Metro State University opens A ordable Housing Institute
BY NATALIE KERR
In 2019, Stacey Berry left Texas with her children to escape a domestic violence situation. She experienced rsthand the importance — and challenge — of accessing a ordable housing.
Now, as a paralegal, realtor and founder of Harriet’s Liberation Society, an LLC supporting victims of domestic violence, Berry is using her knowledge to give back to women in need. rough Metropolitan State University’s new A ordable Housing Institute program, she is working to connect her realty skills with Denver’s a ordable housing industry.
“When I heard they had the affordable housing class, I’m like, boom, that is where I can put my real estate license and give back,” said Berry, who is currently in her junior year at MSU.
MSU’s A ordable Housing Institute o cially launched in January, o ering students and community members the opportunity to earn an A ordable Housing Management Certicate by completing courses in real estate, nance and social work. e program was made possible in part through donations from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and a seven- gure gift from FHLBank of Topeka.
“ is partnership with MSU Denver will nurture new talent
Cesar Chavez Day parade returns to north Denver
This year’s march and mass is organization’s 24th
BY ERNEST GURULÉ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Speeding down a highway and seeing elds populated with men and women hunched over rows of crops, it is hard to imagine that one of them might one day become an American icon. But it did happen.
After toiling in the harshest conditions, burning sun, freezing cold, backbreaking labor and meager pay, Cesar Chavez drew the line and helped tell the story of America’s farmworkers.
e Chavez story is complicated. He certainly did tireless work to bring the plight of farm workers to light. He organized, took on the big growers, helped workers earn a deserved dig-
nity, better working conditions and higher pay. But iconography has a price.
Chavez earned the ire of some of those he once worked both with and for. He also won the enmity of others — politicians including former President Ronald Reagan. Chavez and Reagan were committed ideological adversaries.
But it is Chavez’s commitment to America’s invisible laborers, service workers and farmworkers, for which he is both remembered and revered.
Over the decades of organizing, leading boycotts and standing against American labor bosses and agribusiness, Chavez is today a symbol of humildad y corazon, or humility
and heart. And in Denver and across the nation, he will once again be celebrated.
At 8:30 a.m. April 5, there will be a mass and march honoring Chavez. e mass at Regis University’s Saint John’s Chapel will be followed by a march by several hundred young, old, men and women to Cesar Chavez Park at 41st Avenue and Utica Street, said longtime educator and organizer Dr. Ramon Del Castillo.
At the park, Del Castillo will be among a handful of speakers. He will also read a poem he has written honoring Chavez, “Una Despedida,” “ e Farewell.”
Del Castillo, now retired from a career of teaching Chicano Studies at Metropolitan State University-Denver, said the
march, long a tool employed by Chavez to bring attention to farmworkers, represents “a spiritual connection” with Chavez and his cause.
“He dedicated his life for the betterment of others,” Del Castillo said.
Chavez, who died in 1993, visited Denver a number of times over the years. Del Castillo’s rst encounter with him was in the early 1970’s. “We brought him to UNC,” he said. en, a much younger Del Castillo was heading up a lettuce boycott at the University of Northern Colorado.
“ ere was a lot of animosity,” Del Castillo recalled.
People march in the annual Cesar Chavez Day March in 2022.
COURTESY OF CESAR CHAVEZ
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Peer-led program appears to reduce teen suicide attempts
Sources of Strength operates in all Denver-area schools
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A peer-led mental health program that started in Colorado nearly 30 years ago is showing measurable success in preventing teen suicides.
A newly published study found that Sources of Strength, a program that trains student leaders to foster resilience and encourage help-seeking behaviors, helped reduce suicide attempts by 29% among high school students over two years.
e randomized controlled trial, conducted in partnership with the state’s health department, the University of Rochester and the University of North Carolina, followed 6,539 students across 20 high schools.
Researchers said the ndings provided some of the most substantive evidence yet that peer-driven mental health programs can have a measurable impact on suicide prevention.
Scott LoMurray, CEO of Sources of Strength, said the study validates what many educators and mental health professionals have long believed.
“Young people have a tremendous power to create positive transformation in their schools and communities,” he said. “ is study is a pivotal moment for youth mental health and suicide prevention. e evidence shows that upstream, strength-based prevention programs like Sources of Strength work and can save lives.”
Based in Lakewood, the program has expanded to more than 250 schools across Colorado, including every Denver metro area school district. It operates in elementary, middle and high schools.
A shift toward prevention
LoMurray said that, unlike traditional crisis-focused interventions, which primarily react to mental health emergencies, Sources of Strength emphasizes prevention by equipping students with the tools to build resilience, social connection and help-seeking behaviors before they reach a crisis point.
According to the program’s website, students are nominated by their peers for their ability to in uence others in positive ways. Alongside adult advisers, these student leaders receive training on how to promote mental well-being throughout their schools. e study found that Sources of Strength’s impact extended across diverse racial, gender and socioeconomic groups, reinforcing the program’s adaptability in di erent school communities.
“ at was one of the most encouraging ndings,” LoMurray said. “We’re seeing these results hold across di erent demographic groups. at’s rare in this space.” at broad impact has been especially valuable in rural communities, where mental health services are often limited, said Chelsey Lehmkuhl, a regional training consultant with the Colorado School Safety Resource Center in Lakewood.
“As a previous Adult Advisor for the Sources of Strength program at Sterling High School, I witnessed the value in the program rsthand,” she said. “For rural schools, investing in Sources of Strength means investing in stronger, healthier communities where students are empowered to lift each other, break the stigma around mental health and create a culture of support.”
Lehmkuhl said the program helps combat social isolation and encourages
students to build healthy coping strategies, meaningful relationships and access to trusted adults — all of which are essential in preventing crises and promoting overall well-being.
“When young people have the strength to reach out and seek help, the entire community bene ts,” she said.
Limitations, training and impact
Despite its success overall, the study revealed a signi cant gap: students who had recently experienced sexual violence did not see the same reduction in suicide attempts.
e nding surprised LoMurray, who had hoped the program’s protective effects would extend to all students.
“It underscores the fact that students facing trauma often need more than a public health intervention,” he said. “ ey need specialized support, and this study reinforces the importance of addressing their unique needs.”
For LoMurray, this reinforces the importance of trusted adult connections in suicide prevention, which is why Sources of Strength trains students and adults together rather than separately.
“We don’t just train students or adults. We train them together because prevention is most powerful when youth and trusted adults partner in this work,” he said.
“This study is a pivotal moment for youth mental health and suicide prevention. The evidence shows that upstream, strengthbased prevention programs like Sources of Strength work and can save lives.”
Scott LoMurray, CEO of Sources of Strength
When asked to recount a memorable experience during his time leading Sources of Strength, LoMurray shared Cody’s story, a student in Idaho who once struggled with isolation and suicidal thoughts. He described watching Cody stand before his school board advocating for the program.
“Cody told this story about how he never felt like he belonged,” LoMurray said. “He never felt like he had friends. He never felt connected or seen until he joined Sources of Strength, and that’s when he found his voice, community and friends. He said if he had found this when he was in elementary school, it would have saved him ve years of wanting to die.”
While Sources of Strength is primarily used in schools, the program has expanded into LGBTQ+ centers, detention centers and the military.
“Our approach is exible. We don’t impose a one-size- ts-all curriculum — we work with communities to help them shape the program in ways that resonate with their culture and needs,” LoMurray said.
Nonprofit o ers grants for period products in schools
Justice Necessary group o ers grants to schools to supply pads, tampons and dispensers
A Colorado nonpro t is introducing a grant program for the state’s schools that would provide free period products to students. e one time-grant would supply pads, tampons, and dispensers to help schools meet the requirements of Colorado HB-1164, states Justice Necessary. Justice Necessary was formed to address hygiene and period poverty and diaper needs across the state, according to the group’s website. e legislation is aimed at ensuring that no student must
miss class due to lack of access to essential menstrual products, Justice Necessary states.
e one-time grant would provide dispensers and free pads and tampons and one-month bags of period products to support students over the summer of 2025 as well as the 2025-2026 school year. e grant will help schools reach the rst HB24-1164 milestone of having 25% of female and gender-neutral restrooms stocked with period products.
All Colorado school districts, individual and charter schools are eligible to apply, and rural schools and those with a many free and reduced lunch students will special consideration
Last year, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB24-1164, which makes modi cations to the Menstrual Hygiene Grant Program to expand support to rural districts.
“Periods don’t wait – and this impor-
tant law ensures that Colorado students can access the menstrual products they need, when they need them,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D- Arvada. “Without access to menstrual products, our students risk missing out on valuable learning time and can experience emotional distress. Our new law makes menstrual products free and accessible in schools to Colorado’s teens.”
Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn said in the news release that “67 percent of U.S. students miss valuable school time due to a lack of necessary period products, and the numbers are even higher for low-income and students of color,” said Willford.
“Our important bill helps combat period poverty in Colorado by making menstrual products free and accessible in middle school and high school bathrooms,” she said.
“Our students deserve to learn, grow and thrive without the added stress of nding and a ording period products –and this new law does just that.” e bill ensures that every student across the state can go to school without worrying about when your period might arrive, or if you have the products you need to manage it,” said Diane Cushman Neal, founder and president of Justice Necessary, in the 2024 news release.
“I am proud to live in a state that ensures students can attend class without the worry of having the necessary products to manage their periods, because access to period products, just is necessary,” Cushman Neal said.
Applications for the Justice Necessary grants are due March 31. Recipients will be announced April 21. For more information, email school@ justicenecessary.org.
Sources of Strength uses a peer-led model where students work with adult advisers to address teen mental health.
One Large Brokerage Takes the Lead in Promoting Off-MLS ‘Private Exclusive’ Listing Networks
A few years ago, the National Association of Realtors promulgated the “Clear Cooperation Rule” making it harder for individual listing agents to have “pocket listings.”
of clients.” This, they say, allows you to:
Showcase before being market-ready
Generate early demand
Test your price and gain insights
Attract competitive offers
Those are listings which are withheld from the MLS so that the agent could sell it without having to share his or her commission with an agent representing the buyer. Doing so is a disservice to the seller, because the universe of potential buyers is substantially reduced when a listing isn’t posted where every other real estate agent and buyer can see it — that is, on the MLS.
Some brokerages with hundreds of agents are taking advantage of that rule’s one big loophole called the “Office Exclusive” listing. The bigger the brokerage, the more successful that approach can be. It allows all their broker associates to see the listing, but no agents outside that brokerage can see it. By keeping both ends of the transaction within the brokerage, that brokerage makes twice as much money.
One such large brokerage, which I’ll call Gotcha, has a page on its website promoting its “Private Exclusives.” At right is a screenshot from the top of that web page. Scrolling down, it explains Private Exclusives this way:
“Gotcha Private Exclusives are properties that are only accessible to Gotcha agents and their serious buyers. This means you can get a head start marketing your home, without accumulating any public days on market or price drops that could negatively impact its value. When you work with a Gotcha agent, listing as a Private Exclusive is the first stage of our 3-Phased Marketing Strategy designed to maximize demand and fine-tune your positioning for the best possible sale outcome.”
It describes the process as “pre-marketing,” although the company’s expectation is that the seller will sell to one of their own agents before getting to second base — listing it publicly on the MLS where over 20,000 others agents with prospective buyers can see it.
They call is a “soft launch to an exclusive audience,” exposing your listing to “a network of thousands of agents and their millions
Maintain your privacy
This approach is not only self-serving by Gotcha while preventing agents from other brokerages, including ours, from knowing about homes that our buyers might want to bid on, it also has serious Fair Housing implications, keeping less desirable populations from coming to your open houses and their agents from setting showings.
“Preserve Your Privacy,” boasts the web page: “Buying a Gotcha Private Exclusive helps safeguard your privacy by keeping your home’s photos off third-party sites — unlike publicly marketed properties, where images can stay online for years.”
This ignores the fact that a buyer can request that the agent or the MLS remove all pictures, videos and public remarks from the listing when it changes to “Closed.” I had exactly that request made of me after I sold a home in Golden to a privacy-minded buyer. A simple call to Support at REcolorado had all those pictures and videos removed immediately, and I deleted the website I had created for the home when I listed it. Just now, I Googled that address, and not a single website has anything more than the Google street view and one picture of the front porch. Even the public remarks paragraph was deleted.
What is not explained by Gotcha in the way they promote their “private exclusive” program is that those listings are indeed posted on the MLS as “office exclusives” which
means that only other Gotcha agents can see that MLS listing until it is sold, at which point it becomes a publicly visible closed listing with all its pictures unless the agent removes them before changing the listing to “Closed.”
Looking at the closed listings for the Denver office of Gotcha on REcolorado, I found that only half of the listings had the pictures removed, so those pictures are on Zillow, Redfin and every other public website that displays sold listings. So much for Gotcha’s privacy promise!
The strategy is paying off for Gotcha, which benefits when both sides of a listing are sold in-house. A study for the 1,252 closings by the Denver office of Gotcha in the last 180 days shows that 64 listings were only entered as “closed” with zero days on the MLS, a sign that they were “office exclusives,” and roughly half of those were sold to agents within the same office, and 15 of them were double-ended by the listing agent. Among all MLS listings, the average percentage of listings that are double-ended is about 5%. It goes without saying that Gotcha agents are really excited that their brokerage facilitates and encourages agents to promote their off-MLS “private exclusive” process.
One of our Golden Real Estate agents lives on Lookout Mountain and showed me a flyer that he received soliciting him to list his home as a Gotcha Private Exclusive with all the selling points listed above.
Although it’s impossible to say whether sellers who fell for Gotcha’s pitch about being a “Gotcha Private Exclusive” left money on the table by not exposing their listing to at least 20 times as many buyers by going to traditional route and abiding by the intention
of the Clear Cooperation Rule, but I still feel that they are being duped into doing something that feathers the nest of Gotcha and its agents and doesn’t serve the interests of their clients, as the Realtor Code of Ethics requires. Certainly, I don’t see any warning, to prospective sellers regarding the limitations of staying off the MLS, something the Colorado Real Estate Commission encourages in Position Statement #27:
“During the negotiation of the Listing Contract, and as part of the Broker’s duty to exercise reasonable skill and care, a Broker is responsible for advising the seller or landlord “of any material benefits or risks of a transaction which are actually known by the Broker.” This includes benefits or risks of limiting a property’s market exposure…. Are the intended marketing limitations for the benefit of the Consumer or the Broker? What are the advantages and disadvantages for the Consumer? These types of marketing limitations that reduce the seller or landlord’s buyer/tenant pool... for the benefit of the Broker could be a violation of the license law because the Broker is not exercising reasonable skill and care…. [T]he Broker may be viewed by the Commission as also violating their fiduciary duties. Finally, a Broker who places the importance of receiving a commission or other Broker benefits above their duties, responsibilities, or obligations to the seller or landlord... is endangering the interest of the public.”
Not satisfied with exploiting the “Office Exclusive” loophole on the MLS, the national president of Gotcha is the loudest voice for eliminating the Clear Cooperation Rule.
Here’s How Money Is Handled at Real Estate Closings
As closing day approaches, both buyers and sellers have questions about how money is going to be handled. Let me explain.
Sellers ask:
Q. Should I bring money to the closing?
A. No. It is the title company’s job to receive and disperse all funds related to the closing. They collect the money from the buyer and the buyer’s lender and disperse funds as needed, including what’s left to the seller.
So, let’s say you have a mortgage to pay off. The closer gets a payoff figure from the lender and withholds that amount from the seller’s proceeds, plus a few extra days’ interest to cover the time between when they send the payoff and the lender receives it.
The seller will also owe commissions to one or both agents, plus property taxes pro-rated to the date of closing. There will also be a final water & sewer bill for which the closer will escrow some of your proceeds. There’s the cost of title insurance (the “owner’s policy”) and the closing fee charged by the Notary. If a loan is being paid off, there will be a small charge for obtaining and recording the release of the lender’s lien with the county clerk and recorder. Maybe the seller agreed to a concession to cover needed repairs or to buy down the interest rate on their loan.
Those and any other fees for which the seller is responsible will simply be deducted from the seller’s proceeds. The seller will not have to write any checks at closing.
Q. What about the funds which my lender has escrowed for paying property taxes and the renewal of my homeowner’s insurance?
A. Those funds can’t be brought to the closing table. You will get a check from your lender within 30 days of closing refunding the funds
that had been escrowed.
Remember to call your insurance company on the day of closing to let them know you have sold the home and to cancel your policy. You will receive a return premium check from them within 30 days of closing.
You will also receive a check from the title company refunding any escrowed funds for those extras days of interest and the money left after paying your final water bill.
Buyers ask:
Q. Can I bring a check for my down payment?
A. Typically, no. Your closer may accept a certified check if the amount is small, but expect to wire the funds not covered by your lender. Get those wiring instructions in person or over the phone, not by email or any other means. There are scammers who may send you an email with “new” wiring instructions, but immediately call the title company to get them verbally. And don’t call the phone number provided by the scammer! If you don’t already know the phone number to call, get it from your real estate agent or search online for it.
The funds should be wired the day before closing by both you and your lender, especially if it’s a morning closing. Wired funds can take as much as 3 hours to navigate the Federal Reserve system, which needs to verify that funds are not laundered from some illicit source.
All you and the seller should bring to closing are your government issued photo IDs, which are needed to Notarize your documents. You might bring your checkbook in case there are any incidentals expenses which arise or if you’ve agreed to purchase any of the seller’s furniture, etc., “outside of closing.”
Gotcha
to make the a ordable housing industry stronger and improve communities across Colorado and the region,” wrote Je Kuzbel, FHLBank Topeka president and CEO. “We look forward to the unique educational bene ts the institute will provide the workforce across our district, which ultimately should translate into increased housing supply.”
Students can enroll in the program and complete six for-credit courses, and community members can enroll in a fourweek, non-credit program at msudenver. edu/a ordable-housing-institute. e next non-credit session will begin April 3, and for-credit courses are o ered each semester.
e program is led by director andnance lecturer Andy Proctor, who has more than 20 years of experience working in Denver’s a ordable housing industry. Proctor witnessed the gap in formal training for those working in affordable housing. Most would come in with little background experience, hoping their employer would provide adequate training, and employers taking a risk on inexperienced hires.
“Our goal is to put the two of those together,” Proctor said. “It’s workforce development at a fundamental level. Ultimately, can we produce a workforce that helps with the a ordable housing crisis?”
e institute is supported by an industry advisory committee of working professionals who o er input on how the program can best meet the current needs of the a ordable housing industry, Proctor said.
Discussions in the advisory committee for MSU’s real estate program were
the original impetus for the A ordable Housing Institute several years ago because real estate courses didn’t cover the speci cs of a ordable housing, Proctor said.
For Proctor, the program will be a success if students can successfully land internships and jobs — which will be aided by MSU’s industry navigator, whose role is to connect students with employment opportunities — and, once in those jobs, if students can successfully contribute to
a ordable housing solutions.
Between 2005 and 2019, housing in Denver for those at or above 120% AMI
accounted for 68% of total household growth — about 45,000 households, according to the City of Denver Housing Market Analysis Expansion. For those earning less than 60% AMI, housing actually decreased by 10,500 units.
People seeking a ordable housing are often at or below 30% average median income, which is classi ed as extremely low income. In Denver, more than 10% of the population is considered to be living in poverty, and in 2021, one in three Denver households was paying more than 30% of its income for housing, according to the 2024 Census data.
Berry is hoping to gain the con dence she needs to successfully navigate the affordable housing industry, like learning speci c terminology, legal requirements and how to help someone through the often complex and overwhelmed housing system, she said.
“It’s a ton of information that you don’t learn in real estate school,” Berry said. “It never went over a ordable housing or anything that’s under the a ordable housing umbrella, and I feel like it should have.”
Already, it’s been gratifying to see students engage with the course material and become excited at new ideas and possibilities, Proctor said.
“All of a sudden you see a student get it or people who’ve been really silent and won’t make eye contact are giving you st bumps on the way out of class everyday,” Proctor said. “ at’s pretty awesome.”
PARADE
It was, of course, the ’70s and the news was dominated by the Vietnam War. Nightly newscasts were introducing the country to the names of obscure villages in Vietnam where young Americans were dying. At home, the country was also in the midst of a tension created by the demand for long-denied civil rights by women and historically marginalized Americans.
e Denver march, Del Castillo said, is a way to teach or remind younger people of a time not that long ago when “we were invisible.” Chavez, among others, brought attention to a movement that shined a light on farmworkers but also millions of invisible American workers.
Denver is among scores of American cities and states that have created an ocial Cesar Chavez Day. In 2014, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation to make Cesar Chavez an o cial United States holiday.
e city of Denver will honor the labor and civil rights leader on March 31. Most city o ces will be closed except for essential services, including police and re departments.
Although it has been many years, Del Castillo recalled each of the three times he met Chavez, including once at Regis University.
“I sat there between him and Corky. I was in awe,” he said.
Corky, of course, was Corky Gonzales, another iconic civil rights era voice. In the event of weather, Del Castillo said, the event will be moved to Denver’s Su Teatro, at 721 Santa Fe Drive.
The Clara Brown Commons is an a ordable
The 24th annual Cesar Chavez Day March will take place April 5, beginning at Regis University and ending at Cesar Chavez Park. COURTESY OF CESAR CHAVEZ PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE OF DENVER
Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) 2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE
Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) is a network of tuition-free public charter schools, providing Colorado families with accessible, flexible, and individualized learning and a direct path to debt-free college degrees and other industry credentials.
Since the doors of our first high school campus opened in 2007 in Colorado Springs, Colorado Early Colleges and our accredited college partners have been committed to creating a community of lifetime learners and building a culture throughout our network of schools that fosters academic, career, and personal success for every student, and do so at zero tuition-cost to them and their families.
CEC now has campus locations all across
Colorado, including local high school campuses in Aurora, Castle Rock, and Douglas County North. CEC Online Campus is also our online learning option, open to families anywhere in Colorado, also at zero-cost.
Our schools work in partnership with local community colleges and universities, offering students the chance to take college-level courses, both on and off campus. The goal is to create a pathway that allows students to graduate high school with a competitive edge and ready to enter the workforce upon graduation. Through CEC, students can earn college degrees, industry certifications, and 60 or more college course credits while simultaneously earning their high school diploma.
Why choose Colorado Early Colleges?
Flexible Learning Options: CEC offers accessible, flexible and individualized learning, recognizing that each student has unique academic needs and personal goals. Students work with their advisors on an academic plan that is right for them and aligns with their career aspirations. This
flexibility enables students to work at their own pace, challenging themselves with advanced coursework when ready, while also receiving the support they need to succeed.
Career Pathways and Technical Education: CEC offers career pathways and technical education in a variety of industries. These programs incorporate curriculum that aligns with industry standards that leads to an industry recognized credential so that students may be prepared to enter the workforce after high school. Career Pathways in health science, engineering, construction, IT, aviation, multimedia and more are available at CEC (may vary by campus location).
Free Tutoring: CEC offers free tutoring at its campuses to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed academically. This support is very valuable for students balancing high school and college work, as it ensures they never have to face academic struggles alone and can receive the help they need to excel.
Money Saved: By earning college credits while in high school, students can save a considerable amount of money upon graduation. Students graduate from high school with a head start on their college education, potentially reducing the time spent in college and the associated tuition costs. For many students, this is a crucial financial benefit, and takes the pressure off students and families when it comes to higher education.
Since 2007, alumni of CEC enter the workforce with valuable skills and experience gained through their time here, and have gone on to have exceptional careers.
“I think the most impactful thing CEC offered to me was the flexibility. I from the start knew I didn’t want to follow the traditional route. I didn’t want to go to college and spend a bunch of money. CEC offers a head start on college, but also offers a head start on other career options. I always was interested in construction but knew nothing about it. Being able to attend trade school at such an early age got my foot in the door, and helped me get my first job in construction as a deck builder. At this point, I was 16 working full-time for a construction company and attending night classes at Red Rocks Community College. No other school offers that kind of freedom and flexibility, and so that was by far the most impactful thing CEC was able to offer me.” – Mason R., CEC Castle Rock graduate
CEC is open to all students, regardless of background or skill-level. Our schools are now enrolling for the upcoming school year, so visit our website for upcoming informational meetings and school tours so you can see for yourself how CEC can be the right fit for you and your family.
Bringing a mini symphony to the suburbs
BY MARC SHULGOLD SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Let’s face it — heading to downtown Denver for live entertainment has become a hassle. Tra c is usually a mess. Parking, when available, is expensive. Crowds can be crushing. Ticket prices are becoming out of reach. Better to just stay home. Or ...
For local music lovers, Eric Bertoluzzi has provided a welcome alternative, establishing Englewood Arts in 2001. Since then, he’s organized a series of monthly concerts in the intimacy of the 200-seat Hampden Hall, 1000 Englewood Parkway, presenting high-quality chamber music by members of the Colorado Symphony. Tickets are reasonably priced — and parking is free.
“My goal has always been to utilize the (Colorado) Symphony as a resource in the community — to have it interact with local residents,” said Bertoluzzi, the orchestra’s former cellist.
In describing the years it took to get Englewood Arts o the ground, it’s obvious that Bertoluzzi is one dedicated cultural activist.
His passion for building audiences actually began while he was still with the orchestra. Using funds awarded from the Scienti c and Cultural Facilities District, in 1990 he launched Up Close and Musical, which brought groups of schoolchildren to Boettcher Concert Hall for symphony programs. After his retirement from the orchestra in 2013, he joined the Cultural Arts Division of his hometown, Englewood.
“At that point, I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “I knew Cynthia Madden Leitner of the Museum of Outdoor Arts, and she gave me an o ce (at the Englewood Civic Center) — so I had to gure out something.”
Having so many friends in the orchestra, and discovering an unused storage space in the building, he put two and two together and set out to create a multi-use hall for concerts. His next task was to round up the funds to make it happen. Which he did.
“All that grunt work is necessary,” he said. “You have to get good at raising money.” rough a number of sources, he collected $83,000.
Hampden Hall is now used for more than chamber concerts, he said. ere are church services, lectures, parties and other events. But for Colorado Symphony’s principal clarinet Jason Shafer, the intimate hall is the perfect place for Brahms.
At 1:30 p.m. on March 29, a contingent of ve orchestra members and pianist Forrest Howell will present a chamber concert in Hampden Hall, concluding with a heavenly masterpiece, one that is rarely heard live.
“I’ve wanted to play Brahms’ ‘Clarinet Quintet’ for so long, and there aren’t too many opportunities to perform it,” Shafer said. He’ll be joined by fellow orchestra players Kate Arnt and Dmitri Pogorelov on violins, Leah Kovach on viola and Dakota Cotugno on cello.
“We appear regularly on Eric’s series, and when we do, we love to mix it up,” Shafer said.
A glance at the group’s program con rms Shafer’s remark about mixing things up. e concert opens with Hindemith’s “Clarinet Sonata,” followed by Haydn’s “Lark String Quartet” — and ending with the Brahms Quintet. Quite a variety. e musical choices were assembled by the clarinetist.
“It’s what Eric loves to do, appoint a leader and leave everything up to him. He asked me to choose the repertoire. at’s how open Englewood Arts is. Actually, Eric asked for the Haydn — and he really loves the Hindemith. I’ve taught it, but I’d never played it,” Shafer said.
A rarely heard work like Hindemith’s “Clarinet Sonata” — or the challenging Brahms Quintet, for that matter — reminds one that live chamber music doesn’t appear around town every day. It requires an intimate venue and
expert players. While the latter are in plentiful supply in Denver, there are precious few places for music lovers to gather for performances.
e Newman Center on the University of Denver campus stands as the city’s nest, and is nationally recognized. But Hampden Hall and its monthly series provides a ne alternative, often drawing capacity audiences.
Shafer spoke for his orchestra colleagues about their mutual love of playing music away from the vast spaces of Boettcher Hall.
“I think all the (orchestra) musicians want to be involved in chamber music. We don’t have to ask (management) to play these programs — we do these on our own free time. It’s our way of adding
to Denver’s classical music scene,” he said. And, lest we forget, parking is free. is coverage comes courtesy of a grant from the Littleton Arts and Culture Program. As a matter of policy, funders exercise no control over editorial decisions.
IF YOU GO
Englewood Arts will present the Shafer Showcase at 1:30 p.m. March 29 at Hampden Hall, 1000 Englewood Parkway in the Englewood Civic Center. For more information, visit englewoodarts.org/ performances.
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Eric Bertoluzzi established Englewood Arts in 2001. The organization will perform the Shafer Showcase on March 29 at Hampden Hall in Englewood.
PHOTO BY WILLIE PETERSON
2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE
2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE
Aims Community College Combines
Affordability, Innovation and
Throughout Northern Colorado, you can see Aims Community College billboards boasting a surprising statistic that has received much attention: “91% of Aims students graduate without debt.”
One reason many learners are not burdened with student loans is that tuition at Aims averages 50% less than nearby two-year schools and 80% less than area four-year institutions. Additionally, the new Aims Tuition Promise initiative makes higher education tuition-free for many Coloradoans. Aims factors in a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid and scholarships to pay tuition. After those programs are applied, Aims makes up the difference.
Affordability is just one aspect of the Aims story. The College emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, student-focused learning, state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes.
Since 1967, the College has established its presence in Northern Colorado with locations in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Windsor, and Loveland. Aims empowers learners to achieve their academic and career goals by offering more than 200 degree and certificate programs to help students prepare to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year school. Aims equips students to excel in numerous fields, including healthcare, skilled trades, business, education, public safety, agriculture, aviation, arts, sciences and more.
The College has recently seen a notable increase in enrollment in the Fall 2024 semester, with numbers indicating a more than 20% rise compared to last year’s figures. This is the most significant enrollment jump that Aims has seen in a post-COVID world.
“We’re excited that so many students are choosing Aims to begin or continue their education,” said Dr. Larry Pakowski, Vice President of Student Engagement, Inclusion & Success. “More and more people are discovering the hidden gem that is Aims.”
“Not Your Mom and Dad’s Community College”
Aims invests in the holistic student experience, from connecting through activities to using state-of-the-art technology to foster advanced education and hands-on learning on equipment used in the work world.
Pakowski believes when people come to campus and see the facilities and technology available, they change their perceptions about community colleges and Aims. He had recently heard a parent at orientation say, “It’s not your mom and dad’s community college.”
Aims offers a wide array of co-curricular activities, campus events and student resources to provide an enriching college experience. Traditional service and honor society organizations are on campus. There are also groups focused on career interests, identity groups, or shared interests, like video games.
The Aims Welcome Center and Student Commons are the beating heart of student engagement outside the classroom. These vibrant spaces are designed to help students acclimate to college life and make lifelong connections. These spaces host college and community events to bring people together.
Aims invests in state-of-the-art equipment and learning tools to provide hands-on experience for students in career and technical education courses. Below are a few examples of technology in action.
•An Anatomage Table is a technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool for anatomy and physiology education.
•Automotive, welding and nurse aid students learn using virtual reality training equipment.
•Future truck drivers will practice on a CDL simulator, and tomorrow’s pilots and air traffic controllers train on aviation simulator technology before flying.
•In the newly expanded Windsor Campus, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) students can access a drone fabrication and design lab, while public safety students can replicate real-world scenarios at the Sim City.
•Ed Beaty Hall is home to experiential learning with a theater, radio station, TV studio, green-screen room, surround sound studio and videoediting booths.
•The greenhouse on the Fort Lupton Campus offers Aims agriculture students an indoor space for yearround, hands-on learning.
•The Community Lab is a maker space open to all Aims students and the community. Students use the lab to work on assignments for their classes, such as building a model for a diorama, printing large-scale posters, and producing elements of a multimedia art project. Technology includes 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering equipment and much more.
•Alquist 3D, an innovative 3D printing construction company, is partnering with Aims to incorporate its technology into the curriculum and train the workforce. An online non-credit online certificate program is open to anyone wanting to learn more about the industry. This online course is the first step in formalizing workforce development and training in 3D construction and infrastructure printing. Future plans include hands-on classes with this technology.
Student-First Focus
Management Dana Kohler attributes part of the surge in enrollments at Aims to the College’s faculty, staff and administrators. “There are a lot of really, really good people at Aims who are trying to support students and help them do the right thing. When we all do that together, the students are the ones that benefit from that.”
Aims 2024 graduate Ixel Macias believes the education she receives at Aims boosts intellectual rigor. “My professors challenged my way of thinking. I’m challenged much more than I was at previous schools, in the best way possible,” she said. Ixel feels like her instructors keep pushing her to climb to something bigger and better. Even though they encourage her to take it to the next level, she still feels comfortable asking questions and gaining further understanding of her learning.
This level of support is also evident outside of the classroom. Aims offers many services to foster success as a college student and beyond. This includes advising, disability access services, counseling services and more. Aims was among the first higher education institutions to receive the Hunger-Free Campus designation by the State of Colorado. By helping our students manage the critical issue of food insecurity, they can succeed and meet their individual goals with muchreduced stress.
The Learning Commons is another resources dedicated to student success. It includes academic support such as library services, tutoring, online learning support and technology assistance. Aims students can check out laptops, hotspots, and tablets to help them with their studies.
All of this builds a culture of success at Aims. This leads learners to thrive in moving into their next steps, whether it be going into the workforce or continuing in their education.
After graduation, 54% of Aims students continue their education by transferring to four-year institutions. Those looking to attend the University of Northern Colorado can streamline this journey with the Aims2UNC program. Other programs, like an articulation agreement with the Colorado School of Mines, create a formalized pathway for student transfer.
The Transfer Services team on campus is here to prepare students for their next destination.
Aims also get many of our learners into high-demand fields like healthcare, trades and technology. Nine months after graduating from Aims, 80 percent of students are employed, contributing to the workforce. Career Services at Aims offers programs to help students find jobs to start their careers.
Innovation and Expansion on the Horizon
“We’re continuing to do things to improve the student experience. There are greater things to come down the road,” Pakowski said.
The 2024-2027 Strategic & Tactical Plan, recently approved by the Aims Board of Trustees, outlines the direction for the College’s future growth. Among the planned projects is the opening of the Student Health and Wellness Center in 2026.
Planning for the new Workforce Innovation Center is also in progress. The project creates a supportive environment to help new businesses, ideas or projects flourish. It will provide production space for technology, manufacturing, and more. Aims students will benefit from hands-on experience with leading-edge technology and business development processes.
Additionally, Aims Community College plans to open a new Aircraft Maintenance Training Center along with the launch of an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic degree program in January 2026 in Loveland.
Efforts are also underway to improve veteran education services and achieve recognition as a Military Friendly School. Several years ago, Aims was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is intentionally furthering programs to support this population.
“The plan shows all the things that we are doing to improve the student experience and student success. That’s why students are choosing to come here,” Pakowski added. “Those things have created much buzz and excitement for us.”
To learn more about Aims Community College, please visit aims.edu.
Revenue from retro license plates may be diverted
Colorado lawmakers weigh whether funds should be used to help mitigate reductions to education and Medicaid
BY BENTE BIRKLAND CPR NEWS
When Helena Perez of Newcastle bought a white Subaru two years ago, her car wasn’t the only thing she wanted to upgrade.
She also wanted di erent license plates to go with it. She thought Colorado’s standard white and green license plates were boring and wanted “something new and fresh.”
For an extra $25 fee she decided to get
the state’s reissued black license plates, with white lettering.
“I thought it was retro,” she told CPR News. “I thought it looked really nice, the combination of the black plates with the white vehicle. I really liked that.”
What she hasn’t liked so much is seeing how many other people have had the same idea; the roads these days seem to be full of black plates.
“ ey look like mine,” she lamented. “I like to be unique.”
Over the past few years, Colorado has
started to reissue a number of historic license plate designs in solid red, blue, or black, as well as green mountains on a white background. e black plates, originally from 1945, have been by far the most popular. According to the most recent gures, there are now roughly 378,000 thousand vehicles with black license plates on Colorado’s roads.
To get them, car owners must pay a $25 upfront fee, plus an annual $25 fee. e money goes to support programs for people with disabilities.
2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE
“It’s become very popular,” said Benjamin Meyerho , the Colorado Disability Funding Coordinator, whose o ce is housed in the state’s newly created Colorado Disability Opportunity O ce. So popular in fact — bringing in a million dollars each month — that this money could soon be a victim of its own success, as cash-strapped lawmakers look anywhere and everywhere for funds to balance the state budget.
Renaissance Secondary School
Renaissance Secondary is a small, deeper learning school serving students in Grades 6-12, and expanding to serve Grades PK-5 beginning in 2027.
Renaissance utilizes authentic, integrated learning experiences to empower students to become modern learners who are critical thinkers and problem solvers, communicators, collaborators, and creative innovators who contribute to the world around them.
At Renaissance, students experience top-notch academic opportunities within a tight-knit small school community, and:
• Rigorous, integrated, real-world learning experiences through learning expeditions and fieldwork
• Emphasis on Design Thinking and STEM opportunities
• Adventure Education program (all students participate in a multi-night outdoor education trip each year)
• Unique building design emphasizing natural light and ample opportunities for students to be outdoors
• Late start time (9:00 a.m.)
• Emphasis on character and an ethic of service
• Arts integration and rich performing and visual arts opportunities
Gifted Program
Mackintosh Academy stands out as a leader in innovation and excellence In a world where gifted education is often an afterthought. Founded in 1977, Mackintosh is Colorado’s first school dedicated exclusively to gifted students, offering one of the Denver metro area’s only private International Baccalaureate (IB) programs for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. For over forty years, Mackintosh has redefined how gifted and creative learners are educated.
At Mackintosh, gifted education is not just an add-on or a pull-out program; it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our full-time program meets the unique intellectual, emotional, and social needs of gifted children. Unlike traditional schools, where gifted students may feel isolated or underchallenged, Mackintosh fosters a nurturing, holistic environment. Here, students are surrounded by peers who share their curiosity and passion for learning, creating a rare sense of community and belonging.
Keen
Minds:
A Curriculum That Inspires
social and emotional challenges, such as heightened sensitivity or feelings of being misunderstood. At Mackintosh, we emphasize social-emotional learning, helping students develop collaboration, communication, resilience, and empathy. Strong relationships between students and faculty create the optimal conditions for growth, both academically and personally.
Global Action: Preparing for the Future Mackintosh’s IB curriculum goes beyond academics, incorporating design thinking, innovation, and service projects. Students engage in real-world problem-solving, developing the skills and mindset to tackle global challenges with creativity and confidence. This focus on global awareness ensures graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped to make a positive impact.
A School Where Bright Kids Thrive
Mackintosh’s learning environment is rooted in the globally respected International Baccalaureate program. Our inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum challenges students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and explore their interests in depth. Teachers are skilled at recognizing and nurturing each child’s unique potential, ensuring students not only learn but thrive.
Compassionate Hearts: SocialEmotional Growth
Gifted children often face unique
Mackintosh Academy is more than a school—it’s a community where gifted children flourish intellectually, emotionally, and socially. If you’re seeking an educational experience that celebrates the unique nature of gifted learners, discover Mackintosh.
To learn more, email info@mackintoshacademy.com or call (303) 794-6222 to schedule a tour or conversation.
PLATES
With Colorado facing a more than $1 billion budget shortfall, lawmakers are weighing whether money collected for speci c things, like the plate fees that support disability services, should be redirected to blunt cuts to core areas of the state budget, like education and Medicaid.
Relationship with disability services
In 2011 the disability community, tired of hearing over and over that there wasn’t money in the state budget for the things their members needed, came up with the idea to auction o highly desirable personalized license plates. Over the years, o erings have included cannabis-themed plates and the names of pro sports teams.
e returns were modest, to say the least. e program generated only $100,000 over its rst decade according to state gures. But bringing back the historic license plates has been a game changer. Coloradans are paying around $12 million a year to put those plates on their cars.
“It’s a really great example of sifting through the couch cushions for change and that change adding up to a whole bunch of money. It’s pretty extraordinary actually,” said Danny Combs, head of the state’s new Colorado Disability Opportunity O ce.
e money helped set up that new ofce, which will coordinate all disability services in the state, as well as funding grants to various organizations. Both the o ce and the grants are overseen by people with disabilities.
“What’s really important in this particular program is that the decisions where the money goes are made by people with disabilities,” said Lt. Gov Dianne Primavera, whose o ce helped set up the new Opportunity O ce. “ ey have their nger on the pulse much better than some of the rest of us.”
Half of the money goes to help people with disabilities access the full range of bene ts they may be eligible for, like Medicaid, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. e other half goes to innovation grants to improve people’s quality of life.
In that realm, Meyerho said, “the sky’s the limit.” Grantees have included a training program to work in food service and an e ort to design accessible pinball machines. One nonpro t got help to put in a vibrating dance oor so deaf people could
feel the beat and follow the music.
Money too tempting to ignore
While people with disabilities have celebrated the increase in funding, the grant program could become a casualty of this year’s state funding shortfall.
e lawmakers in charge of writing the budget need to nd more than a billion dollars to keep state nances in balance, and redirecting the revenue raised by specialty license plates is one of the options they’re looking at.
e fees for Colorado’s 200 or so specialty license plates, which include the historic black, blue and red designs, raise about $30 million to $40 million annually. at money is earmarked for speci c programs, but it all counts toward the overall cap on how much the money the state is allowed to spend each year under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.
“ at’s something that you wouldn’t think of as being particularly di cult or problematic for the state’s budget, but it is,” said Democratic Rep. Shannon Bird. “It’s impacting what the state could otherwise use to invest in key services.”
So Bird and other members of the Joint Budget Committee are looking to potentially sweep the specialty license plate funds into the general budget, to help blunt how deeply they will have to cut into other programs, like K-12 schools and Medicaid, which make up the largest share of state spending.
“Medicaid is crucial,” said Bird. “ ey are the most vulnerable people in our
communities that without this coverage won’t be able to enjoy any quality of life. People need oxygen, they need diabetes medication, they need heart medication. ey rely upon Medicaid for all of these things.”
Many people with disabilities also use Medicaid to pay for services like in-home care, so they can live independently, and for medical equipment and wheelchairs. But Meyerho thinks the needs met by the current grants are too great to redirect this money.
“ ese funds deserve to go to folks with disabilities to improve their lives,” he said. “ is historically is an underfunded community, and just because the state is having a di cult time funding-wise doesn’t mean that these funds should go to the general fund. We need these funds.”
Other advocates seem more resigned to the possibility the money could be redirected. Hillary Jorgensen, one of the heads of the Cross Disability Coalition, said she hopes any redirected funding would still go to programs that help people with disabilities, and that the state would restore the grant funding in future years.
“I think it would be really a misstep to cut the program completely,” she said.
No nal decisions have been made yet, and some of it could hinge on the state’s next economic forecast on March 17. at will provide the nal numbers the budget committee needs before it can present its proposed spending package to the full legislature.
Adding an extra layer of uncertainty
over this whole process is the question of what may happen at the federal level.
“We are also very much aware that there are some things that are beyond our control that will have a big impact on the work we’re doing or have the potential to have a big impact on our role,” said Democratic Sen. Judy Amabile of Boulder who sits on the budget committee.
But the Colorado drivers that CPR News spoke with were unaware of the potential drama surrounding their plates.
Jesse Bennas of Carbondale has a solid red plate on his vehicle, his wife has the solid blue and his father in law, the black plates.
“I liked it a lot and it matches my car and I get a lot of compliments on it,” he said. “I’m glad the money’s going to good places.”
For Perez, it was her rst time learning the extra fee she pays for her black plates helps support the disability community.
“ ank you for letting me know,” she told a reporter. “Because I had no idea that I was contributing to this, but now I feel better about myself honestly.”
She said she’ll no longer feel annoyed when she sees all those black plates on the road.
is story was produced by the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and e Colorado Sun, and shared with news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Catch a mind-expanding comedy show at The Bug
Comedians to provide humorous experience through psychedelic lens
BY JACQUI SOMEN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
It’s not every day that you’ll nd a comedy show featuring a festival DJ, psychedelic multimedia visuals and a longhaired juggler using glow-in-the-dark balls. is experimental environment is exactly what audience members can expect at “ e Dose: A Psychedelic Comedy Experience” on April 5 at e Bug eatre, 3654 Navajo St.
e Dose is the creation of comic Steven Gillespie, who has been performing stand-up for almost 20 years, having appeared on shows such as “Conan,” Amazon Prime’s “Inside Joke,” and Fox’s “Laughs: All Stars.”
e idea for e Dose came about as Gillespie was attending psychedelic festivals. He said he thought to himself, “It would be really cool to gure out how to do stand-up in these settings.”
Gillespie soon got invited to do a festival in Arizona and another in North Carolina, where he started to experiment with the idea of a stand-up show in a psychedelic headspace.
By 2023, Gillespie had decided to run with the idea, and e Dose was born at a now-defunct Denver theater, Knew Conscious.
Today, Gillespie runs the show alongside producer and DJ Kelsey T Wood, as well as DJ and producer and performer
Nic Dean. e upcoming Denver show will take place at e Bug eatre, which has been a Highland hub for the performing arts for decades. e theater is known to be a space that welcomes diverse and experimental acts.
Gillespie said he is excited about hosting e Dose in a new space.
“ e Bug is just really cool to the standup and arts communities,” he said. “And we’re going to be able to really take it over in the sense of bringing our own visuals and multimedia.”
During the show, both the performers and the audience are welcome to experiment—although Gillespie is very clear that the show does not provide or sell any mind-bending substances. e show
just creates a space that is safe for adult experimentation.
He also noted that audience members don’t need to partake in any mind-altering substances to enjoy the show. Gillespie will perform at e Dose, and the shows also feature special guests. At the upcoming show, ve di erent comics will take audience members for a ride. Past guests include Josh Johnson, Chris Mejia, Chris Maddock, Mike Lester, Brian Sullivan, Shanel Hughes and Bo Johnson.
Denver is an ideal place for psychedelic-friendly comedy, not only because it is legal to consume some psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, psilocin and mescaline, in the state of Colorado but
also because Denver is simply a great city for comedy, Gillespie said.
“I think it’s one of the best comedy scenes in the country,” he said. “ ere are a lot of good comics and a lot of people doing some big things here. It’s been really fun to be in the scene and be pushed by my peers.”
Gillespie and his team also take e Dose on tour. e 2025 tour of e Dose includes cities such as Chicago, Tulsa, Minneapolis, Boise, Milwaukee and New Orleans. e show has received such a great reception that, according to Gillespie, they’ve sold out almost every show.
Audiences can also nd Gillespie performing in more traditional comedy settings throughout the Denver area at venues like e Comedy Lounge, River North Brewery and Gnarly’s in Golden.
“ e Dose: A Psychedelic Comedy Experience” will play April 5 at e Bug eatre. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are listed as $22 if bought online, $25 at the door and $32 for VIP seating.
Anti-Hero Film Festival
Another upcoming event is the AntiHero Film Festival, a teen lm festival sharing underrepresented narratives, at 6 p.m. April 11 MCA Denver at the Holiday eater.
According to the festival’s website, the event seeks to “share and celebrate perspectives, narratives and experiences that have been left out of history by highlighting the voices of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities.”
Examples of the short lms can be found at mcadenver.org/teen-anti-heroshort- lm-festival.
The psychedelic side of comedy comes out in “The Dose: A Psychedelic Comedy Experience.”
COURTESY OF STEVEN GILLESPIE
Thu 3/27
Craig Heneveld: HYPNOTIC 2.0 _ by INTIMAT @ 9pm INTIMÄT, 1170 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver
Reid Genauer @ 9pm
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Den‐
Latin Night @ 10pm Club Vinyl, Denver
Biscits @ 10pm Club Vinyl, 1082 N Broadway, Denver
Sanctuary For All Bene�t Concert @ 7pm Marquis, Denver church �re @ 7pm
S
BIJOU @ 10pm Temple Denver, 1136 Broadway, Denver
Sat 3/29
Fri 3/28
Denver Gay Mens Chorus w/ Col‐orado Jazz Repertory Orchestra @ 3pm Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver
@ 7pm
Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave,
All Waf�e Trick: WTF Fest �ol. 5 @ 7pm Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Dial Up @ 10pm Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver
Sun 3/30
Axe @ 7pm The Roxy Theater, 2549 Welton St, Denver
Leon Majcen @ 8pm Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver
Adam Bodine @ 10:30am Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Den‐ver
Sara Gazarek: Sara + säje @ Newman Center for the Arts @ 7:30pm Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver
Mark Masters Comedy: Mark Masters at Ritual Comedy @ 8pm Ritual Social House, 1209 E 13th Ave, Denver
Calling on Coloradans to buy local food
With spring upon us, we think it is important for every Coloradan to take a step back and re ect on where their food came from this past year.
Was it Colorado-grown? Did you seek out Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford melons, or Pueblo Chiles? Did you intentionally look for Coloradosourced beef, pork or lamb?
Did you notice your regularly visited grocery store or your favorite restaurant promoting and selling Colorado-grown food?
We ask you to re ect on this, because we did just that, and our own answers weren’t what we hoped they would be. As leaders in the state of Colorado, we believe it is our job to promote Colorado products and we are calling others to do the same. Both on an individual level and on a retail level.
Colorado produce and meat is less traveled, good for the environment, and typically much fresher. e avor of eld or orchard-ripened produce is vastly superior to produce picked green to enable it to travel from out-of-state or out-of-country. ere is a certain satisfaction with knowing the meat you are eating is coming from a local rancher in rural Colorado.
We should be seeking out Coloradogrown products and we should be demanding our local retailers and vendors to be carrying those products when they are in season.
Purchasing Colorado-grown food is one way consumers can support their local farmers, who are experiencing severe nancial pressure. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Colorado lost 2,837 farms or 7% of all operations between 2017 and 2022. An accompanying trend that should concern all Americans
is that in 2023, the United States became a net importer of food. Prior to this, our country was a net exporter of food. is trend is projected to continue, with the United States’ status as a net importer deepening further.
In talking with farmers who are still in business, we know they face many challenges. Drier weather and hail are big components. ey also struggle to recruit and pay employees. Supply chain costs are rising.
As legislators, we hear commonalities with other industries in these challenges. Likewise, we know our individual constituents face a variety of hardships every day. Costs are rising universally. So how do we move forward?
We come to the table, we identify our common goals, and we acknowledge our di erent policy approaches. And most importantly we work together. One of us
may look to alleviate unnecessary regulatory constraints on ranchers and farmers which may help free up capital and increase supply availability. One of us may contemplate pushing retailers to ensure fair pricing and accessibility is foundational to day-to-day businesses.
As elected o cials, we commit to assessing the breadth of impact of our future policy decisions and working together to come up with tangible solutions that make sense for our state, and we hope our colleagues will do the same.
As Coloradans, we will do our part in buying Colorado grown food whenever possible and supporting our communities and we hope that you will do the same.
is guest column is from four Colorado legislators: Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez (D), Sen. Dylan Roberts (D), Sen. Byron Pelton (R), Sen. Rod Pelton (R)
Making the climb worth the view
Climbing the mountain, whether in summer or winter, is a test of endurance, perseverance, and growth.
e climb is always worth the view, but the journey itself teaches us invaluable lessons. And just as the ascent requires strength and determination, the descent can present unique challenges depending on the trail’s steepness.
In the winter, di erent climbers take di erent approaches. Some choose to snowshoe up and back down, embracing the challenge of both the climb and the return. Others prefer to snowshoe to the top and take the lift down, opting for a mix of e ort and ease. en there are the extreme athletes who “skin” up the mountain, placing tear-away skins on their skis to gain traction as they ascend and then remove the skins to ski down. ese individuals always amaze me. Personally? I prefer to take the lift up and enjoy using gravity to help me glide back to the base.
After the struggle comes the story
“When you are in the middle of a story it isn’t a story at all, but only a confusion; a dark roaring, a blindness, a wreckage of shattered glass and splintered wood; like a house in a whirlwind, or else a boat crushed by the icebergs or swept over the rapids, and all aboard powerless to stop it.”
Margaret Atwood, “Alias Grace” I came across this Atwood quotation from her novel this week while listening to Daniel Pink’s book, “When.” It was no more than the introductory quotation for a chapter on midpoints in work, life, and projects but the words resonated for me.
Although not the intent of either author, Atwood’s words perfectly capture what happens when we let our struggles control us. Following my MS diagnosis in 2009, I could not have described more accurately the chaotic helplessness I felt. I believe all who have faced a signi cant struggle understand this. e feeling is dark, confusing and overwhelming, and the direction up is not clear in the midst of the turmoil.
After reading those words and pondering the ideas she so perfectly framed
WINNING
at rst hike or “skin” up the mountain is tough for new salespeople. However, the climb becomes more manageable with each practiced role-play, prospect interaction, and one-on-one coaching session. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but they become stronger, more skilled, and more prepared for the next
the
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
for me, I discovered there was more to the quotation. Atwood, in her novel, goes on to say…
“It’s only afterwards that it becomes anything like a story at all. When you are telling it, to yourself or to someone else. “ I was mesmerized by the beauty of Atwood’s word choice. As I dove into her words and moved beyond the de nition of chaos into the resolution she describes, it sparked a realization about my struggles.
I recognized that the road out of “the wreckage of shattered glass and splintered wood” comes with the empowerment of understanding that the “afterwards” is not at the end of our life or even at the end of our struggle it is at the moment when we decide we will be the author of our story and that circumstances will no longer write the narrative.
A hike up the mountain is invigorating and gorgeous during the summer. e climb is worth it in both seasons, whether we’re rewarded with a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks or an expanse of aspen trees and wild owers. Regardless of the method, the journey to the top mirrors the personal and professional growth we experience in life.
When hiking or skinning, people exert and push themselves. ey learn valuable lessons about pacing, endurance, and adaptability. Each climb builds muscle, experience, and knowledge. ey gure out where to step and where not to step, how to navigate the snow or the rocky terrain. Some areas are steeper, demanding greater strength and tenacity, while other parts provide small plateaus where we can catch our breath. With each climb, they get stronger, better, and more knowledgeable. However we get there, reaching the summit brings a sense of victory. We see, feel, and even taste the crisp mountain air at the top. e view is spectacular, and the reward for our e ort is undeniable. e same is true in our personal and professional journeys.
We live in an era of immense learning opportunities, where AI and advanced technology enable us to reach new heights if we develop a mindset of continuous learning.
Newly promoted managers face a similar challenge. eir rst climbs are steep as they learn to coach, mentor, and have di cult conversations. With experience, they gain con dence in their decision-making, making the climb less daunting. e peaks and valleys initially seem almost insurmountable for entrepreneurs who take the bold step of starting a new business. But as they gain traction, nd their footing, and take each step as it comes, they, too, will one day enjoy the breathtaking view from the top. I may prefer the lift in winter, but that doesn’t mean I stop observing and learning. As I ride up, I look down at the skiers and identify the beginners, the intermediates, and the experts, even those who have mastered their craft beyond expert levels. It gives me perspective. In di erent areas of life, I have been, and still am, at all these stages, a beginner in some things, an intermediate in others, and occasionally an expert.
e mountains, the climbs, and the descents serve as metaphors for our journey through life and career. No matter where we are in our climb, we have the opportunity to grow, to get stronger, and to reach new heights. And when we do, the view will always be worth it.
I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can put in the work, the climb will be worth the view.
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.
Jim Roome
Autism Awareness Month punctuated by author’s novel
April is Autism Awareness Month, and to get ahead of next month, this month’s book features an autistic protagonist, written by a neurodivergent author.
“ e Framed Women of Ardemore House” by Brandy Schillace follows Jo Jones, who was recently divorced, recently red and is grieving her mother’s death. With nothing left to lose and no real home to call her own, Jo leaves Chicago for the sprawling English estate she inherited from her mother. Once occupied by her estranged uncle, the estate has been long abandoned and has fallen into grievous disrepair.
Upon her arrival in England, Jo sparks the ire of the estate’s caretaker, Sid, and the scrutiny of the attorney handling the paperwork by insisting she move into the cottage on the property. Sid ensures Jo feels unwelcome in the town and rails against her in the local pub.
While wandering the manor, Jo nds a locked room that none of her keys will open. She breaks in and discovers a portrait of a woman hidden
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extraordinary circumstances and uncover the mystery behind the stolen painting and the murder.
Wendy Thomas
behind a piece of furniture. e painting is in the same style as portraits of the former Lord and Lady that hang prominently in the grand hall. More than 100 years ago, the Lord and Lady suddenly left the estate without explanation and never returned.
When Jo leaves the mysterious painting unattended for a moment, it disappears. Soon after, Jo nds Sid dead outside her cottage. Jo knows the murder is somehow connected to the painting, but the police don’t believe her and consider her a suspect. Following her instincts, Jo uncovers secrets that have remained hidden for a century.
Jo is a true gem of a character, speaking her mind while being aware that her thoughts don’t always land as intended with the neurotypical community around her. Her tenacity and integrity help her navigate the
I know many of you, like me, are feeling the pressure of these challenging times. As a nine-year Colorado resident, mother, small business owner, community volunteer, and commercial lender, I’m reaching out to urge you to contact your congressional representatives about the proposed tax changes and federal spending cuts being negotiated in Washington.
e proposed extension of the 2017 federal tax cuts, as part of Project 2025, would once again bene t the wealthiest 5% of earners while leaving the bottom 40% with little to nothing. is is especially concerning for Colorado, where
Let me explain a little bit more about what I mean. While we will never control the circumstances of our struggle, when we understand that the events that weaken our bodies, tragedies that rupture our families, or happenings that change our circumstances are not the author of our story we begin to change. Moreover, when we realize that our mindset is the author of our story then we have accomplished something truly transformative. When we are the author, we have taken what is rightfully ours and can begin to write with a clarity that only comes from ownership. In that moment, we move
With elements of historical ction and gothic horror, this twisting tale has appeal across multiple genres. Want to know whodunnit? Check out “ e Framed Women of Ardemore House” at a Denver Public Library branch near you.
Smiley Branch Library events e Smiley Branch Library is pleased to announce two new programs starting in April! Join us the second Wednesday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. for No Strings Attached Book Chat where you read what you want and attend whenever you can.
Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between. Our rst meeting will be April 9. Visit denverlibrary. org/events for more information.
Also in April, join instructor Roy Willey as he leads participants in singing beautiful and simple songs from around the world at Circle Singing for People 50+ from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday, April 23.
federal tax changes automatically impact our state tax code, and TABOR prevents us from raising the necessary revenue. ese cuts would threaten the services we rely on, putting our communities at risk.
Please contact your Congressional members and urge them to vote no on these tax cuts, which would widen the inequality gap and harm hardworking families across our state.
e proposed federal spending cuts are equally alarming. Cutting $2.6 trillion from Medicaid would devastate the health and stability of many Coloradans, including older adults, people with disabilities and families relying on nursing
from “I can’t.” to “Can I, this way?” is change removes the walls of limitation crushing into us, replacing them with the boundless possibilities of hope and enthusiasm.
Easier said than done? Yes.
Worth the e ort? Undoubtedly. is week I hope that you will take on the challenge of seeing yourself and not your circumstances as the author of your story and that you will begin to act in a way that re ects the beauty of the tale you have to tell.
You have got this.
I hope my words encourage you, and that you will share them with those who need support. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly appreciate hearing about the valuable ideas you nd in these columns
care. Nearly 35% of our children depend on Medicaid, and six out of ten people in Colorado nursing homes rely on it. ese cuts would have a ripple e ect, leading to job losses, economic instability and disrupted lives.
Here are the key impacts of these proposed cuts:
• Medicaid coverage for 1.1 million Coloradans would be at risk, with 280,000 losing coverage and $29.5 billion in lost federal funding;
• Health premiums for 225,000 Coloradans would increase by 50%, or 70% in rural areas, as health premium tax credits are eliminated;
• 540,000 Medicaid participants would
and how you use them to uplift those around you.
face new work requirements, endangering their healthcare; SNAP bene ts for 1 in 10 Coloradans would be reduced by $380 million over 10 years; and
• Funding for low-income families and crucial infrastructure programs would be slashed.
ese cuts would hurt our most vulnerable, weaken our communities and slow our state’s progress. I urge you to reach out to your congressional representatives and demand they oppose these harmful proposals to protect Colorado’s families, businesses, and future. ank you for taking action on this critical issue.
Sheila Wheeler,Denver
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences. Contact him at jim.roome@gmail.com.
GRAND JUNCTION — County Road 46 meanders around the northern edge of Rangely, curving next to the White River before bending toward the oil and gas infrastructure that’s a major part of the town’s identity.
One piece of industrial equipment — a decadesold, 75-foot-tall water tank — looks right at home on CR 46. But e Tank Center for Sonic Arts isn’t part of the oil and gas industry. It’s a renowned recording space for music and other performing arts with a oneof-a-kind reverb and echo that singer Cameron Beauchamp describes as the space collaborating with you.
“If I’m singing a long tone that would last 20 seconds, I can take a breath in the middle and you won’t notice it at all in the room, because the room carries your voice for so long,’’ he said.
His vocal ensemble, Roomful of Teeth, has recorded two projects at e Tank, and rely on thousands of dollars of National Endowment for the Arts money to create their art, year in and year out.
Artists and small endeavors like e Tank are concerned about the future, as many of their projects depend on NEA grants directly. e NEA was one of the many programs thrown into chaos during the Trump administration’s short-lived federal funding pause earlier this year. Future funding is uncertain.
President Donald Trump previously called to eliminate federal arts funding, and the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind Project 2025, has called NEA endowments “wasteful.”
e Tank also receives money from Colorado Creative Industries, the state arts and culture o ce. at o ce has a total budget of $4.2 million for 2025. e
NEA contributed $948,000 to the budget, according to the Colorado O ce of Economic Development, of which CCI is a part.
Governor Polis and the state legislature increased funding for CCI last year, possibly making Colorado eligible for more federal money, but it’s too early to know what NEA funding will look like next year.
NEA and CCI also provide funding to organizations like the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance company in Denver, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia and a program that develops new American plays at the Creede Repertory eatre, located in the town of less than 300 people tucked in Colorado’s San Juan mountains.
It’s not just the former Rio Grande railroad equipment that makes e Tank special — it’s rural Colorado.
“ e Tank couldn’t be anywhere else. It’s a very sensitive instrument for sound, if it were next to the freeway, no one would ever go in there. It’d be a howling mess,” said James Paul, executive director of e Tank.
Paul is counting on continued funding from NEA
for a residency program at e Tank during which CU Boulder students will use the space to record their work before performing at the university’s Black Box Experimental Studio.
For a few days in January, when the Trump administration froze federal grants and loans, the check for that residency program wasn’t going to be paid. e freeze was rescinded in late January, and the graduate students have gotten underway on their recording.
Paul and Beauchamp both said arts funding is always in a state of uncertainty, regardless of the administration, but said there’s so much to lose if the creative ecosystem created by these grants is severely reduced or taken away altogether.
Su Teatro, the performing arts center focusing on Latino culture on Santa Fe Drive in Denver, is part of that larger creative community, receiving funding to put on a play from Knoxville artist Linda Parris-Bailey. at funding, an NEA grant, was $15,000.
SEE ARTS FUNDING, P17
Cameron Beauchamp, singer
Zeena Parkins and Scott Amendola play in The Tank in Rangely. COURTESY OF JAMES PAUL
BY JOSHUA VORSE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS
ARTS FUNDING
“In the end the biggest loss is to the country, as so much of the texture and beauty that makes us interesting and inspiring will disappear. Some people think they are silencing the ‘others,’ but inevitably in silencing the NEA we will silence ourselves,” wrote Tony Garcia, executive artistic director at Su Teatro, in a statement to Rocky Mountain PBS.
Garcia says that funding hasn’t been cut. ere’s a chance it could be, as NEA now requires grant applicants to abide by an executive order that targets anyone
promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Hundreds of artists signed a protest letter against the new rules in February. Last week, the ACLU led suit against the federal arts agency about a similar rule that says grant applicants can’t promote “gender identity” in their art.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has a long history with the National Endowment for the Arts; Robinson was on the National Arts Council in the 90s and early 2000s. is scal year, the dance company received a $25,000 grant for their 55th anniversary season.
“So much of who we are and the notoriety and what allows us to do our arts and education work is really because of the quality of dancers that we have and the type of projects that we’re able to do with support from the
NEA,” said Malik Robinson, CEO of CPRD.
In Rangely “a multi-level chandelier of microphones” hung 30 feet above Beauchamp and company as they recorded in e Tank last year, for an album where each song is sung in the tuning frequency of a di erent planet in the solar system.
“Governments on our planet that support the arts in a meaningful way have a great respect for humanity, and for kindness, and for beauty,” said Beauchamp. “Some countries really succeed at this and some don’t at all.”
Rocky Mountain PBS multimedia journalist Carly Rose contributed to this report.
Printed with permission from Rocky Mountain PBS. For information about supporting the organization, go to rmpbs.org.
From left, Thann Scoggin, Steven Bradshaw, and Cameron Beauchamp, recording in The Tank in 2024. COURTESY OF HALEY FREEDLUND
Once property of the Rio Grande railroad, this 75-foot-tall water tank is now a unique recording space in Rangely. IMAGE FROM VIDEO COURTESY BEN GONDREZ
Dancers with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble perform in an open rehearsal in 2023. PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN
CROWSSUPDRO
1. GEOGRAPHY: Mount Everest is part of which mountain range?
2. MOVIES: Which color lm was the rst to win an Academy Award for Best Picture?
3. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system is believed to be the windiest?
4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where is the U.S. Constitution stored?
5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of lemurs called?
6. TELEVISION: Which city is the setting for the dramatic series “ e Wire”?
7. GEOLOGY: Which country has the most active volcanos?
8. LITERATURE: Which character in a Charles Dickens novel famously said, “Please, sir, I want some more”?
9. ART: Which Dutch artist is considered a master of light and shadow, creating dramatic e ects in paintings?
TrIVIa
10. SCIENCE: What is an ectothermic animal?
Answers
1. e Himalayas.
2. “Gone With the Wind.”
3. Neptune.
4. e National Archives.
5. A conspiracy.
6. Baltimore, Maryland.
7. Indonesia.
8. Title character in “Oliver Twist.”
9. Rembrandt.
10. Cold-blooded.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Public Notice
March 27, 2025
SECOND
NOTICE TO MORTGAGEES IN THE GEORGIAN CONDOMINIUMS COMMUNITY
Second Notice is hereby given to all mortgagees within The Georgian Condominiums community in the City and County of Denver, State of Colorado, that The Georgian Association, Inc. is seeking mortgagee approval of a proposed Limited Amendment to the Condominium Declaration for The Georgian Condominiums (the “Proposed Amendment”). The Proposed Amendment can be obtained at the following address: Altitude Community Law P.C., 555 Zang St., Ste. 100, Lakewood, CO 80228. Failure of any mortgagee to deliver a negative response to The Georgian Association, Inc., c/o Altitude Community Law P.C., 555 Zang St., Ste. 100, Lakewood, CO 80228, within 60 days shall be deemed consent on behalf of the mortgagee.
Legal Notice No. DHD 3515
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CREATE BINDING USE RESTRICTIONS on 4375 Eaton Street, Denver, CO 80212
Victor Lewis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) provide notice of their intention to impose binding environmental use restrictions (EURs) on 4375 Eaton Street, Denver, COU 80212. The EURs will restrict certain uses of groundwater from the property. Pursuant to § 25-15-318.5, C.R.S., once the EURs have been finalized, they are binding on all current and future owners of the land and any persons possessing an interest in the land. CDPHE is accepting public comments on the draft EURs. Copies of the proposed EURs and a legal description of the affected property are available by contacting Patrick Medland at 303-692-3281 or patrick.medland@state.co.us. All comments must be submitted to Mr. Medland by April 28, 2025.
Legal Notice No. DHD 3520
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Summons and Sheriff Sale
Public Notice
COUNTY COURT, DENVER COUNTY, COLORADO 1437 Bannock Street Denver, CO 80202 720/865-7840
Case No.: 2013C70525 Div.:175
Autovest, L.L.C., Plaintiff vs. WILLIAM WILSON AND KASSIE JO OLSON, Defendants
REVIVER BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO DEFENDANT/JUDGMENT DEBTOR
THIS MATTER coming on before the Court upon the motion of the Plaintiff styled “Motion for Revivor of Judgment,” and the Court having read said motion and now being duly apprised in the premises, NOW THEREFORE
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED the Clerk of this Court shall, and is ordered and directed to, issue to Defendant, KASSIE JO OLSON, only, the “Notice to Show Cause Pursuant to CRCP 354(h)” requiring said Defendant to show cause within 14 (fourteen) days from the service of such Notice, pursuant to CRCP 354(h), if any he/she has, why the Judgment heretofore entered in this matter on November 15, 2013, revived August 8, 2019 shall not be revived with like force and effect.
WHEREAS, Plaintiff has moved this Court pursuant to CRCP 354(h) to revive the Judgment entered in the instant matter on, November 15, 2013,revived August 8, 2019 NOW THEREFORE
IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, that Plaintiff, Autovest, L.L.C, shall have and take of defendant, KASSIE JO OLSON, only Judgment in the instant matter on this date with like force and effect as on the date the Judgment was entered heretofore on November 15, 2013 revived August 8, 2019.
Defendant shall show cause within fourteen (14) days from the service of this “Notice to Show Cause Pursuant to CRCP 354(h)”, if any the Defendant has, why the Judgment heretofore entered should not be revived with like force and effect.
Attorney for Plaintiff
Legal Notice No. DHD 3519
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Misc. Private Legals
Public Notice
SYNOPSIS OF ANNUAL STATEMENT FOR PUBLICATION
Required pursuant to §10-3-109(1), C.R.S FOR YEAR 2024
FAILURE TO FILE THIS FORM BY JUNE 30TH MAY RESULT IN PENALTIES PURSUANT TO §10-3-109(3), C.R.S.:
If any annual report or statement from any entity regulated by the Division of Insurance is not filed by the date specified by law or by rules and regulations of the commissioner, the commissioner may assess a penalty of up to one hundred dollars per day for each day after the date an annual statement or report is due from any such entity.
Corporate Name: Securian Casualty Company
NAIC Number: 10054
Address: 400 Robert Street North St. Paul, MN 55101-2098
Assets: $607, 899,475
Liabilities: $404,217,316
Capital and Surplus/Policyholder Surplus: $203,682,159
DIVISION OF INSURANCE
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the Securian Casualty Company, organized under the laws of Minnesota, subject to its Articles of Incorporation or other fundamental organizational documents and in consideration of its compliance with the laws of Colorado, is hereby licensed to transact business as a Property & Casualty insurance company, as provided by the Insurance Laws of Colorado, as amended, so long as the insurer continues to conform to the authority granted by its Certificate and its corporate articles, or its Certificate is otherwise revoked, canceled or suspended.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand at the City and County of Denver this first day of Julyu 2025.
Michael Conway Commissioner of Insurance
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative on or before July 28, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Maria Yolanda Alatorre Perdomo
Personal Representative 4675 S. Yosemite Street No. 201 Denver, Colorado 80237
Legal Notice No. DHD 3522
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of MARY EVA DREILING, aka MARY E. DREILING, aka MARY DREILING, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30064
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 July 27, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Marjorie K. Vigil and Tina M. Beck Co-Personal Representatives c/o 3i Law, LLC
2000 S. Colorado Blvd. Tower 1, Suite 10000 Denver, CO 80222
Legal Notice No. DHD 3527
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Michael Samuel Tang, aka Michael S. Tang, and Michael Tang, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30148
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
Public Notices
and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 20, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Janice Tang, Personal Representative
c/o The Law Office of Dual C. Schneider, LLC
26267 Conifer Rd., Ste. 309 Conifer, CO 80433
Legal Notice No. DHD 3510
First Publication: March 20, 2025
Last Publication: April 3, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Elvira Martinez, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30187
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the co-personal representatives or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 28, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Blanca Bermudez,
Personal Representative
4859 Cook St. Denver, CO 80216
Phone: 303-293-8602
Email: bermudezb170@gmail.com
Diana Rivera, Personal Representative
1860 S. Balsam St. Lakewood, CO 80232
Phone: 303-916-5675
Email: dianalrivera@yahoo.com
Legal Notice No. DHD 3523
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Daniel Justin Riedel, a/k/a Daniel J. Riedel, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 030039
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 July 18, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Anna L. Burr, Esq.
Attorney to the Personal Representative
2851 South Parker Road, Suite 230 Aurora, Colorado 80014
Legal Notice No. DHD 3502
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of RICHARD DEAN SKOV, aka RICHARD D. SKOV, and RICHARD SKOV,Deceased Case Number: 2025PR030214
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 July 13, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Judy A. Skov, Personal Representative 3749 S. Kipling Ct. Denver, CO 80235
Legal Notice No. DHD 3501
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Mary Lorraine Beyda, a/k/a Mary L. Beyda, a/k/a Lorrie Beyda, a/k/a M.L. Beyda, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30230
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 Monday, July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Susan Beyda, Personal Representative c/o Arlene S. Barringer, Esq. GLATSTEIN & OBRIEN, LLP
2696 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 350 Denver, Colorado 80222
Legal Notice No. DHD 3500
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Kristalea T Travis, a/k/a Kristalea Travis, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30224
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 July 28, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
James T Travis, Personal Representative c/o Poskus & Klein, P.C.
303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 900 Denver, Colorado 80203
Legal Notice No. DHD 3529
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Zacharia Issam Nakib, a/k/a Zach Nakib, a/k/a Zach I. Nakib, a/k/a Zacharia I. Nakib, a/k/a Zach Issam Nakib, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30219
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 Monday, July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Barbara DeSantis-Nakib
Personal Representative 5796 Irish Pat Murphy Dr. Parker, CO 80134
Legal Notice No. DHD 3503
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Justin Ray Murphy, aka Justin R. Murphy, and Justin Murphy, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30136
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 Monday, July 21, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Jeramiha P. Murphy, Personal Representative 127 Colt Loop Kyle, Texas 78640
Legal Notice No. DHD 3509
First Publication: March 20, 2025
Last Publication: April 3, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Sieglinde Lug, a/k/a Sieglinde Kadhim, a/k/a Sieglinde Lug Kadhim, a/k/a Sieglinde Lug-Kadhim, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR030189
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 July 20, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Basim Kadhim, Personal Representative c/o Mollie B. Hawes, Miller and Steiert, P.C. 1901 W. Littleton Blvd. Littleton, CO 80120
Legal Notice No. DHD 3508
First Publication: March 20, 2025
Last Publication: April 3, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Angel Rebollo Garcia, aka Angel R. Garcia,
aka Angel Garcia, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30095
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 07/20/2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Theresa M. Rangel
Personal Representative 12795 Ivanhoe Street Thornton, CO 80602
Legal Notice No. DHD 3512
First Publication: March 20, 2025 Last Publication: April 3, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Guy Carteng, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR030268
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 July 20, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Sarah Carteng, Personal Representative 10498 Carnegie Ave Englewood, FL 34224
Legal Notice No. DHD 3511
First Publication: March 20, 2025 Last Publication: April 3, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Kenneth Sidney White, aka Kenneth S. White, aka Kenneth White, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30250
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: July 27, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Donald White and David White, Co-Personal Representatives c/o Baker Law Group, LLC 8301 E. Prentice Ave. #405 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. DHD 3521
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of CAROL JOAN HEMBRE, aka CAROL J. HEMBRE, DeceasedCase Number: 2025PR030138
A ll per s ons having claims against the
Public Notices
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 July 27, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Robert T. Hembre
c/o Solem, Woodward & McKinley P.C.
750 W. Hampden Ave, Suite 505
Englewood, Colorado 80110
Legal Notice No. DHD 3525
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Christine T. Jorgensen, Deceased Case Number: 25PR2
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 Monday, July 28th, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
James D. Jorgensen,
Personal Representative
130 Pearl# 1901 Denver, Colorado 80203
Legal Notice No. DHD 3524
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Jenette Louise Zimmerman, aka Jenette L. Zimmerman, and Jenette Zimmerman, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30125
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 Monday, July 21, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
W. David Murphy
Personal Representative
C/O Dirk Costin
1720 S Bellaire St. Ste. 205 Denver, CO 80222
Legal Notice No. DHD 3506
First Publication: March 20, 2025
Last Publication: April 3, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Lila J. Lynn, aka Lila Jane Lynn and Lila Lynn, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 31086
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the co-personal representatives or to Denver Probate Court on or before July 28, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Lynda Dran, Co-Personal Representative 3327 West 114th Circle, Unit A Westminster, CO 80031 Phone: 303-641-7377 lynda.dran@outlook.com
Kathryn Dran, Co-Personal Representative 3189 East Maplewood Avenue Centennial, CO 80121 Phone: 720-296-1788 k8dran@gmail.com
Valerie Bartell, Co-Personal Representative 1009 Alder Way Longmont, CO 80503 Phone: 303-578-2329 vclynn@gmail.com
Legal Notice No. DHD 3526
First Publication: March 27, 2025 Last Publication: April 10, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of William Peay, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR031468
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 July 13, 2025, or the claims may
be forever barred.
Carla Peay, Personal Representative c/o Law One 1434 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202
Legal Notice No. DHD 3499
First Publication: March 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of PATRICIA L. FORMAN, a/k/a PATRICIA LEE FORMAN, a/k/a PATTI FORMAN, Deceased Case Number: 2025-PR-30199
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 July 21, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Michael W. Reagor, Attorney for Personal Representatve 8400 E Prentice Ave., Suite 1040 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. DHD 3517
First Publication: March 20, 2025
Last Publication: March 20, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Richard Leroy Szasz, a/k/a Richard L. Szasz, a/k/a Richard Szasz, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30180
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 June 25, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Jose Medina, Personal Representative c/o Seth M. Katz, Esq., Reg. No. 34888 KATZ, LOOK & ONORATO, P.C. 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1100 Denver, Colorado 80203
Legal Notice No. DHD 3516
First Publication: March 20, 2025
Last Publication: April 3, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of VIRGINIA L. WESTGAARD, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30083
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 July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Helen Stanley Baker
Personal Representative 1621 Holly Point Rd. Prosperity, SC 29127
Legal Notice No. DHD 3498
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Thomas F. McManus, aka Thomas Francis McManus, aka Thomas McManus, aka Thomas F. McManus, Jr., aka Thomas Francis McManus, Jr., aka Thomas McManus, Jr., Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30241
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 Monday, July 21, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Kelly T. McManus
Personal Representative c/o Katz, Look & Onorato, P.C., 1120 Lincoln St., Ste 1100 Denver, CO 80203
