025) Public Notices callOn Sheree legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com Legals lic Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Department, and under the Finance Department

Public Trustees COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0006-2022 To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On January 11, 2022, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) Judith A Stewart Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Its Successors and Assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt The Bank of New York Mellon fka the Bank of New York, as Trustee for the certificateholders of the CWABS Inc., asset-backed certificates, series 2006-21 Date of Deed of Trust September 06, 2006 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust September 21, 2006 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) B6136125 Original Principal Amount $204,000.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $210,890.87 Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE IN THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO, BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 25, BLOCK 5, BEL-VUE HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Also known by street and number as: 7526 S Elati St, Littleton, CO 80120-4109.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/11/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 3/17/2022 Last Publication: 4/14/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 01/11/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Erin Croke #46557 Steven Bellanti #48306 Holly Shilliday #24423 Ilene Dell'Acqua #31755 McCarthy & Holthus LLP 7700 E Arapahoe Road, Suite 230, Centennial, CO 80112 (877) 369-6122 Attorney File # CO-21-896807-LL The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose. ©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015 Legal Notice NO. 0006-2022 First Publication: 3/17/2022 Last Publication: 4/14/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0101-2021 To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) WILLIAM M DEWAR II AND MAUREEN A DEWAR Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR FINANCE AMERICA, LLC, DBA FINAM, LLC Current Holder of Evidence of Debt WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE UNDER THE INDENTURE RELATING TO IMPAC CMB TRUST SERIES 2005-6 Date of Deed of Trust May 09, 2005 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust May 17, 2005 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) B5070940 Original Principal Amount $246,500.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $261,381.51 Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. LOT 1, BLOCK 3, WALNUT HILLS-FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO Also known by street and number as: 7811 E BRIARWOOD BLVD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112-1308.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 04/20/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 2/24/2022 Last Publication: 3/24/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 12/21/2021 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Anna Johnston #51978 Ryan Bourgeois #51088 Joseph D. DeGiorgio #45557 Randall Chin #31149 Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711 Attorney File # 00000009345950 The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose. ©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015 Legal Notice No. 0101-2021 First Publication: 2/24/2022 Last Publication: 3/24/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

City and County Public Notice ARAPAHOE COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP-22-17 UTILITY LOCATE SERVICES PROJECT NUMBER C22-013 Notice is hereby given that the Arapahoe County Purchasing Division will be accepting proposals from qualified Contractors with proven experience and expertise, to locate and report Underground Fiber Optic Utilities for a Utility Notification Center of Colorado (U.N.C.C.) Colorado 811 or CO811 Tier 1 utility provider.

All Arapahoe County solicitations can be obtained from the County’s website. The Request For Proposal (RFP-22-17) document can be

select Purchasing then go to the Quick Link for the Rocky Mountain ePurchasing website. Electronic submissions will be accepted online via Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing Systems (RMEPS), www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado.

Submittals must be received, electronically, no later than 2:00 p.m. local time on April 14, 2022.

The County reserves the right to waive any or all informalities or irregularities and to reject any or all submittals.

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Legal Notice No. Arap 1049 First Publication: March 17, 2022 Last Publication: March 17, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen Public Notice ARAPAHOE COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP-22-16 Treatment Provider List for Pretrial Mental Health Program: Sober-Living Homes

Notice is hereby given that the Arapahoe County Purchasing Division will be accepting proposals for the purpose of establishing working relationships with quality sober-living homes and codify the expectations and needs of the Pretrial Mental Health Program and its participants.

All Arapahoe County solicitations can be obtained from the County’s website. The Request For Proposal (RFP-22-16) document can be obtained by going to the Arapahoe County website www. arapahoegov.com, then go to the Finance Department, and under the Finance Department select Purchasing then go to the Quick Link for the Rocky Mountain ePurchasing website. Electronic submissions will be accepted online via Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing Systems (RMEPS), www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado.

Submittals must be received, electronically, no later than 2:00 p.m. local time on April 14, 2022.

The County reserves the right to waive any or all informalities or irregularities and to reject any or all submittals.

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Legal Notice No. Arap 1048 First Publication: March 17, 2022 Last Publication: March 17, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen Public Notice CITY OF CENTENNIAL NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE ELIBIGILITY OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR ANNEXATION COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE DOVE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK/CHERRY CREEK INNOVATION CAMPUS ANNEXATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to C.R.S. § 31-12-108(2), that the City Council of the City of Centennial will hold a public hearing on Monday, the 18th day of April 2022 at 7:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as the meeting agenda permits) to consider whether the property generally known as the “Dove Valley Regional Park/ Cherry Creek Innovation Campus Annexation,” and more particularly described in Resolution No. 2022-R-11, dated March 7, 2022 (the “Substantial Compliance Resolution”), which property consists of a total of approximately 274.025 acres as more particularly described in a petition for annexation (the “Subject Property”), meets the applicable requirements of Section 30 of Article II of the Colorado Constitution and C.R.S § 31-12-104 and C.R.S § 31-12-105, and is eligible for annexation to the City of Centennial. Copies of the Petitions for Annexation concerning the Subject Property and the corresponding annexation map are on file at the City of Centennial City Clerk’s office, 13313 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80112.

All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. The hearing will be held in the Centennial Civic Center, 13313 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80112 at the above time and date. Further information concerning this matter may be obtained by calling the City of Centennial Community Development Department at 303754-3403. A copy of the Substantial Compliance Resolution is published in full below.

A live broadcast of the meeting may be found at: https://www.centennialco.gov/Government/ Mayor-Council/City-Council-Meetings/AgendasMinutes IMPORTANT NOTICE: Though not anticipated, in the event the public hearing is required to held by a virtual meeting service such as Zoom, the date and time of the meeting shall remain the same as stated above but the City’s website shall provide immediate notice of the change in meeting format and provide a means of accessing the virtual meeting via the internet as soon as practicable. In addition, you may call the City of Centennial Community Development Department at 303-754-3308 to obtain the internet link to the meeting if held by virtual format. /s/ Barbara Setterlind, MMC, City Clerk Legal Notice No. 530153-60153 First Publication: March 10, 2022 Second Notice: March 17, 2022 Third Notice: March 24, 2022 Fourth Notice: March 31, 2022 Last Publication: April 7, 2022 Publisher: Littleton Independent

Metropolitan Districts

Cary Wicker: until the second regular election (May 6, 2025)

Public Notice

DATED: March 4, 2022

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTIONS BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Jones Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the elections there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the elections to be held on May 3, 2022, are hereby canceled pursuant to Section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S. The following candidates are declared elected:

/s/ Catherine V. Will Designated Election Official for the Jones Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 5 c/o McGeady Becher P.C. 450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400 Denver, Colorado 80203-1254 Phone: 303-592-4380 Legal Notice No. 530164 First Publication: March 17, 2022 Last Publication: March 17, 2022 Publisher: Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen

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Arapahoe County Public Notice

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the calendar of the Board of County Commissioners permits, in the East Hearing Room of the County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County will meet to consider the following proposed budget resolutions (NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID19 emergency the hearing may be conducted through remote access – please check the March 22, 2022 public meeting agenda at https://arapahoe.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx for specific information on how to attend and participate. The agenda will typically be posted by the Friday afternoon preceding the hearing):

ers adopted the 2022 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, Arapahoe County Financial Policy 2.1, approved on October 25, 2016, specifies that the Board of County Commissioners will annually designate from the specific fund’s unappropriated fund balance a working capital reserve equal to one-sixth of the current year’s initial adopted operating budget for the Road and Bridge Fund and the Arapahoe Law Enforcement Authority Fund, and an amount equal to one-sixth of the County’s contribution to the Social Services Fund; and

RESOLUTION A: REAPPROPRIATION OF 2021 FUNDS

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has determined that the General Fund working capital reserve shall be eleven percent (11.0 percent) of the operating expenses within the current year’s initial adopted budget; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2022 Annual Budget pursuant to State Statute; and

WHEREAS, these fund balance reserves will be adequate to fund necessary expenditures, including accrued vacation and sick leave; and

WHEREAS, the Board may authorize a department or elected office to use an unspent portion of the prior year’s appropriation during the subsequent year for the originally intended purpose, and the most common circumstances include funds that were encumbered but not yet spent, the remaining funds for ongoing projects, and the year-end fund balances of certain funds; and

WHEREAS, these reserves will be adequate to comply with, and shall include, the fund balance reserve amounts required by Article X, Section 20, of the State Constitution.

WHEREAS, the requests to use unspent funds from the prior fiscal year during the current fiscal year have been reviewed by the Finance Department; and

1.General Fund Working Capital Reserve

$22,865,891

2.Road and Bridge Fund Working Capital Reserve

$3,077,079

3. Social Services Fund Working Capital Reserve

$2,472,580

4. Arapahoe Law Enforcement Authority Fund Working Capital Reserve

$1,571,776

WHEREAS, since appropriation authority expires at the end of each fiscal year, the Boardapproved funds must be appropriated again for the subsequent fiscal year so they may be expended; and WHEREAS, it is the request of the Finance Department, in conjunction with the individual operating departments and elected offices, to reappropriate the funds in accordance with the Arapahoe County Financial Policy 3.4, which also specifies that this reappropriation process be completed each year; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-106, C.R.S., as required by law.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to authorize the following supplemental appropriations from unappropriated fund balances for the 2022 budget: General Fund - $1,984,471 as follows: a. Administrative Services b. Clerk & Recorder’s Office c. Commissioners’ Office d. County Attorney e. District Attorney’s Office f. Finance g. Human Resources h. Information Technology i. Public Works and Development j. Sheriff’s Office

$150,000 25,398 22,167 62,000 23,873 15,000 122,506 112,744 295,800 1,154,983

The total for all other funds is $97,493,265. k. Social Services $84,973 l. Electronic Filing Technology Fund 442,488 m. Cash in Lieu Fund 1,831,113 n. Road & Bridge Fund 379,267 o. Conservation Trust Fund 1,897,681 p. Communication Network Replacement Fund 235,679 q. Sheriff’s Commissary Fund 1,359,200 r. Forfeited Property Fund 23,141 s. Open Space Sales and Use Tax Fund 52,354,405 t. Building Maintenance Fund 197,969 u. Arapahoe County Fair Fund 178,580 v. Capital Expenditure Fund 6,610,187 w. Infrastructure Fund 27,363,323 x. Arapahoe County Recreation District Fund 11,264 y. Central Services Fund 4,429,387 z. Self-Insurance Dental Fund 94,608 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies.

RESOLUTION B: POLICY RESERVES WHEREAS, the Board of County Commission-

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to designate the following fund balance reserve amounts for 2022:

RESOLUTION C: SUPPLEMENTALS WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2021 and 2022 Annual Budgets pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners will consider the following budget amendments to both the 2021 and 2022 Annual Budgets; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to amend the adopted 2021 Annual Budget as follows: a. Transfer $200,000 from the unappropriated balance of the General Fund to the Self-Insurance Liability Fund and recognize and appropriate the same in the Self-Insurance Liability Fund and transfer $550,000 from the unappropriated balance of the Self-Insurance Liability Fund, County Attorney’s Office to cover the insurance claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (IBNR). b. Transfer $400,000 from the unappropriated balance of the Worker’s Compensation Fund and appropriate in the County Attorney’s Office to cover the insurance claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (IBNR).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to amend the adopted 2022 Annual Budget as follows: c. Recognize $30,109,601 and appropriate $28,699,596 in the Infrastructure Fund, Public Works & Development, for funds expected to be received as reimbursement for project expenses.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies.

Legal Notice No. Arap 1050 First Publication: March 17, 2022 Last Publication: March 17, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen

Centennial Legals 3.17.22 * 1

32 Centennial Citizen

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March 17, 2022