Denver Herald 070623

Retiring workers find new life through CU Denver program

BY JESSE PAUL AND ELLIOTT WENZLER THE COLORADO SUN

When a group of Colorado lawmakers in 2020 sought to end the state’s statute of limitations for lawsuits in child sex assault cases, some victims and victims’ advocates wanted them to try to go even further.

eir request was that Colorado give victims of abuse for whom the statute of limitations had expired a window to sue not only their abusers, but also organizations that shielded the perpetrators or negligently allowed the abuse to continue.

e nonpartisan O ce of Legislative Legal Services, which o ers state lawmakers legal advice, said such a window would violate the state’s constitution, which prohibits the General Assembly from reviving a claim for which the statute of limitations has run out. It turns out that opinion held merit.

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Retirement can be about more than pickleball and world travel. For some retirees, winding down a career could mean transitioning to other work or dedicating part of their time to passion projects, said Todd Matuszewicz, 60, who plans to retire soon. Figuring out which is next, however, is the hard part.

“After working for 35 years, at the end of it, there’s no exit strategy,”

said Matuszewicz, a neon sign maker and former educator. “ at’s not taught as part of education. ey say here’s chemistry, here’s your history, but there was no one saying: We’re going to help you on the back side.” But Matuszewicz found help through the University of ColoradoDenver’s Change Makers program. e pilot program, which started this year, joins a growing list of programs nationwide that are helping older adults prepare for how they want to spend the next phase of their lives.

e program is a priority for school leaders who want to serve older adults because they want the school to be “a university for life,” said Anne Button, the program’s founding director.

Here and nationally, schools also have looked for new ways to bring in students. Some schools have faced declining enrollment since the pandemic, and lower birth rates will mean fewer college-age students to

e Colorado Supreme Court last week struck down the part of Senate Bill 88, a law passed by the legislature in 2021, giving victims of child sex abuse dating back to the 1960s a three-year window starting on Jan. 1, 2022, to le lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions or organizations that failed to stop the abuse. e high court’s decision was unanimous.

ere were many concerns about

SEE WARNED, P2

Todd Matuszewicz, 60, a neon sign creator, poses in front of a neon sign he restored. Matuszewicz participated in the University of Colorado Denver’s Change Makers program to help him figure out what he wants to do when he retires.

COURTESY OF TODD MATUSZEWICZ

Law was unconstitutional, and legislators were warned

the constitutionality of Senate Bill 88 as it was debated in the legislature, but the measure’s sponsors took the rare step of proceeding anyway, saying the severity of the crime demanded it. Dozens of pending or soon-to-be- led cases were unraveled by the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“We knew that there would be a challenge to this law because the opponents of the measure made it clear they intended to sue,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson, a Wheat Ridge Democrat and prime sponsor of the bill. “We still had the obligation to do the right thing and try to stand up for the people who were abused as children.”

e opponents included public schools and the Catholic Church, who warned that Senate Bill 88 posed a major nancial burden because of the legal costs stemming from how many lawsuits they would have to defend against. ey also argued the measure was plainly unconstitutional.

Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a Commerce City Democrat and another lead sponsor of Senate Bill 88, said there were always concerns a court would toss out the policy. “It’s disappointing that it came out this way. However, clearly the way the vote went — 7-0 — they absolutely

feel it is unconstitutional.”

Several other states, including New York, New Jersey, North Carolina

and California, have passed laws giving victims of child sex assault from decades past a window to sue.

e measures were inspired by the worldwide Catholic Church abuse scandal and the fact that survivors often wait decades before they reveal their victimization, including a man pro led by e Colorado Sun in 2020 who waited more than three decades to tell his family that he had been abused as a child by a priest who was a constant gure in their lives.

Senate Bill 88 tried to get around the constitutional prohibition on reviving a claim for which the statute of limitations has run out by creating an entirely new civil cause of action.  e Colorado Supreme Court said that despite the careful legal maneuvering, the law was still deemed unconstitutional.

Ground-level ozone is invisible and the Front Range’s biggest air quality issue. Created from pollutants like car exhaust, ozone is a leading cause of respiratory problems.

Improving our air quality takes all of us, and there are many ways to help. We encourage you to #JustSkipTwo car trips a week, mow your lawn after 5 p.m., don’t idle your car, telework a few days each week, and take the bus, bike, or walk.

Sign up for air quality alerts and learn more about the simple steps you can do to help.

SimpleStepsBetterAir.org

e push to create a so-called look-back window in Colorado was so erce that it led to the demise in 2020 of a measure that would have ended Colorado’s statute of limitations for lawsuits solely in future child sexual assault cases or in cases where the statute of limitations hadn’t already run out. e sponsor of that legislation, Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, killed the measure in a dramatic committee hearing because she said it didn’t do enough to help victims of child sex abuse in decades past.

“I’m not willing to pass a bill that lets perpetrators o the hook,” Gonzales said at the time. “I will not settle for watered-down justice. I believe we have to do better. All victims of sexual assault deserve to see their abusers held accountable.”

Proponents split the two proposals into two measures in 2021, and Senate Bill 73, eliminating the statute of limitations, passed and was signed into law. ( e statute of limitations gave child sex abuse survivors six years after they turned 18 to le a legal action.)

“For the same reason that the legislature cannot revive timebarred claims, it cannot create a new cause of action that covers the same conduct and apply it retroactively,” the court’s ruling said. “We certainly understand the General Assembly’s desire to right the wrongs of past decades by permitting such victims to hold abusers and their enablers accountable. But the General Assembly may accomplish its ends only through constitutional means.”

e Supreme Court’s decision came in a case led by a woman who sued Aurora Public Schools. She said she was sexually abused by a coach at Rangeview High School in the early 2000s, alleging that the coach made her perform oral sex on him over 100 times during her four years at the school, starting when she was 14. She said it wasn’t until 2007 that she began to fully understand what had happened to her, but when she reported the abuse to police, authorities told her the statute of limitations had run out.

e case was tossed out by a lower court on grounds that Senate BIll 88 was unconstitutional, which prompted the woman to le an appeal with the state’s highest court.

If you could see Colorado’s air, you would want to improve it.

The Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center in Denver, home of the Colorado Supreme Court, the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado attorney general’s o ce. JEREMY MARTINEZ

Brighton trucker o ers a message and sanctuary for indigenous women

Ho-Chunk Trucking spreads message about murdered, missing women

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

You might see Elizabeth Johnson’s semi-tractor trailer traveling the U.S. interstate highways — especially between Winnebago, Nebraska and Brighton, Colorado.

And if you do see it, there’s no way you can miss her message. e entire trailer carries the simple direct message — Stop killing indigenous women.

Starting in 2017, Johnson — a member of the Ho-Chunk Tribal Nation of Nebraska — has spread that message.

“My message as a woman is, if any woman sees this semi-truck and needs help, me and my dog Delilah will help you to safety. Knock on my semi-truck door,” Johnson said.

Estimates say there are 506 cases of missing or murdered indigenous women across the country. at’s likely an undercount due to bad

Health Institute. Of the 506, 128 of the women are considered missing while 280 were known murdered. Another 98 are cases of unknown status, according to the Urban Indian Health Institute.

veyed 71 police stations and one state agency found that 5,712 missing and murdered Indigenous cases were reported in 2016. But of those, only 116 were logged in with the Department of Justice database.

According to the National Institute of Justice, as of May 2023, 84.3% more than 1.5 million American Indian and Alaskan Native women experience violence in their lifetime.

Elizabeth Johnson with her son Bruno and grandchildren Bruno Jr. Ximena and her dog Delilah standing by her semi-truck.

PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

SEE

MESSAGE

Victimization of American Indian and Native woman is 1.2 times higher than white women.

On a mission

Johnson and her family moved to Winnebago when she was ve and she was raised as a tribal member of the Nebraska Ho-Chunk tribe, and given the name Rainbow Woman. She left home when she was in her preteens and has kept moving.

“I don’t know if God would bless me to go further in my trucking industry or this is the end of my travels but when I see family I want to make an apple pie,” Johnson said.

Nebraska is always her home, she said, but Brighton, where her son and my grandchildren live, is her second home. She spends half her time with them.

Johnson started her mission because she was a victim of abuse herself. It was a two-way abusive situation, she said: He was abusive to her, but she fought back. “He would put me on his lap with a knife at my throat. It was a toxic

relationship; I left, and I was done. As soon that door closed, God, or wherever you want to believe, started to open other doors for me,” Johnson said.

She had worked as a construction driver in the summer and fall. She was laid o in the winter but guaranteed to return in the summer. Even so, she said she needed a more consistent job and she needed reliable transportation to do that. She found a pick-up truck she liked and approached a bank looking for a loan.

“ ey never wanted to give me a loan but I told them if you don’t give me a loan, I’m going to go somewhere else,” she said. “ is is income that comes to your bank and comes back out. ey gave me the loan and I purchased a brandnew Silverado. When I purchased the truck, that was when I left the man. I thought I was going to die leaving him and was heartbroken, but I left.”

Johnson said she drove the Silverado for a while and although it was nice to drive a cute truck, she was still broke.

“I went back to the bank and asked for a loan to trade o the Silverado for a used semi to make

PERFECTION IS EFFORTLESS

Let’s talk steaks. Steaks that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfectly aged, hand-trimmed, one-of-a-kind steaks that are GUARANTEED to be perfect, every single time. These aren’t just steaks. These are Omaha Steaks.

money,” she said. “I told the banker it was a win-win; I could make money at the same cost Silverado,” she said. “ e woman sat across from me and said, ‘I’m going do it for you’. Usually, they didn’t give business loans.”

at opened a door for Johnson, and she started her trucking company, Ho-Chunk Trucking, in 2017. After a couple of years, she was able to upgrade and buy a new semitruck. en, after a couple’s years of hauling other companies’ trailers, she took out another loan and purchased her own trailer in 2020.

“I wanted my own trailer because women in the industry are treated badly; it’s a whole other story,” Johnson said.

Traveling platform

Johnson said that once she had a trailer she started thinking about it as a platform for other Native American women.

“I went through hell and back. What is the message I wanted to say to the world?” she said.

Johnson decided to do a custom wrap on her trailer with a message about indigenous women missing and murdered. She also included pictures of her family dressed in re-

galia and a friend dancing pow-pow and included information about 500 gone missing or murdered women.

One photo, showing a woman with a red hand over her mouth, is her niece Jalisa Horn who was left for dead from abuse and had to crawl to get help. Horn agreed to add her photo to draw attention to the message, “Murdered, Missing Indigenous Women.”

State laws

Governor Jared Polis signed SB22150, a law requiring o cial reports of missing indigenous people within eight hours. Missing children must be reported to law enforcement within two, under the law.

e act also requires the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to work on investigating missing or murdered indigenous persons and also work with federal, state, and local law enforcement to e ectively investigate the cases.

In addition, an alert system and an agency called “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives” are responsible for reporting and improving the investigation of missing and murdered Indigenous women and addressing injustice in the criminal justice system.

All-Time Grilling Faves

THE BEST STEAKS OF YOUR LIFE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

‘Alcohol alternatives’ and community aid

BY RACHEL LORENZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Whether it’s shooting pool or bowling with friends, one Colorado business owner noticed it’s hard to go out in the evening and not end up near folks drinking.

“All of our social time is all spent around alcohol,” Ryan Gnieski told Colorado Community Media. “ ere’s got to be something better than that, you know? We o er that alternative.”

Gnieski recently opened at’s Kava, a bar that serves kava and other nonalcoholic beverages, on South Broadway in Englewood.

Kava is a tea-like drink made from the root of a plant in the pepper family, found in the South Paci c islands. Served cold in a small bowl that mimics a coconut shell, kava has a relaxing e ect but doesn’t a ect your motor skills, Gnieski said.

FROM PAGE 1

teach in the future.

While many people retire in their 60s, some live well beyond retirement, Button said. Many will also continue working, but don’t have a direction on how to use their skills without working full-time, Button said.

“Many people feel there’s a lot more productive time left,” Button said. “People at 60 really could have

your shoulders, makes you a little more talkative — but it doesn’t impair your judgment,” said Samuel Annes, the administrative operations manager at at’s Kava.

With a bright pink and blue color palette and a 10-foot marlin above the bar, the new hangout spot exudes a Florida vibe. at’s an homage to the state where Gnieski grew up and rst learned about kava nearly two decades ago.

In addition to kava, the new busi-

three decades left of productive years.”

e Change Makers program graduated its rst class of 17 students in the spring, including Matuszewicz. e program, which costs about $3,200, has students meet two nights a week over four months. Students can audit classes, re ect on their accomplishments, and hear from guest speakers on topics such as aging, social-emotional health, and volunteering.

e program culminates in participants writing a 90-day plan on how to transition into their next job, wind

drinks containing kratom, a Southeast Asian plant known for its stimulantlike e ects. ere’s a pool table in the back, and while there isn’t any food on the menu, Gnieski encourages people to bring in a snack from one of the neighboring eateries.

“With kava, it’s all about community,” he said. “I’m just about bringing people together.”

at’s Kava is registered as a nonpro t corporation with the State of Colorado. Gnieski, who also founded

down their careers, or nd another purpose.

Terri Harrington, 66, said she’s tried to come up with a plan for what’s next. e program didn’t inspire a great epiphany for her, but allowed her to map out how she would begin to slow down.

“It set aside time for me to think about it,” she said. “ ey also had us do di erent projects like look back on your life and chart out the signicant events.”

One of her happiest memories is cooking at the family farm in Nebraska, and she said that helped her realize how much she wants family to play a role in her retirement. Harrington said she wants to still work as an attorney, but also spend more time helping with her granddaughters and contribute occasionally at the family farm in Nebraska.

“I can spend more time there and spend more time with my family,” she said “I can work as little or as much as I want.”

For Matuszewicz, the class inspired him to try to nd exibility in

a kava bar in Lakewood and owns a trading card game store in South Florida, said the money at’s Kava earns will go back towards operating expenses. Any extra will be used to help local charities and organizations in the community. He envisions picking out four or ve Englewood groups each quarter and letting his customers vote on which should receive the business’s surplus.

“We’re just trying to o er alcohol alternatives while trying to help out local communities,” Gnieski said of his latest endeavor.

at’s Kava, decorated with balloons and streamers, celebrated its grand opening June 17 by staying open for over 24 hours. e event included party food, a photobooth, a ra e and drink specials. Just before 8 p.m., two rattan chairs and a little love seat were moved out to make room for the live DJ that took the chill vibe of the packed bar up a notch or two.

Normally the music’s kept at a low volume and the atmosphere is relaxed, Gnieski had said earlier.

But they only have one grand opening, Annes conceded with a smile as he surveyed the lively scene.

his work schedule while still using the skills he’s acquired.

His goal is to step away from making signs and start a nonpro t that helps preserve Denver’s historic neon signs. e change would mean less hard labor, but would allow him to still be connected to the neon sign work he loves.

“I’m hoping to transition into more of the public face of it,” he said.

Matuszewicz plans to submit a grant proposal to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help him start his nonpro t. He has plenty of work ahead of him guring out how many neon signs need to be saved in the Denver area. He wants to ensure neon sign makers continue the tradition — he estimates there are only six sign makers in Denver — and that the city can keep its history.

It’s a busy but ful lling retirement plan, Matuszewicz said. And he’s happy pickleball isn’t a part of it.

Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.

That’s Kava serves kava, a drink known for its anxiety-reducing properties, and other nonalcoholic beverages on South Broadway in Englewood.

PHOTO BY RACHEL LORENZ

That’s Kava is now open on Broadway in Englewood

WARNED

e court’s 40-page ruling may have policy implications far beyond Senate Bill 88.

“ is is probably a bill that will go down in history as one that Colorado law students will study,” said Rep. Matt Soper, a Delta Republican and attorney who also was a lead sponsor of Senate Bill 88.

e Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, one of the main proponents of Senate Bill 88, said more than half of child sex abuse survivors don’t disclose what happened to them until after they turn 50 years old.

“While the Supreme Court’s decision … takes away their opportunity for justice and accountability in Colorado, it does not invalidate the harm they experienced nor their strength in telling their story,” Brie Franklin, executive director of the nonprofit, said in a written statement. “CCASA remains committed to changing laws and systems to promote safety, justice and healing for all survivors. Regardless of when the sexual abuse happened, survivors can still get help and support from community-based programs and through healing services.”

Michaelson Jenet, Danielson and Soper said they will work to nd another avenue to give victims of historic child sex abuse their day in court, but admitted their options appear both unclear and limited.

“I’m not willing to let it drop,” Michaelson Jenet said. “I do still believe that victims deserve their day in court. I want to gure out a way to make that happen.”

Michael Nimmo, a Colorado attorney representing clients who were sexually abused as kids, said he’s interested in amending the Colorado Constitution to remove the language

barring retrospective laws, though he acknowledges that’s a tall — and pricey — task that would require voter approval.

He said the U.S. Constitution doesn’t have such language, and thus it doesn’t appear in most state constitutions either. at’s why other state’s have been able to open windows of opportunity for survivors of historic child sex abuse to sue.

“In my opinion, the Colorado Constitution should mimic the U.S. Constitution,” he said. “I think if it’s OK for the U.S. Constitution, why is it not OK for Colorado’s?”

Nimmo said he has roughly 35 clients who had already led cases under Senate Bill 88 or were hoping to. It’s not clear how many lawsuits had been led under Senate Bill 88 when the Supreme Court issued its ruling, but it’s likely well into the dozens.

Nimmo, said one silver lining is that the Colorado Supreme Court didn’t strike down all of Senate Bill 88. e measure still allows recent and future child sex abuse survivors to overcome the government’s protections from nancial consequences in lawsuits, a right they didn’t have before.

He said while he felt the legal arguments for why Senate Bill 88 was constitutional were strong, he always knew there was a chance a court would disagree. He said lawyers frequently take a chance with their legal interpretations.

“I never once thought 100% this law was constitutional,” he said. “We thought we had a way to make this complicit with our constitution. We were wrong.”

is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

The Colorado Sun is a journalist-owned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and non-partisan journalism. It covers everything from

politics and culture to the outdoor industry and education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

Mosquito season is here, worsened by rainfall

repellent.

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The trees are green, the grass is lush and all the rainfall brought some much-need moisture to the Denver metro area. However, the added wetness this spring also means a lot of standing water, which is prime breeding ground for mosquitoes.

More mosquitoes means more bites and a possible increase in West Nile virus cases. Mosquitos are most active between May and October each year. West Nile virus cases tend to increase in August and September.

In 2022, Colorado led the nation in West Nile virus, with a confirmed 152 positive cases. In 2021, Colorado ranked second, falling behind Arizona.

Dr. Mark Montano, medical director of CareNow Urgent Care Clinics, said urgent care centers across the metro area are starting to see patients complaining of multiple mosquito bites. While none has been too serious, and Montano said they do not test for West Nile,

the added rainfall this year means residents should think of prevention over reaction.

“When it comes to mosquitos the biggest concern on our end is the diseases they can carry,” Montano said. “In most years a lot of these areas are usually dried up by July, but this year is different.”

Montano said the first line of defense has to be eliminating standing water and consistently using

Paul Galloway, the marketing and communications manager with the Division of Disease Control for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said this year could be a challenge.

“Last winter’s heavy snowpack and the wet spring we’ve had in Colorado are already causing an increase in mosquitoes in some areas,” he said.

So far, Galloway said the biggest increase has been in Aedes vexans mosquitos, which do not transmit human diseases but are named for being aggressive biters.

As summer continues, Galloway said, state health officials are just starting to see a shift from Aedes mosquitos to the Culex mosquitos, which can transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus.

“While we do expect to see more Culex mosquitoes this summer,” Galloway said, “more mosquitoes does not always result in more human infections. We have not seen any mosquitoes with the virus yet, but it’s important to use insect repellent and empty or treat sources of standing water.”

This includes everything from plant pots and rain barrels to flooded streams and fields. People should empty standing water from tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys, and puddles around their home at least once every week, Galloway said.

Standing water is a breeding ground for all kinds of mosquitos as these areas are where they lay eggs.

Montano said everyone should be using repellent outdoors. Montano said mosquitoes are most aggressive in the early morning hours and evening, warning hikers and

bikers to get prepared rather than dealing with the itching and ramifications later.

While mosquito bites are generally annoying more than anything, Montano said there are instances where a person can have a bad reaction. Topical creams such as Hydrocortisone and Benadryl can be useful, he said.

However, if a person sees unusual swelling in the bite area and has an abnormal allergic reaction, Montano recommends seeking care because added oral or steroid treatment may be required.

Galloway said most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms. About 20% of infected people will have flu-like symptoms, and fewer than 1% develop a serious, potentially deadly illness.

Galloway said people aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness.

Montano said if when someone is having severe headaches or experiencing confusion from a mosquito bite they should seek medical care immediately.

Other tips provided by the state health department include: Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. For more information about insect repellents visit the EPA’s information webpage. Always follow label instructions. Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long pants, longsleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.

Mosquitoes are coming out this summer as more people are experiencing bites.

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

West Nile virus cases could go up — only time will tell

Colorado steps up mpox vaccination campaign

Handful of cases appear in state recently

BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado health o cials are launching a new vaccination campaign after a handful of cases of mpox, the viral disease formerly known monkeypox, have been identi ed in the state in recent weeks.

Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said three cases were identi ed in June and one in May. She said some of the cases involved out-of-state travel and two of the cases were linked to each other.

While the numbers are still small — and nowhere near what Colorado experienced last year — Herlihy said the state is hoping to get ahead of any case surge this summer, when people are more likely to congregate at events and potentially spread the virus.

“We are in a much better place than we were last year,” Herlihy said, noting that, in addition to the availability of vaccine, there is also much better public awareness about the disease, better testing and more tools with which to treat it, such as the antiviral drug Tpoxx.

Mpox is a distant, less-severe cousin of smallpox that is most commonly associated with a painful rash that may initially look like blisters or pimples. But the disease can also cause u-like symptoms, appearing either before or after the rash.

e virus is spread through close contact or through handling infected items like bed linens, and it has the ability to infect anyone given the right transmission environment. e current outbreak, which rst began in the

United States last summer, is primarily among men who have sex with men and is believed to be spreading mostly through sexual contact.

e U.S. has seen more than 30,000 cases of mpox since the start of the outbreak, with more than 400 of those occurring in Colorado. Cases in Colorado peaked in August and have been steadily declining since then. Prior to the most recent cases, the last time Colorado recorded a new mpox infection was in January.

Similar to Colorado, the U.S. as a whole is also seeing a slight resurgence in mpox cases — including a cluster of dozens of new cases in Chicago this spring. ose cases in Chicago are especially interesting to epidemiologists, though, because many of those infected had been vaccinated against mpox.

e vaccine has previously proven highly e ective at preventing infection, and researchers at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have suggested that waning immunity, an increase in exposures or vaccine mishandling could explain the large number of breakthrough cases in Chicago.

Herlihy said, of the four recent Colorado cases, two were in people who had received the full two-dose vaccine regimen and one was in someone who was unvaccinated. Case investigators are still working to determine the vaccination status of the fourth person.

Despite the breakthrough cases, Herlihy said the vaccine is still showing e ectiveness at limiting the severity of illness, making it important for people to get vaccinated — though state and federal o cials are not recommending a booster dose to those already fully vaccinated.

Vaccines are available at several public health departments and clinics across the state. Go to CDPHE’s website to nd a vaccine provider or to sign

up to get vaccinated at a mobile clinic.

Vaccination remains limited to those who are currently most at-risk for exposure. at includes:

- Anyone who has had close physical contact in the past 14 days with someone who had mpox,

- Anyone who has multiple or anonymous sexual partners,

- Anyone who has had close physical contact with someone in a venue where anonymous or group sex occurs,

- Anyone who was diagnosed with gonorrhea or syphilis in the previous 6 months,

- Anyone who is living with HIV,

- Anyone who is immunocompromised and anticipates they may be exposed to mpox in the future,

- Anyone who is already eligible for HIV PrEP drugs,

- Anyone who has sex in exchange for money, shelter, food and other goods or needs,

- And anyone whose sexual partner is eligible for mpox vaccination.

Herlihy said people may also want to consider limiting their number of sexual partners for the time being or having only partners they already know.

While she remains hopeful that the ongoing outbreak can eventually be stopped, she said Colorado is likely to continue seeing at least some mpox cases. Flare-ups around the globe, and the ease of national and international

This electron micrograph image, which has been artificially colorized, shows mpox virus particles, in orange, purified from a cell culture at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease’s Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. PROVIDED BY NIAID

travel, make it unlikely the state can fully keep the virus outside its borders. “ ere’s always going to be the potential for re-introduction,” Herlihy said. “For the time being, at least, I think we will continue to see sporadic cases occurring.”

is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Miss Cummins goes to Washington

A Colorado teenager’s journey into D.C. lobbying

BY CAITLIN KIM COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

On any given day, dozens of people visit their lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for one cause or another — from energy policy to research projects to the Farm Bill.

They usually have very personal reasons for making the pitch. That was certainly the case for 19-yearold Maddy Cummins, and her parents, Amy and Matthew, when they came to Washington, D.C. for the first time last week.

When she was two years old, Maddy was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder. She now gets around in a wheelchair and is non-verbal. She communicates with the help of an iPad-like device she operates with her eyes.

In between meetings, Maddy practiced. As her eyes flicked across the boxes on the screen,

& EQUIPMENT

the device recited, “Hi, I’m Maddy Cummins and I am representing Children’s Hospital Colorado.”

Around her neck was a nametag, with a green ribbon underneath with the words “I’m fearless” on it.

The family spent two days traversing the Capitol complex to meet with staff from the entire Colorado congressional delegation as part of the Children’s Hospital Association’s Family Advocacy Day. At stop after stop, Maddy highlighted important issues to her: no cuts to Medicaid, support for pediatric mental health, and education and training for pediatric specialists, like the ones at Children’s Hospital Colorado who help her.

Maddy relies on Tricare — her father is retired from the Air Force — and Medicaid for all her medical needs, from her doctor’s visits and medication to her hospital bed at home.

“Without this coverage, it would make my life so much harder than it already is,” she said.

Maddy has been a patient ambassador for the hospital before, going to a Nuggets game (she’s a

fan) and some golf tournaments. But never the U.S. Capitol.

Her father, Matthew, said when they were approached to make this trip, the family had to talk it over.

“We asked Maddy first, ‘Are you up for this cause it’s going to be a challenging trip, with all the various medications and therapies and extra equipment we have to bring along with us?’,” Matthew said. “She [was] absolutely up for it. She wants to meet the challenge. She’s a tough girl and she wants to show what she can do.”

Maddy spent about a month working on what she’d say.

“I’m very excited to be here,” was one of her answers. “Thank you for listening to me. It’s important to continue funding for patients like me.”

She even threw in some political jokes. (“Where can kids vote? In swing states.” “How much does it cost to vote?” “You have to check the Bill of Rights.”)

Maddy’s mom, Amy, said at first it was intimidating, walking into a senator’s ornate office. But by the end of their time on the Hill, her view had changed. “This experience was amazing. I felt like they really wanted to hear about the daily life of Maddy and of children with medical complex needs in Colorado and where they’re lacking and where they’re succeeding.”

The family of five (Maddy has two younger siblings) chose to move to Colorado after Matthew

left the military, in large part because of the health care and specialists Maddy would be able to access in the state.

But they were also realistic about the challenges of getting all that they asked for. The Republicancontrolled House is looking to cut spending this budget go-round, so additional funding for pediatric care may be hard to come by.

“We know there are budgetary constraints, especially in today’s world,” said Matthew. “We’re aware of that, but we’re willing to help advocate in any way we can.”

After a grueling eight meetings on their second day, the family was worn out, but happy. Maddy was too tired to keep using her communication device. So instead she communicated with her eyes — looking directly at you for a yes, away for no.

“Maddy would you do this again? Would you want to come and lobby lawmakers again?” I asked. She quickly looked straight at me. For all the challenges, it was an unhesitating “yes.”

After telling Maddy’s story to lawmakers, the family left feeling they would at least try and help her and other kids like her.

Whether they’ll succeed, remains to be seen.

The Colorado Public Radio story runs as part of a news sharing agreement with Colorado Community Media.

The Cummins family of Colorado Springs get their photo taken with Rep. Joe Neguse’s sta er outside his o ce in Washington D.C.

CAITLIN KIM

Thu 7/13

Deer Fellow: Sofar Denver @ 7:30pm Sofar Denver, Denver

Sat 7/15

Blues & BBQ Festival for Better Housing @ 11am / $10

Citizens Park Pavil‐lion, 5570 West 24th Avenue, Edgewater. lwilletto@habitatmetro denver.org, 720-798-5225

HANA

@ 9pm Bar Standard, 1037 Broadway, Denver

Taylor Fest

@ 9pm Bluebird Theatre, 3317 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver

Fri 7/14

Myles Bullen: Compost Heap Festival @ 4pm Seventh Circle Music Collective, 2935 W 7th Ave, Denver

Luke Amelang LIVE Acoustic - SOLO @ 11am Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave, Golden

Tony Goffredi: Tony G @Woodie Fisher @ 11am

Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar, 1999 Chest‐nut Pl Suite 100, Denver

Charlie Fox @ 7pm

Dazzle Denver, 1512 Curtis St, Denver

Patti Fiasco supporting Volores @ 7pm

The Black Buzzard, 1624 Market St, Den‐ver

Potcheen: Back

Where it all Began @ 7:30pm Cactus Jack's Saloon, 4651 County Hwy 73, Evergreen

Cassian @ 9pm The Church, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver

Deer Fellow, Alana Mars, and Nicki Walters at Skylark Lounge @ 7:30pm

Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver

The Patti Fiasco @ 8pm

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, 1624 Market St, Denver

Dave Jordan @ 9pm Wood Cellar, 1552 Bergen Pkwy #101, Evergreen

Sun 7/16

Tori Amos @ 8pm Red Rocks Amphithe‐atre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morri‐son

Tue 7/18

Jenny Shawhan @ 4pm Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Pl, Denver

Honey Revenge @ 6:30pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Helleborus @ 8pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver

Wed 7/19

Keith Hicks @ 6pm Woods Boss Brewing, 2210 California St, Denver

Blue River Grass: BRG @ Goosetown Station @ 3pm

Goosetown Station, 514 9th St, Golden

DJ Williams @ 5pm

Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver

Carolyn Shulman: Music at The Denver Zoo's Summer Extended Hours @ 5:30pm Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver

Kowan Turner: Levitt Pavilion @ 8:30pm Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver

Mon 7/17

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS @ 6:30pm Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver

The Maggie Valley Band @ 8pm

Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver

Erin Stereo @ 10pm

The Ginn Mill, 2041 Larimer St, Denver

powered by

Honor hometown heroes

It felt like a normal year in planning for the Fourth of July celebrations. Communities were not worried about dry conditions due to all the rain, so reworks were a go for several areas. Parades and community gatherings all moved forward nicely.

I have to admit, growing up and in early adulthood, the Fourth of July has been one of my favorite holidays. We had huge family gatherings, heading to the smalltown parade, and going to the park for the annual re ghters’ water ght. And, just before the reworks, we had our annual football game. I will admit, I tore the meniscus disc in my knee one year blocking my dad so my nephew could score. Yes, my team got the touchdown.

I am also a bit sentimental about the American holiday. My kids give me a hard time each year as I make them listen to songs such as “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning.” I believe they too should have respect and pride in their country. I understand this country is far from perfect. e last few years of seeming insanity proves that point. However, we live in a country where that insanity is allowed to happen. Finally, another reason I get sentimental about the Independence Day holiday is a tradition that started in Tucson. My company would often recognize what we called “Hometown Heroes” just before Independence Day.

I loved those special sections because we called to the community to not just tell us about the members of the military we would be thanking, but also those in the community who volunteer, work hard and do so many things to make a di erence in the lives of others. To those who work tirelessly to make the communities in which they live and the world better.

I haven’t quite got to the point of a special section, but over the last year as editor, I have been able to

get out into our communities and meet great people, and through my reporters read about amazing organizations and groups who are indeed community heroes who often do the work without expecting recognition or a return.

Some of my favorite organizations are the local American Legions and VFWs — these groups are more than just veteran organizations. ey are people who work to give scholarships, provide support to struggling veterans and, in Littleton recently, repurpose veteran wreaths to become sh habitats.

Local historical societies — these members work to preserve and celebrate important moments in a community’s history. ey also protect and preserve important structures.

To the local food banks that have struggled over the last few years to keep the doors open and residents fed — every administrator and volunteer deserves a pat on the back.

To companies like Howdy’s Ice Cream, which opened in Centennial o Parker Road this year, giving adults with disabilities an opportunity to work. I will also recommend going and getting a summer treat there — the lemon crunch is superb. e people and organizations who work each year to help people move into and a ord homes. In Colorado, that alone is a tireless and likely thankless job these days.

In Highlands Ranch – It’s heartwarming to see the continued photos and responses as the community comes together to clear debris and help neighbors after a tornado touched down recently.

I should also give a shoutout to volunteers I see at the VA when I take my dad for care. ey are helpful, friendly and wonderful people. People, groups, churches and organizations do more in our local communities than we realize year after year. I hope to keep getting to know all of them and start recognizing them more often in our local newspapers because at the end of the day, honoring these heroes is part of what Independence Day is about.

elma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA

Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Moving at a snail’s pace

Call first: c/o The Colorado Sun

Buell Public Media Center

2101 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO 80205

Mailing Address:

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: 303-566-4100

Web: DenverHerald.net

To subscribe call 303-566-4100

THELMA GRIMES

South Metro Editor tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CHRISTY STEADMAN

WINNING

Sometimes we just have to laugh at ourselves, right? Or is it that sometimes we just have to laugh with ourselves? I am not laughing at you; I am laughing with you kind of thinking as we look in the mirror. My laughing at myself moment came the other day while I was traveling. I had boarded my ight and was checking my email on my phone before we took o . As I tried loading my email app, it took about 8 seconds. And in those 8 seconds I became frustrated and thought why is this taking so long? Cue the laughing at myself.

Each year as technology advances our need for speed seems to advance with it. We want information and we want it now. We not only want it now, but we also expect the information to be fed

Editor csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

to us before we even have to think about it, we train the technology to understand what we like and want before we ever even have to search for it, we simply turn on our device and lo and behold there it is waiting for us to consume it.

In a recent meeting with a partner, they were discussing how their technology could serve up information in real time, measuring response times in milliseconds. Again, we have become a culture that has a need for speed, instant grati cation.

As I came across a snail the other day, I watched it move slowly across the pavement. And I found myself fascinated by the slow and deliberate pace of the snail. I know it is a snail and snails aren’t equipped to move any faster, so they have to settle for the slow pace at which they move. It took the snail ve minute or so to cross the pavement and move into the grass. Just ve minutes, which for us could now feel like an eternity.

SEE NORTON, P13

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Herald-Dispatch.

We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

Denver Herald-Dispatch (ISSN 1542-5797)(USPS 241-760)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Denver, Colorado, the Herald-Dispatch

Thelma Grimes

Gardens hold flowers, trees, wildlife

The latest Hudson Gardens Newsletter carries a photo of a resident bullsnake that may be found sunning itself in the gardens these days. is bullsnake is non-venomous, but really might resemble a rattler. Spring owering trees are in bloom and a variety of owers. Walk along trails and look for birds. Open free from sunrise to sunset. Pack a picnic and visit! Please observe wildlife from a distance. e Hudson Gardens & Event Center is located at 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton. See hudsongardens.org.

Art in the park

Greenwood Village o ers art projects for kids ages 6-12 from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays, ursdays at Wetlands Park, 5701 S. Quebec St. $35 per program. Limited to 20 participants. Call 303-797-1779. See tinyurl.com/gvparkart.

Green Mountain Falls

Green Mountain Falls Arts Festival is open with ve new art installations on June 30. ey are: “Open Skies” by Brenda Biondo; “EARTH. SPEAKS” by brooke smiley; “Skye” by Brian Wall; “ e Managers” by Molly Rideout; “Ovum” by Nikki Pike. Green Mountain Falls is at the foot of Pikes Peak. See tinyurl.com/artgmf.

Depot Art Gallery

e Depot Art Gallery has its 61st Anniversary Show exhibited until July 10, followed by “Being Human” from July 11 to Aug. 5. e annual “Best of Colorado” will run Aug. 8 to Sept. 10, during Western Welcome Week and after. e gallery is at 2069 W. Powers Ave. in Littleton. See depotartgallery.org.

Denver Art Museum

e Denver Art Museum will host its rst “Lowrider Show and Shine” on July 9, followed by the “Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion” exhibit, through Sept. 24. e museum is at 14th and Broadway in Denver. See denverartmuseum.org.

Auditions

Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W.

So in that moment I re ected on my own need for speed. Although I can’t slow down advancements in technology that are designed to speed things up, nor can I or should I worry about others and their need for speed, I can decide when it’s time to slow things down for myself. Can my walks along the shoreline be a little slower so I can appreciate the sounds of the waves lapping against the sand, taking in the salt air, and maybe nding a unique

Main St., Littleton, will be holding auditions July 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for “All Shook Up.” Callbacks will be July 9. 303-7942787, townhallartscenter.org.

Opera

Denver Lyric Opera announces that tenor Mark Van Arsdale will be guest artist at the annual Summer Party, “Vive Le France,” from noon to 2 p.m. at Columbine Country Club, 17 Fairway Lane in Columbine Valley. Dr. Jeremy Reger will accompany. Tickets cost $75 and will be available June 25 online at denverlyricoperaguild.org. DLO raises money to support young singers who are starting a career in opera.

Fort Garland

“bu alo soldiers: reVision” is a new exhibit opening June 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center. Eight independent artists have collaborated and worked independently to create this exhibit. Black Army recruits were known as Bu alo Soldiers. John Taylor Valdez, a descendent to John Taylor and Kitty Cloud (Ute), will appear. Fort Garland is in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. See historycolorado.org/fort-garland-museumcultural-center.

Castle Rock author Castle Rock author Amanda McCoy Flanagan’a new book, “Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Ley Go,” is available at amazon. com.

Denver Center

DCPA eatre tickets are available for the new season: “A Little Night Music”; “Clyde’s”; “Cebollas”; “Rubicon”; “Emma”; “ e Lehman Trilogy”; “Where Did We Sit On the Bus?” denvercenter.org, 303-8936030.

shell or piece of sea glass? Can my hikes in the mountains be slowed down just a bit so I can take in the wildflowers, watch the streams rushing down the mountainside, or look out at the amazing vistas from the openings through the trees?

We are definitely a society on the go. We want the speed limits to be higher, our flights to get us to our destination faster. We want our meals delivered to our homes or tables in unreasonably fast times. We expect the elevator to show up as soon as we press the button. It’s the pace of the race these days that we are trying to keep up with

and the pace is getting quicker and quicker each day.

I thought about the snail again. And as I did, I was reminded that moving at a snail’s pace is okay sometimes. I enjoy a slow brewing pot of coffee as it fills the kitchen with that beautiful coffee aroma. I love reading and spending time slowly letting the story develop and not racing to finish the book. I find it so much more meaningful to pray slowly as it connects me at a deeper level to those I am praying for and to my faith. And when I can slow down enough before rushing out of the house to write notes to my family and leave them

around the house, it makes everyone feel so loved and appreciated. Is it time to slow down a bit for you? Are you running a race that just gets faster and faster all the time? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can move at a snail’s pace sometimes, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

A bullsnake soaks up the sun at Hudson Gardens in Littleton.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HUDSON GARDENS & EVENT CENTER

SONYA’S SAMPLER

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The brain is overrated, according to Kadam Lucy James at the Kadampa Meditation Center.

“Have you ever felt peaceful in your head?” she asked.

She put her hands over her heart and said that’s where the mind is, adding that while the brain has conceptual reality, the mind exists in the heart, where we feel peace, love, joy and wisdom.

“If we can get into our heart, we automatically start to feel more peaceful,” she said.

James is temporarily living in Arvada and teaches meditation at the Kadampa Meditation Center. She started practicing about 41 years ago after she saw a “very peaceful person” in college.

“He was a student meditating on the end of his bed and I asked him what he was doing, because this was back in 1981, and meditation, no one had heard of back then,” she said.

Ever since, she’s been practicing and has taught all around the world, including England, San Francisco, New York City and now Denver. She hopes to one day achieve enlightenment, or in nite happiness and peace.

It takes a lot of hard work, but she said it’s the only thing where the more she does it, the happier she is.

It’s because, with meditation, the mind becomes naturally peaceful. Each person has a natural source of peace and happiness inside them, she said, and instead of seeking it elsewhere — relationships, ful lling jobs or material things — it’s already inside the body waiting to

be found.

e evidence lies in the random moments of peace and happiness everyone feels. It could be a torrential downpour and the mind is peaceful, settled and calm.

“What those moments show is that our mind is ne. And then what unsettles the mind is actually all our uncontrolled thinking,” she said.

Coming from the teachings of the Buddha, she compared the mind to a vast ocean. e waves are turbulent while below them is a vast, in nite, calm place. Waves of anxiety and negative emotions distort the brain but below those waves rests an incredible sanity.

“When our mind is settled, when we can let go of our troubled thoughts, and our turbulent thoughts, uncontrolled thoughts, then we naturally feel good. We naturally feel peaceful and we start to get a sense of our potential and who we really are, which is this person who has limitless potential, limitless happiness,” James said.

e rst step to unlocking that potential and happiness is to breathe.

Focus on the nostrils

Carol O’Dowd, a Trauma and Transition Psychotherapist and Spiritual Counselor assists her clients by meeting them where they are and o ering them acceptance through breathing.

“If you focus on your breath, you cannot simultaneously focus on all your internal dialogue. It cannot be done. e human brain is not wired that way,” O’Dowd said.

It creates a space between the thoughts. e stress and anxiety stored in the body don’t go away, but the practice of noticing the emotions and putting them on pause to breathe helps

calm the body down.

Breathing is a function of the body that automatically happens all the time. Focusing on that breath, O’Dowd compared it to a spectrum. What happens when the body stops breathing — death — is one end and the other is when the body pays attention to the breath — peace.

“It can be as simple as just experiencing that ow of air, and in and out of your nostrils. If you can place your attention there, that’s giving yourself a mini vacation,” she said.

O’Dowd encourages her clients to practice treating uncontrolled thoughts like a salesperson trying to sell them. Instead of buying, make them sit in the corner and return to them in 20 minutes after taking time to check in with the body.

It can also let go of stress. Pain, like what the ngers feel after working at a computer all day, can be a physical manifestation of stress. Holding on to that stress can lead to other health conditions.

“It’s not rocket science,” she said.

Escape to reality

James said achieving enlightenment is extremely di cult, and while the teachings she studied laid out di erent steps and pathways, she simpli ed it down to three. e rst is focusing on the breath to relax. e second is identifying delusions.

A delusion can be jealousy, greed, competitiveness or other unpleasant thoughts. Most of the time, those thoughts aren’t controlled by the mind and enter the brain randomly. It’s the root

BREATHING

FROM PAGE 14

of many problems, she said, and they destroy happiness.

“It’s completely unnecessary. Which is the whole purpose of meditation, to show us how unnecessary it is,” she said. “We’ve been so busy trying to control everything outside of us.”

She compared it to anger with someone else. It may last for a few days and then one day, those angry feelings leave.

“If you can do that deliberately (getting rid of negative feelings), which we can, then you can see we stopped the grasping or stopped the delusions, we just experience deeper and deeper levels of happiness,” she said.

Identifying delusions is the rst part of the equation. e other half is universal love and caring about others. It comes from understanding everyone wants to be happy, and that there isn’t much di erence between people.

It can be a city councilor running for o ce, understanding their opponent wants the same things, but sees di erent ideas on how to move forward. ey aren’t always bad people.

Realizing that leads to the next step: wisdom. at takes understanding reality. It means turning away from the anxiety, sadness and other negative emotions and escaping to the reality within the body that possesses in nite happiness and peace.

“We can train in wisdom. Understanding that things are not as real as they appear,” James said.

The true story behind DIA’s conspiracy-ridden murals

BY ELLE NAEF, ALEXIS KIKOEN, PETER VO ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

e iconic murals displayed at DIA created by Leo Tanguma have drawn attention from people around the world since the early 1990s. Unfortunately, much of the focus has been on the imagery of destruction rather than the storyline that ends with a vision of world peace.

Along with other elements of DIA (recently rebranded to DEN), conspiracy theories about the murals have gone viral — rumors of Nazi or Illuminati ties, and warnings of the “new world order.” While these claims are unfounded, they have made a signi cant impact on the lives of the artists.

“I need to see what’s wrong in society, and then re ect it in my murals. At the same time, I wanted to re ect what’s beautiful in society and in my community,” Tanguma said.

Twenty-eight years after unveiling the murals, Tanguma spoke to Rocky Mountain PBS at his granddaughter’s home surrounded by family photos and artwork. His daughter and collaborator Leticia Darlina Tanguma was nearby o ering emotional support, welling with pride as her father re ected on his artistic legacy.

“It was a spiritual awakening for

me,” he added. “I’ve always been spiritual, I think. But those experiences moved me more to consider that what I had in my abilities was a God-given talent. And I think that was made important in those murals.”

e murals at the airport, now

temporarily in storage, depict the terrors of war and pollution. Amongst the chaos is a group of sleeping children. From their minds extends a grey mist that turns into a rainbow, leading to a portrayal of an ideal world, entitled “In Harmony with Peace and Nature.”

Despite the e ort Tanguma, Darlina, and their supporters poured into the murals, the type of fame and recognition they received wasn’t what many artists pine for. Since their unveiling, conspiracy theories

A mural at Denver International Airport. COURTESY DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SEE CONSPIRACY, P18

• Lock

•

Contact

•

•

your must-have shows and movies

*DIRECTV APP: Available only in the US. (excl Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Req’s compatible device and data connection; data charges may apply. Not all channels available to stream. Limited to up to 5 concurrent streams. Restr’s apply. Visit directv.com/app for more information.

Pricing: CHOICE $84.99/mo. for two years. After 2 years, then month to month at then current prevailing prices unless cancelled. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Advanced Receiver Service Fee of $15/mo. (which is extra and applies to all packages) and Regional Sports Fee of up to $13.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and/or MÁS ULTRA and higher Pkgs.), applicable use tax expense surcharge on retail value of installation, custom installation charges, equipment upgrades/add-ons, and certain other add’l fees & chrgs. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. $10/MO. AUTOPAY AND PAPERLESS BILL DISCOUNT: Must enroll in autopay & paperless bill within 30 days of TV activation to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles (pay $10 more/mo. until discount begins). Must maintain autopay/paperless bill and valid email address to continue credits. DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. All o ers, packages, programming, promotions, features, terms, restrictions and conditions and all prices and fees not included in price guarantee are subject to change without notice. Package, Advanced Receiver Service Fee, Regional Sports Fee (varies by zip code) and equipment fees for TV connections are included in two-year price guarantee. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), protection plan, transactional fees, and Federal Cost Recovery Fee are not included in two-year price guarantee. Some o ers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Di erent o ers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details. Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Requires account to stay in good standing. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose

CONSPIRACY

about the murals have run rampant.   Darlina learned about some of the rumors in the early 2000’s. She recalls hearing, “‘People hate that mural. ey say, you wanted 9/11 because of that gure of war. ey say that in the Bible, all these dirty animals are unclean. ey say, ‘Why are you painting people in co ns?’ And, you know, just on and on where it became a terrible conspiracy.”

e delayed construction of the airport continued to feed rumors of secret underground networks, and with each new idea came a web of uncredible theories attempting to tie other works of art at the airport, like the mustang sculpture nicknamed “Blucifer,” to rumors of plotted terror.

People have pro ted from books and documentaries about the theories, but Tanguma and Darlina say they have rarely been asked about the actual meaning behind the murals.

And while many people nd the conspiracies laughable (DIA has even turned some into a marketing opportunity), the consequences of these rumors are far from funny for the Tanguma family.

According to Darlina, the conspiracy theories started before the

murals were even complete.

“We did have a few people come in at the time that were painting it. ey said, ‘don’t paint this. ere’s a new world order.’ We had no idea what they were talking about back then.” Darlina shared.

As soon as the conspiracy theories began, Tanguma lost two valuable commissions, and according to Darlina, both of them were harassed. Some people even resorted to death threats.

“People have said things like, ‘You need to destroy the art. You need to destroy the artist who did this,’” she recalled.

“I thought and I still think that these people are deranged,” said Tanguma. “For example, one religious minister called the mural satanic. Others said that they saw demons.”

Despite the airport allowing Darlina to have plaques installed explaining the murals, the conspiracies continued.

Darlina said that while people have the right to interpret art as they would like, it’s important to acknowledge the cruelty behind how these theories unfolded. She said that to overlook the important messages of peace, justice and hope the murals were meant to portray causes harm to entire communities.

“ ey’re [the conspiracies] destroying the artwork, too.” explained Darlina. “I’ve met other people that have been so depressed,” she contin-

ued, referring to people who feared the conspiracy theories were true.

Family friend of the Tagumas, Cheryl Detwiler Mihaka, also helped create the murals. Taguma said that her talent combined with Darlina’s helped them portray a deep sense of compassion in their art.

“Both my daughter and Cheryl had experienced physical violence in relationships, so that also humanized them more,” he shared. “So, I had not only fantastically talented young women working with me, but also they brought me back to the spirituality of what we were trying to do.”

Tanguma also explained why he wanted the mural to come from the perspective of a child. “I think that there is a certain innocence among the oppressed, among the people that are uneducated, that don’t have access, practically, to life.”

Tanguma was also in uenced by his work with youth who had been imprisoned, and others who were high schoolers that he painted alongside.

“I think that my connection with painting with young people, there’s been that that I’ve seen the possibilities and I’ve seen the destruction,” he summarized.

e focus of youth seemed to add to the draw of passers-by, who also impacted the direction of the murals. Between 1992 and 1995, Tanguma painted murals in a room in the Lakeside Mall. e combina-

tion of large panels and Mexican music drew in curious patrons.

Word spread of the work in progress, and parents asked for their children to be depicted in “Children of the World Dream of Peace.” Amongst the parents were some who had lost their children and asked Tanguma to memorialize them in the mural.

One mother asked for a depiction of her son who had recently passed from suicide, another whose daughter was killed while helping her friend escape an abusive situation. Some had lost their children to gang violence.

Also featured in the mural was Tanguma’s young granddaughter, her cousins and classmates, and well-known children from around the world such as young activist Samantha Smith, (who passed in a plane crash), or brothers who marched for peace in Afghanistan. And while originally, he hadn’t planned to include political elements, Tanguma said the need to depict the injustices of war became apparent — an issue he was all too familiar with after having served in the military.

While painting the children, Tanguma asked for the families’ countries of origin, and depicted the children in the traditional clothing from each area. Over time, as many as 70 different countries were portrayed.  “ ese are fantastic experiences

CONSPIRACY

that have to mold you, because you see the beauty of humanity daily, from many, many countries of the world,” he reminisced.

Tanguma hoped that by including each of these countries, the artists could spread a message of peace to places beyond Colorado.

“I saw that as an opportunity to take the ideas that I have learned in my own community, a community where they are aspiring for greater civil rights and cultural identity, that permitted me to share those ideas with the passers-by from almost any country in the world.”

Attempts to destroy the artwork of the Tanguma family are not new to them. Leo Tanguma has faced critiques of his work since he was a child in Texas.

“When I was in the fth grade in elementary school, I did some drawings on the blackboard about my classmates killing our town Sheri ,” he recalled. “So, I got severely punished for that. But the reason I did that is because the sheri in our hometown was the killer. He had killed, up to that point, seven Mexican-Americans -- including two of my mom’s cousins.”

Tanguma continued to do artwork portraying both injustice and visions for resolution. He was commissioned for a mural while stationed in Germany, and once again in the 1960s when he was transferred to California. ere, he did a mural honoring the Mexican American movement for civil rights.

Eventually, his artist studio in his hometown of Houston was destroyed in a case of suspected arson. Around this time, his wife, Darlina’s mother, passed away from cancer. e family decided to

try to start anew in Denver, where Darlina began her career as an artist while Tanguma continued creating well-known murals in places like the Denver Art Museum.

“Imagine a person that’s blacklisted in Houston. When I got to Denver, the Denver Art Museum asked me to do a mural inside the museum. What beautiful feelings that I had,” he shared. “But I still kept painting issues. I thought that besides the beautiful city and surroundings that I see, still there remained police brutality, education, women’s liberation, war.”  rough it all, Tanguma and his daughter have remained strong in their messages of hope, connected to art, and perhaps most importantly, connected to each other.

“My daughter has been the most important gure that I’ve ever painted with,” Tanguma shared.

“Because not only is she talented, but she’s aware, aware of conditions, aware of our culture and our history.”

And as far as the conspiracies go, they haven’t stopped the Tangumas either. “It made me more dedicated, I think, because after that I did a number of other murals with social and cultural meaning,” he said.

Darlina continues to collaborate with community in her artwork both independently and through the Redline Contemporary Art Center’s ‘Reach’ program, and Tanguma is planning a mural with students from East High School.

“I think rumors like the airport conspiracies and the mural conspiracies, they really seek to destroy the human connection, the human spirit.” Darlina said. “But I want to create artwork that will bring us together.”

is Rocky Mountain PBS story runs as part of a news sharing agreement with Colorado Community Media.

Help Wanted BEUMER Corporation

Seeks Sr. Controls Engineer –Airport Div. in Denver, CO to dsgn & prog. machine cntrl for baggage handling sys using BEUMER base machine control code. Reqs: Bach. deg. in Electrical or Controls Engg; 5 yrs’ prog, post-bacc exp in job offered or rel occ, incl 5 yrs’ exp w/: PLCs, fieldbuses, cntrls sftwr eng & func’l tsting; adv. Mach. cntrl cncpts, fund. math tech, C# prog, & prog of Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix) & Siemens PLCs; mod. mach. cntrl & host sys interfaces, digi & sftwr based; adv. test proc. & proced. w/ in-house factory acc. test; & safety sys reqs, like Gates, E-Stop, etc. Must be willing to trvl domestically & int’lly up to 20% of sched, which may incl. repeated long-term (3-10 wks) assgnmnts. Salary: $119,870/ yr. Elig. for disc. ann. bon. BEUMER offers medical/dental ins., 401K w/ match, free life ins., & generous PTO. Email resumes to BNA.

People_Culture@ BEUMER.com w/ “Senior Controls Engineer – Airport Division” in subj. line.

Empower Retirement, LLC is seeking the following pos’s in Greenwood Village, CO (may work remotely from anywhere in the US):

Senior Data Analyst: Analyze data spcfc to the Wealth Advisory department w/ an added focus on ops, lead generation, & customer behavior. Reqs: MS deg* (or frgn equiv) in Biz Analytics, Stats, Math or a rltd field. 2 yrs of exp as a Prod Modeling Analyst, Acct Mgr or rltd. Will accept a Bac’s + 5 yrs’ exp in lieu of MS deg + 2 yrs’ exp. Ref 1155. Sal $127,005 & Std Benefits.

Architect: Dvlp, doc, & provide input into the tech roadmap for Empower.

Reqs: MS deg* (or frgn equiv) in Applied CS, Info Sys, or a rltd field. 2 yrs of exp as a Dlvry Sr S/w Eng or rltd. Will accept a Bac’s + 5 yrs’ exp in lieu of MS deg + 2 yrs’ exp. Ref 1152. Sal: $154,606 & Std Benefits.

To apply, email resume w/ ref number to Tony Medaris, tony.medaris@ empower.com

how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow. com/ads

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service.

Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-4171306

Miscellaneous

Switch & save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based service. Call 1-855-903-3048

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom!

1-833-758-3892

Pets

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088

Legals City and County

Public Notice

Mental Health Center of Denver d/b/a WellPower will submit an application to the Colorado Division of Housing (DOH). The purpose of this application is to request $3,600,000 to develop 60 one-bedroom rental units at 5097 W. 10th Ave, Denver, CO 80204. The request of funding from DOH is to benefit persons with low incomes by increasing the availability of affordable housing in Denver. It is not the intent to cause displacement from any existing housing; however, if persons are displaced from their existing residences reasonable housing alternatives shall be offered.

All interested persons are encouraged to contact the applicant for further information. Written comments should be sent to darla.goddard@ wellpower.org and will be forwarded to DOH for consideration during the application process.

Members of the public may request a public meeting and should arrange a request with the Applicant. The applicant shall post notice of the meeting (Date, Time, and Location) to ensure other members of the public are aware of the meeting. If reasonable accommodations are needed for persons attending the public meeting, please contact the Applicant.

Legal Notice No. 82318

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

Mile High Development will submit an application to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). The purpose of this application is to request an estimated $1,100,000 in annual State Affordable Housing Tax Credits (AHTC) for an estimated total State AHTC allocation of $6,600,000. The result would be an estimated equity investment of $4,620,000 that equals a present value of $4,361,451.

Mile High Development will also submit an application to the Colorado Division of Housing (CDOH) to request $4,480,000.

This funding will be used to develop 112 rental units at 56th Avenue and Chester Way in Denver, CO. The total cost of this development is estimated to be $43,497,241.

The request of funding is to benefit persons with low and moderate incomes by increasing the availability of affordable housing in Denver. It is not the intent to cause displacement from any existing housing; however, if persons are displaced from their existing residences reasonable housing alternatives shall be offered.

All interested persons are encouraged to contact the applicant for further information. Written comments should be sent to gthorn@milehighdevelopment.com and will be forwarded to CHFA and DOH for consideration during the application process.

Members of the public are invited to attend an online public hearing scheduled for July 13 at 5pm MT. Please join via the link https://us02web. zoom.us/j/85756805999?pwd=SUZTU0dsUHp2

WUErZWF5dExiYjFQQT09 or dial in (305) 2241968 and meeting code 85756805999#.

Legal Notice No. 82310

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Summons and Sheriff Sale

Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER, STATE OF COLORADO

1437 Bannock Street Denver, CO 80202

Plaintiff: SHAFIQULLAH YOUSIFZAI.

v.

5. THANH CONG LE;

6. ASHLEY M. USECHE, f/k/a ASHLEY M. REYNOLDS;

7. ADOLFO X. USECHE;

8. HOME POINT FINANCIAL CORPORATION; a New Jersey corporation;

9. JOHN DAVIES, the Public Trustee for the City and County of Denver; and,

10. ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ACTION.

Attorney: Robert W. Smith, attorney for Plaintiff

1777 South Harrison Street, Suite 1250 Denver, Colorado 80210

Telephone: (720) 506-9218

Telefax: (303) 355-6036

Email: BobSmith@rwsmithlaw.com

Atty. Reg. #: 9513

Case Number: 2023CV31438 Division 414

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT(S):

All unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action.

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response.

You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This is an action to correct the legal description in a series of deeds and a deed of trust which contain incorrect lot and block numbers for the property located at 4425 Andes Court, Denver, Colorado 80249, and to quiet title to that property in Plaintiff’s name.

Dated: June 21, 2023.

/s/ Robert W. Smith Attorney for Plaintiff

(This summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure. This form should not be used where personal service is desired.)

(TO THE CLERK: When this summons is issued by the clerk of the court, the signature block for the clerk or deputy should be provided by stamp, or typewriter, in the space to the left of the attorney's name.)

*Rule 12(a), C.R.C.P., allows 35 days for answer or response where service of process is by publication. However, under various statutes, a different response time is set forth; e.g., §38-6-104, C.R.S. (eminent domain); §38-36-121, C.R.S. (Torrens registration).

Legal Notice No. 82299

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 27, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Notice to Creditors Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Estate of: ISAAC CORREA, Deceased

Case Number: 2023-PR-30519

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court, Denver County, Colorado on or before October 30, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Dated this 19th day of June, 2023.

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Margaret Ellen Rice, Deceased

Case Number: 2023PR30475

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023 or the claims may be forever barred.

Larry D. Harvey

Attorney to the Personal Representative

5800 S. Nevada St. Littleton, CO 80120

Legal Notice No. 82286

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Jeanne Marie Habib, AKA Jeanne Habib, AKA Jeanne M. Habib, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30721

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 29, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Marianne Arling c/o Little Law Office

Personal Representative 15530 E. Broncos Parkway, Ste. 300 Centennial, CO 80112

Legal Notice No. 82301

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Matter of the Estate of: REMZIJA CURIC, Deceased Case Number: 2023-PR-30006

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court, Denver County, Colorado on or before October 30, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Dated this 19th day of June, 2023.

ZIJADA CURIC

Personal Representative to the Estate 280 E. Highline Circle, Apt. #205 Centennial, CO 80122 Phone: (303) 359-2165

Legal Notice No. 82295

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of MARIE F. MCCALL, a/k/a MARIE FRANCES MCCALL, a/k/a MARIE MCCALL, Deceased Case Number: 23PR30603

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Christopher McCall, Personal Representative

Patrick A. Schilken, P.C. 7936 E. Arapahoe Court #2800 Centennial, CO 80112

Legal Notice No. 82288

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

be forever barred.

Roy Tutunjian, Personal Representative

16 Ella’s Lane

Centerville, Massachusetts 02632

Legal Notice No. 82305

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of SHIRLEY I. NAUGHTON, a/k/a SHIRLEY IRENE NAUGHTON, a/k/a SHIRLEY NAUGHTON, a/k/a SHIRLEY SCOTT NAUGHTON, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30666

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado, on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mary Pamela Leder, aka Pam Leder Personal Representative c/o Dan A. Sciullo, Esq. Spencer Fane LLP 1700 Lincoln St., Suite 2000 Denver, CO 80203

Legal Notice No. 82284

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Stephen Blake Newsom, aka Stephen Newsom, aka Steve Newsom, aka Steve Blake Newsom, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR066

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 30, 2023 or the claims may be forever barred.

John Kevin Tyler, Personal Representative 9284 US Highway 285 Morrison, CO 80465

Legal Notice No.82297

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Thomas John Salturelli, a/k/a Tom Salturelli, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30606

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Alicia Trela, Personal Representative 2600 W. 98th Drive Denver, CO 80260

Legal Notice No. 82308

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Steven Wayne Quinn, a/k/a Steve Wayne Quinn, a/k/a Steven W. Quinn, a/k/a Steve W. Quinn, a/k/a Steven Quinn, a/k/a Steve Quinn, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30710

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of FRANK TRUJILLO, SR., A/K/A, FRANK TRUJILLO, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30709

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023 (date)*, or the claims may be forever barred.

Frances Simpson, Personal Representative c/o Donald F. Slavin, P.C., 4704 Harlan St., Ste. 685 Denver, CO 80212-7493

Legal Notice No. 82309

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Raeann B. Lampert, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30641

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mark L. Lampert, Personal Representative 420 South Forest Street Denver CO 80246

Legal Notice No. 82280

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Robert Anthony Montoya, aka Bobby Anthony Montoya, Deceased Case Number 2023PR030590

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mia Montoya, c/o Law One 1434 Blake Street, Ste. 200 Denver, Colorado 80202

Legal Notice No. 82313

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Matter of the Estate of HERBERT W. WILSON, a/k/a HERB WILSON, a/k/a HERBERT WILSON, a/k/a HERBERT WAYNE WILSON, a/k/a HERB WAYNE WILSON, a/k/a HERB W. WILSON, a/k/a HERB WAYNE, a/k/a HERBERT WAYNE, Deceased Case Number: 23 PR 283

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kellie Adam of CS AdvoCare Inc.

Person Giving Notice 7500 E. Arapahoe Road Suite 101 Centennial CO 80112

Defendants:

1. OAKWOOD HOMES, LLC,

a Colorado limited liability company;

2. MARY MITCHELL;

3. FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION;

4. ANNIE LE, f/k/a ANNIE KONG;

ANNETTE CORREA Personal Representative to the Estate 860 Utica Street Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (720) 334-9305

Legal Notice No. 82294

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Estate of BRIAN GREGORY TUTUNJIAN, Deceased

Case Number: 2023PR30684

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado, on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kevin G. Quinn, Personal Representative Davis Schilken, PC 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 820 Denver, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. 82306

Legal Notice No. 82314

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of BARTLETT DEANE WRITER, a/k/a Bartlett D. Writer, a/k/a Bartlett Writer, a/k/a Bart Deane Writer, a/k/a Bart D. Writer,

a/k/a Bart Writer, Deceased

Case Number 2023PR30583

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to Counsel for Christine Writer, Personal Representative, Melissa Dalla Hammond, Dalla Hammond, P.C. 15016 Elizabeth St. Thornton, CO 80602

Or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Legal Notice No. 82289

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Susan Sutherland, aka Susan Rose Sutherland, aka Susan Rose Friscia, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR30641

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Donald Sutherland

Personal Representative 3703 Tulip Tree Road Marietta, GA 30066

Legal Notice No. 82283

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice District Court, 2nd Judicial District, County of Denver, Colorado 1437 Bannock Street Denver, Colorado 80204

In the Matter of the Estate of VICENTE MENDOZA RAMIREZ, MARIA DELALUZ DURON, MATEO DURON, Deceased.

Attorney:

Ronald W. Servis; Atty. Reg. #: 9177

Patricia D. Sachse ; Atty. Reg. #: 40633 11616 Shaffer Place, Unit S-102 Littleton, Colorado 80127

Phone Number: 303.237.5020

E-mail: RonServis@aol.com

FAX Number: 303.232.7809

Case Number: 2019 PR 340 2019 PR 341 2021 PR 30022

NOTICE FOR DETERMINATION OF HEIRS OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY

Estate of VICENTE MENDOZA RAMIREZ, Deceased

Case Number: 2019 PR 340

Estate of MARIA DELALUZ DURON, Deceased

Case Number: 2019 PR 341

Estate of MATEO DURON, Deceased Case

Number: 2021 PR 30022

Property located at 3345 – 47 E 45th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80216

Lots 17 and 18, Block 30 TOWN OF SWANSEA City and County of Denver, State of Colorado

Title is vested in Hipolita Duron and Maria Duron and Mateo Duron and Vicente Mendoza Ramirez.

Notice is being given regarding Ownership of Property – Determination of Heirs.

All persons having Ownership rights to the Property located at 3345-47 E 45th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80216 are hereby given Notice that the property is to be sold. Heirs of the above-named estates are required to notify the respectful personal representatives. on or before August 31, 2023, or disclaim rights to said property forever.

/s/ Ronald W. Servis, Attorney for Antonio Duran,

Personal Representative for the Estate of Maria Delaluz Duron and Estate of Mateo Duron 11616 Shaffer Place, Unit S-102 Littleton, Colorado 80127 303-237-5020

/s/ Hipolita Mendoza, Personal Representative for the Estate of Vicente Mendoza Ramirez c/o Knute O. Broady III, Reg # 43986 6795 E. Tennessee Avenue, Suite 424 Denver, Colorado 80224 720-341-4111

Legal Notice No. 82293

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of COLIN ROGER HEFFERN, Deceased Case Number 2023PR30542

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 1, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

/s/ KEVIN M. WEIN, Counselor at Law 8557 West Quarles Place Littleton, Colorado 80128

Legal Notice No. 82285

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Carl David Clark, aka Carl D. Clark, aka Carl Clark, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30744

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 30, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Carla C. Peters, Personal Representative 3349 S. Dale Ct. Englewood, CO 80110

Legal Notice No.82296

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of David Lawrence Burns, also known as David L. Burns, also known as David Burns, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30558

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 22, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Michael A. Burns, Personal Representative 10135 West San Juan Way, Suite 100 Littleton, Colorado 80127

Legal Notice No.82287

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of : Jose Rodriguez Guerrero, aka Jose R. Guerrero, aka Jose Rodriguez, aka Jose Guerrero, or Jose Guerrero Rodriguez , Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30633

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Achieve Law Group, LLC

Attorney to the Personal Representative 146 W 11th Ave. Denver, CO 80204

Legal Notice No. 82311

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Edward S. Lampert, Deceased

Case Number: 2023PR30642

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mark L. Lampert, Personal Representative 420 South Forest Street Denver CO 80246

Legal Notice No. 82281

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

DENVER PROBATE COURT NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO § 15-12-801, C.R.S. Case no. 23023PR30653 DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF DENVER, STATE OF COLORADO In the Matter of the Estate of EDWARD ARCHIE DENOLF, a/k/a EDWARD A. DENOLF. AND EDWARD DENOLF, Deceased

Case Number: 2023PR30653

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

ELAINA A. DENOLF

Personal Representative

c/o Kurtz & Peckham, PC Jude Ramirez, Atty. Reg. #38066 8101 Harlan Street, Suite 300 Westminster, CO 80031 (303) 893-3045

Legal Notice No. 82312

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Gertrude Yvonne Oliver, a/k/a Yvonne Oliver, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30719

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Tony Oliver, Personal Representative 5577 E. Mansfield Ave. Denver, CO 80237

Legal Notice No. 82307

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Shawna Lynn McCowan, also known as Shawna L. McCowan, and Shawna McCowan, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR030711

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 30, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Lazslo Riley, Personal Representative 19354 E 40th Place Denver, CO 80249

Legal Notice No. 82292

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of MARTIN J. BAKER, a/k/a MARTIN BAKER, a/k/a MARTIN JOEL BAKER, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30584

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 29, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Helga Fitzgerald, Personal Representative

c/o Steven R. Hutchins, Esq. Hutchins & Associates LLC 1999 Broadway, Suite 1400 Denver, Colorado 80202

Legal Notice No. 82300

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Richard Canaday, a/k/a Richard M. Canaday, a/k/a Richard Michael Canaday, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30733

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before 10/29/2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Aaron Alpert, Personal Representative c/o Carleton H. Hutchins 1999 Broadway, Suite 1400 Denver, CO 80120

Legal Notice No. 82298

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Serena Colleen Neu, Deceased Case Number 23-PR-30605

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 30, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Robert J. Neu, Personal Representative 1000 Gregory Street

Hutchinson, Kansas 67501

Legal Notice No. 82302

First Publication: June 29, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of: Shawn Michael Flink, aka Shawn M. Flink, aka Shawn Flink, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30510

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Rose Mary Zapor, Esq.

Person Giving Notice

7475 W. 5th Ave Ste 202 Lakewood, CO 80226

Legal Notice No. 82315

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Evaglynn R. Larsen, a/k/a Evaglynn Larsen, a/k/a Eva Larsen, and Eva Glynn Reed Larsen, Deceased

Case Number: 2023PR30533

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before November 6, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

/s/ signature on original in office

Attorney for Person Giving Notice

P.R.: Joseph H. Lusk c/o: BOATRIGHT, RIPP & LUSK, LLC 4315 Wadsworth Blvd. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Ph: 303-423-7134

Legal Notice No. 82316

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Susan V. Hope, also known as Susan Virginia Hope, and as Susan Hope, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30638

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Thomas H. Hope, Personal Representative 401 Dexter Street Denver, Colorado 80220

Legal Notice No. 82282

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice Denver Probate Court Denver County, Colorado Court Address: 1437 Bannock St., #230 Denver, CO 80202

In the Matter of the Estate of: Carol Drew, aka Carol D. Drew, Deceased

Attorney for Deborah Hoyt, Kimberly Gagnon, Shannon McClurg, Matthew Hoyt, Sherri Hoyt, and Brandi Hoyt: Justin W. Blow, Esq. #41085

M. Brandon Maggiore, Esq. #47551 Colorado Estate Matters 3000 Youngfield St., Suite 100 Wheat Ridge, CO 80215

Phone: (303)-713-9147

E-mail: justin@coestatematters.com brandon@coestatematters.com

Case Number: 2022PR31511

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO § 15-10-401, C.R.S. ****** Attendance at this hearing is not required or expected. *******

To: Unknown or Unascertained Heirs of Carol Drew, aka Carol D. Drew, deceased.

A hearing without appearance on the Petition for Determination of Heirship and on the Petition for Formal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative, for a determination by the court that the petitioners are heirs of Carol Drew’s estate and that the Personal Representative shall be replaced with a successor Personal Representative, will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:

Date: August 11, 2023

Time: 8:00 a.m.

Address: 1437 Bannock St., #230, Denver, CO 80202

Legal Notice No.82317

First Publication: July 6, 2023

Last Publication: July 20, 2023

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch ###