1-12-23 Villager

VOLUME 41 • NUMBER 7 • JANUARY 12, 2023

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2023 National Western Stock Show

National Western Stock Show Royalty.

Photos and story by Stefan Krusze

Thursday’s January 5th’s frigid cold temperature did not freeze out Colorado’s Premiere Crown Jewel event starting out with the National Western Stock Show And Rodeo Kickoff Parade. After a three year hiatus the Kickoff Parade returned to start the 117th Annual event that had a few thousand attendees. The streets of Denver again had Rodeo Royalty, Horse Riders and Longhorn Steers ushering in a Colorado Classic that traditionally has started the New Year’s events. This year freezing cold weather could not hold back both the parade and people’s enthusiasm and excitement in what promises to be, as usual, a stellar and grand event for all.

With Union Station in the backdrop Cattle Men and Women driving Longhorns making way on Denver’s 17th Street.

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

FAA Manager Valencia says traffic patterns at Centennial were not changed

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

As the two-hour plus January 4 meeting of the Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable (CACNR) was drawing to a close, Mike Valencia, General Manager Denver District at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), called into the meeting and said that it was his responsibility to change traffic patterns at Centennial Airport and that he had not done so.

This, even though there has been a widely held belief by local residents, local elected officials, and even Colorado’s two U.S. Senators and U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, that traffic patterns were changed after a mid-air (non-injury) collision over Cherry Creek State Park in May 2021.

Valencia acknowledged that there has been a 10% to 15% increase in air traffic from Centennial Airport over neighborhoods north of Arapahoe Road, but said, “I’m an air traffic controller. Our number one job is to prevent collisions…There are over 30,000 airports in this country. For us

The Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable met on January 4, 2023

to address every noise issue is unreasonable but we are committed to addressing the issues at Centennial.”

He pledged to attend CACNR’s next meeting on February 1, 2023 in person to provide a more detailed explanation about traffic patterns and procedures at Centennial Airport.

During the citizen comment portion of the January 4 meeting, multiple residents, including several from the Sundance Hills and Cherry Creek Vista South neighborhoods, complained about increased noise

and emissions from lead fuel from flights emanating from Centennial Airport.

Comments from residents, including Lisa and Brad Mauvais, Donna Urban, Tom Morgan, Valerie Watts, Sherry Whitehead, Keith Berman, Audra and David Dubler, and Paul Cucci, included statements like, “Flight patterns were changed after a single incident that was a result of pilot error. Yesterday a plane outside my house drowned out the sound from my earpods,” “Novice pilots do touch-and-go’s over densely populated communities from 530 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. The likelihood of pilot error or plane malfunction is very real,” “Due to noise from airplanes and concerns about safety we don’t spend a lot of time outside…Kids

Photo by Freda Miklin

can’t get a decent nap due to the air noise,” and, “There should have been public comment when the flight path was changed. The format of this meeting is that people comment and then nothing happens. You come here, you comment, you look like a complainer, and then you go away.”

More than 30 minutes was spent on the phone with Leslie Lardie, Senior Advisor, Office of the Regional Administrator, FAA Northwest Mountain Region in Des Moines, Washington, attending virtually, discussing the logistics of how to send questions about Centennial Airport to the FAA and when answers would be provided. It concluded with Brad Pierce, CACNR Chair, directing residents to send their questions to him at

info@centennialairportnoise. com, for forwarding to the FAA. CACNR member Candace Moon, Centennial City Council Member, commented on that arrangement, “As a government agency, the FAA should be responsive, not just to this roundtable, but from constituents directly.”

Several residents commended Mike Fronapfel, executive director of Centennial Airport, as well as Donna Johnston, Greenwood Village city council member, for their support of residents’ concerns.

Johnston noted that a noise monitoring device was being installed in her GV home.

CACNR was created in May 2009. It is designed to be a committee of volunteers, comprised of local elected officials, appointed representatives from the community, Centennial Airport staff, a representative from the FAA, a representative from the Aeronautics Division of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and airport users. They meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Centennial Airport. Since the COVID pandemic, all meetings are hybrid and members of the public can participate in-person or virtually. CACNR’s website is https://centennialairport.com/ noise-roundtable. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Colorado voters superintend their taxes

BY WILLIAM M. BANTA

You may recall that the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (“TABOR”) took effect in Colorado 30 years ago. Because Colorado government would not stop over-taxing and spending, the voters employed their prerogative and took taxing power away from Colorado government by adding TABOR to the Colorado Constitution. From then on, voter permission has been required before government can raise taxes, increase revenue, or expand spending.

In Colorado, the TABOR amendment is an up-to-date model of democracy. That is to say, it is the people of Colorado governing themselves directly when elected representatives do not properly govern.

So important are TABOR rights that voters prioritize the amendment stating in the amendment that TABOR constitutionally supersedes any conflicting Colorado law. In other words, TABOR is paramount and is not to be “balanced,” compromised, or otherwise weakened.

The constitutional amendment is the voters telling their government that new taxes require their express voted consent, no if’s, and’s, or but’s.

In that respect, TABOR’s seriousness is reflective of Magna Charta, which English King John signed on my birthdate (June 15) in 1215 A.O., establishing basic English rights and liberties. Magna Charta is credited with the idea that the rule of law stands above the government Furthermore, voters mandated that TABOR’s constitutional meaning is one which most hinders the growth of government. Thereby, voters instruct that Colorado government is not to be a growth industry fueled by monies taken from taxpayers without their consent.

Unsurprisingly, other states envy TABOR’s achievement when they hear about it and how it works. These are fitting reasons for Coloradoans to celebrate TABOR’s 30th anniversary.

Therefore, in Lakewood this Saturday the 14th of January, 2023, there will be a 30th Birthday Party for TABOR with drinks, politics, food, networking, and dessert. If you prefer, you can just have dessert. Venue is Rockleys Event Center, which is located at 8555 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood. The price of an admission ticket amounts to

$8.15, highlighting the fact that TABOR has required the return to Colorado taxpayers of over $8,150,000,000 so far.

(The monies repaid to taxpayers came from government overtaxing, over-collecting, or over-retaining what legally belonged to taxpayers, thanks to TABOR.) A final word, while Coloradoans celebrate TABOR and freedom from taxation without authorization, the government is of another mind. By and large, Colorado government has been unfriendly to TABOR and presumes, by an artful choice of words, to do indirectly what TABOR forbids it from doing.

The General Assembly has been subverting TABOR by devising ways to fund political programs, pet projects, and other spending for which voters will not increase taxes. To pull that off, the General Assembly has begun deploying a menagerie of what it likes to call “fees” instead of “taxes.” The manifold sorts, types, kinds, amounts, connections, and guises of the government’s enterprising new “fee” revenue scheme warrants the citizens’ attention. In the meantime, Colorado taxpayers and voters celebrate their Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and the rule of law.

January 12, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

GV should restore arts scholarship

In the film Dead Poets Society, teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, tells his students this: “Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are the things we stay alive for.” I would add the term “art” to his list, for that is what he is talking about, the Arts. Art sustains us, consoles us, inspires us, heals us, makes us human.

Greenwood Village has long been a community that values and supports the arts. It is, or at least was, a community that cultivates the arts among young people. Programs like Art in the Park, which my daughter took as a child and now works as a rec aide, and the impressive array of Curtis Arts Center classes promotes the arts to the next generation. Until recently the Village also supported the arts with the annual arts scholarships awarded by the city’s Arts & Humanities Council. For thirty-five years, this scholarship has been a wonderful message and symbol to the community and its neighbors, as the award has always been open to any student in Arapahoe County.

However, the Greenwood Village City Council recently eliminated the scholarship after the Village’s Arts & Humanities Council rejected a directive to limit the scholarship to only high school seniors who are Village residents. The City Council’s misguided and unilateral decision to end the scholarship on December 1, was a disappointing lump of coal delivered to the area’s young people just in time for the holidays. Their “take-my-ball-and-go-home” attitude sends a terrible message to our community, especially to young people. For inexplicable reasons, city leaders have broken a thirty-five year tradition of offering an arts scholarship simply because they couldn’t restrict the program to only Greenwood Village residents, even though that had never been the practice.

Until now, Greenwood Village has never limited appreciation of the arts to only Village residents. Non-residents have always been welcome in the city to enjoy the arts, whether that’s art shows and classes at the Curtis Center, summer Concerts at the Crescent, or movies at the Landmark. Past city leaders have always wanted non-residents to enjoy – and, of course, spend their money on – concerts at Fiddler’s Green. And it seems money is the crux of the Council’s misguided vote. By eliminating the scholarship altogether because they can’t limit it to Village residents, the Council is basically telling all young artists in Arapahoe County, “If-wecan’t-have-it-no-one-can.”

Yet, current council members conveniently forget the city depends on non-residents coming to the Village and spending their money here. Many non-resident

spenders are high school students who spend thousands of dollars on lunch every day they come to school in the Village.

They spend thousands of dollars hanging out with their friends here. Many study art, music, and dance in the Village, with their parents spending thousands of dollars on classes. The City Council shouldn’t send a message that they are not a part of our community every day they come here. Giving a scholarship to a non-resident is not a waste of city funds – it’s an investment in the arts and in the youth of the

community. And it might actually return to a family some of the thousands of dollars they have spent in the Village over the years.

Greenwood Village is not a self-sustaining municipality whose residents generate enough revenue to support all the amenities they value. As part of Arapahoe County, the DTC, and the greater metro area, the Village benefits from outside money and civic programs. For example, every day students at Cherry Creek take a beautiful path through Chenango Park on their way to spend money at Belleview Square.

That path was funded in part with a grant from Arapahoe County. Additionally, as reported by The Villager, the City Council and residents should know arts programming in the Village received $70,000 in funding from the metro area’s SCFD funds – that’s the Sci-

ence Cultural Facilities District, the regional district providing arts funding for the greater metro area.

So perhaps the current City Council could dispense with the idea that Greenwood Village is only for residents, and these community leaders could focus on opening doors rather than building walls. The Council should honor a legacy that precedes them and should outlive them, for the Greenwood Village arts scholarship is a shining example of civic stewardship. The Greenwood Village arts scholarship is about one thing and one thing only – supporting the arts through the young people who are its future.

Michael P. Mazenko is a writer, educator, & school administrator in Greenwood Village. He blogs at A Teacher’s View and can be found on Twitter @mmazenko. You can email him at mmazenko@ gmail.com

The Greenwood Village arts scholarship is a shining example of civic stewardship. ... [and] it is about one thing and one thing only – supporting the arts through the young people who are its future.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY C NVERSATIONS All County offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Visit arapahoegov.com/calendar

PUBLIC HEALTH

After 44 years of sharing public health resources with its neighbors, Arapahoe County, on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 opened the doors to its own, single-county Public Health department.

Visit arapahoegov.com/health for details or scan the QR code with your smartphone.

Nominations for the Arapahoe County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards, a scholarship program for exceptional high school seniors, are now open. Deadline for submissions is March 3.

Visit arapahoegov.com/youthawards

arapahoegov.com

Visit arapahoegov.com/osmasterplan to read the DIVE summary report.

WEEK OF JAN. 9

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

The weather is cold enough for the annual Stock Show to commence. It seems that the weather can turn cold for the historic event where all roads lead to Denver for cowboys and cowgirls with the National Western one of the topranked shows in the United States. The food courts, rodeos, and vendors draw huge crowds. The Indian jewelry displays are extraordinaire.

Coming out of COVID-19 and massive area construction, the show must go on with the CSU Spur buildings opening recently. Agriculture is among the top industries in Colorado and with the war in Ukraine our corn, wheat, and soybeans are bringing record prices.

Colorado produces beef, lamb, pork, chicken in many

locations with large herds of sheep and cattle still grazing on private and public lands across Colorado.

Denver Post publisher emeritus Dean Singleton has a cattle ranch in North Park near Walden where he spends time with family members. At least one of his sons chose to be a rancher rather than be a newspaper publisher. I grew up on a ranch and chose to be a publisher, so different strokes for different folks.

Ranch life during these cold snowy days is hearty work. My father never missed a day in his life of not taking good care of first, his dog, the horses, and feeding the livestock. The Hereford

The Villager

cattle could withstand the cold weather as long as they got their hay every morning and the water holes ice was chopped out.

In far Northwest Colorado the snow can be very deep and doesn’t melt until spring when “Mud Season” begins.

The mud lasts for several weeks as mother nature melts the snow into the river basins, flowing vast amounts of Colorado snowfall to lower basin states. Governor Edwin Johnson was from Craig and owned a grain elevator before becoming Governor and United States Senator. He was instrumental in forming the Colorado River Compact with lower basin states that governs western water laws.

As long as the snow falls in

How two state governors were treated for shipping migrants to other states

My last column discussed the hundreds of illegal immigrants arriving in Denver, overwhelming city services, despite Denver’s proud claim to be a sanctuary city. My point was that city and state officials were getting what they asked for, only to discover that they really didn’t like or want it after all.

As Denver is being overwhelmed with migrants, Governor Jared Polis is sending them to other cities like New York and Chicago, as reported by the Denver Post. They go further noting that, “The migrants who made their way to Denver didn’t come as part of a coordinated political effort and they aren’t being sent to other places for that purpose either.”

Who says these migrants

don’t serve a political purpose? How many are or soon will be voting, and likely for Democrats who promise free food, shelter, healthcare, and education? How many illegal immigrants are counted in the census, providing additional Congressional seats and electoral votes in blue cities and states where many of these migrants settle?

The Denver Post is quite sympathetic to Governor Polis who announces, “not in my backyard”, shipping these migrants to other cities. Compare how they treated another state governor in a similar situation. This past September, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faced a similar influx of migrants to his state, and like Polis, struggled under the financial and logistic burden of

BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH

feeding and sheltering thousands of migrants that he didn’t ask for.

DeSantis sent some of the migrants to Martha’s Vineyard. The media, including the Denver Post, had a much harsher reaction to DeSantis acting in similar fashion to Polis. When they wrote about DeSantis, they used words or quotes describing his actions “fraudulent and discriminatory schemes” involving “political pawns”. The Post also quoted a Democrat sheriff who claimed the migrants had been “preyed upon” and “hoodwinked.”

Would these same derogatory claims against DeSantis be reasonably levied against Polis as they both sent migrants that they could not handle to other states? Yet notice how the Denver Post, as but one example, treated the same acts

our Rocky Mountains the rivers will flow and feed the growing needs for water in Eastern and Western Colorado. The Denver Water Board and City of Aurora have done a masterful job of building water storage for the growth and development of our cities. Someday, maybe sooner, than later, there will be a drought and there will not be enough of this very precious water to handle the growth and skyrocketing population of Eastern Colorado.

As the Colorado General Assembly gathers this month, water storage, conservation, and allocation should be among the many topics given high priority by our elected leaders.

The recent snowfall is a blessing for the West and Colorado. by governors of different political parties far differently.

Both governors acted reasonably in protecting the resources and residents of their respective states, but the media played politics with their actions, objectively reporting on a Democrat governor while criticizing his Republican counterpart.

The media also fails to acknowledge the upstream cause of these problems for Florida, Colorado, Texas, and many states. The Biden administration has opened the US borders to much of the world, refusing to enforce existing immigration law, funding NGOs to accept and ship migrants to states like Florida and Colorado, regardless of the ability of these states to handle this influx.

Perhaps the media could report more objectively and accurately on state governors protecting their residents and look at the real cause for this unmanageable influx of migrants into Denver and other cities.

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING Sharon Sweeney sharon@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com Valerie LeVier — 303-773-8313 valerie@villagerpublishing.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Susan 720-270-2018 PHOTOGRAPHER Stefan Krusze — 303-717-8282 octaviangogoI@aol.com EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

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

2020 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK

If the highest aim QUOTE of the WEEK of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

– Thomas Aquinas

January 12, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

Race for Colorado GOP Chair is wide open Laurel Imer, who competed in the GOP primary for CD7 in 2022, eventually losing to Erik Aadland, who was defeated in the general election by U.S. Rep. Brittany Petterson.

The firm also lists Randy Corporon, Colorado’s Republican National Committeeman, as Senior Preferred Counsel.

Prodigy polled CRSCC members on their support for three announced candidates, Lopez, Casper Stockham and

Vickie Tonkins, as well as Laurel Imer and State Rep. Dave Williams. Prodigy reports that Imer and Williams are considering running for the job.

The poll found that Lopez was supported by 32.5% of CRSCC members. The next highest candidate was Stockham with 16.28%. Tonkins, Imer, and Williams were all in the single digits.

Since Prodigy did not use

Aurora Republican Zvonek thinks all Colorado elections should be non-partisan

to their names on the ballot, explaining, “We won because we were able to talk about issues and ideas.

We were able to talk about public safety, addressing our roads, making the City of Aurora what it could be. People didn’t have the chance to use the blind tribalism that is partisan politics to just dismiss our campaigns.”

Zvonek pointed to the composition of registered voters in Aurora, which is currently 47% unaffiliated, 33% Democratic, and 18% Republican. “So,” he said, “The math doesn’t work” for Republicans running for office in Aurora, or statewide, where the numbers are slightly different at 46% unaffiliated, 28% Democratic, and 25% Republican.

Zvonek recounted that while he was campaigning in 2021, he had an extended

conversation with a voter in which the voter agreed with his policies and ideas as a candidate, but upon discovering that he was a Republican, said she could not vote for him because of his party affiliation.

Zvonek believes there is ample evidence that, in the November 2022 election, many Coloradans voted for candidates “just because there was a D after their name.”

Jurinsky, in the audience, explained that this type of change “would have to go to the ballot.” Repeating the theme, she said, “In Aurora, where we are outnumbered two-to-one by Democrats, two conservative Republicans (she and Zvonek) won two at-large seats,” because voters didn’t have a party designation to use to reject them. fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

RCI closes $2.4 million deal with Central City

out the water main tap issue the first week of January. The architect has been hired for this property as well as we are waiting on the as-built plans so we can start the planning process for a remodel.”

During a Dec. 14 call with RCI investors, Langan reported, “Last year, $1 billion was wagered in slot machines in Central City, generating more than $80 million in adjusted gross proceeds. We see this Rick’s as a club with a casino component. Our plan is to feature Classic Rick’s Cabaret entertainment, fine dining, as well as casino and sports betting. We’ve applied for a license to operate 175 slot machines and seven tables.”

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

The race for Colorado Republican Party chair remains open to all comers after the top contender, former gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez, who had a two-to-one lead over his nearest competitor in a recent poll, reportedly dropped out.

On January 6, Prodigy

by

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

To encourage voters to give fair consideration to candidates’ policies and ideas, regardless of their party affiliation, Aurora At-Large City Council Member Dustin Zvonek believes, “We have to look at structural systemic change in this state.” That change?

“I believe that every election in the State of Colorado should be non-partisan.”

Zvonek was elected to his current position in November 2021 with 26,367 votes, the largest number ever received by a person elected to that position.

BY DON IRELAND - WEEKLY REGISTER CALL SENIOR REPORTER

RCI Hospitality Holdings closed a $2.4 million deal with Central City earlier this month to purchase the former Scarlet’s Casino building at 130 Main St. However, that acquisition is only the first of several planned in Colorado by the adult-entertainment company.

Eric Langan, RCI CEO and president, previously announced plans to purchase three former casino properties at the other end of Main Street, the former Coyote Creek Casino at 101 Eureka Street and 98 and 102 Lawrence Street. The sale closing for those properties is expected to occur before March 2023. He estimated that RCI will spend approximately $24 million to purchase and remodel the two casinos, which will open as new casinos – one featuring a Rick’s Cabaret Steakhouse & Casino and the other featuring a casino with a sportsbook/nightclub.

Central City isn’t the only metro Denver location that RCI is eyeing for expanding its nationwide collection of businesses, which includes

Consulting Group, LLC announced that it had conducted a third-party independent poll of the current membership of the Colorado Republican State Central Committee (CRSCC) during the past week to determine the frontrunner in the race for Colorado GOP Chair.

Prodigy is a political consulting firm whose founder and CEO is Weston Imer, a former Donald Trump campaign official and son of

a ranked choice model, they were “not able to re-allocate” the votes received by Lopez, thus the question of which announced or potential candidate enjoys the highest degree of support from CRSCC members remains wide open.

The election of a new GOP State Chair will take place in March.

The Villager reached out to Lopez to confirm his withdrawal from the race but had not heard back as of press time. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Close behind him was Danielle Jurinsky with 23,979 votes. Zvonek and Jurinsky won the two open at-large Aurora City Council positions from a field of six candidates. Both are Republicans.

In Colorado cities, and many cities nationwide, candidates for city council run non-partisan. There is no R or D after their name on the ballot identifying their political party affiliation, as there is for candidates on ballots for most other county, state and national elective offices.

Speaking to members of the Arapahoe County Republican Breakfast Club

strip clubs/cabarets, restaurants and casinos. Recently, RCI announced a $5.2 million deal to purchase the Grange Food Hall on Arapahoe Road in Greenwood Village. The Grange facility includes several restaurants, including the Crack Shack, Menya Ramen, Seoul Mandoo, Tilford’s Wood Fired Pizza and Uptown & Humbolt. The current property also has Little Dry Creek Brewing, which would supply microbrews to its other metro operations, according to RCI. Langan explained his interest in the Denver area. “[There is] nearly a quarter of diverse population of millennials, making it one of the best cities for this demographic in the country and it’s also become another tech hub with a new nickname of Silicon Mountain.” Previously, he said the Central City casinos and entertainment will attempt to attract an evening crowd to Central City, primarily in the male 30-to-50 age demographic.

When reporting its earnings this month for the 2021-22 fiscal year, RCI said it earned $267.6 million in revenues for

Aurora City Council Member At-Large Dustin Zvonek

on January 4 at Maggiano’s DTC, Zvonek shared that he doesn’t believe he and Jurinsky would have won if there had been an R next

the period ending Sept. 30.

The NASDAQ-listed company’s stock was trading slightly above $92 per share last week. The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol RICK. During its most recent operating quarter, the company reported $71.73 million in revenue and $10.58 million in net income. In October 2021, RCI made its largest-ever acquisition effort, which included nightclubs in six states for $88 million. The purchase included several Denver-area strip clubs, including the Diamond Cabaret, La Boheme Gentlemen’s Cabaret and PT’s Centerfold club.

RCI previously announced it plans to build one of its Bombshells, a military-themed bar and grill, in Aurora. “We already purchased the land in Aurora. We will begin the permitting process in January and hopefully start construction in April so we can open [in] early 2024,” Langan commented.

The company currently owns more than 60 locations in multiple states. Langan noted, “Our business has remained strong, while we are

seeing some regional weaknesses here and there. We are confident overall business will be fine, and we will continue to expand our market share, with special attention to the Denver metropolitan area.”

According to Langan, the former Scarlet’s building could be open for the 2023 Christmas holiday season if the company finishes its remodeling, obtains a Colorado gaming license, and installs slot machines and gaming tables. “We are getting bids for the roof work over the next few weeks. We have hired the architect out of Denver,” he said.

RCI is hoping to close on the Tebo casino property in the first half of February, Langan said. “I have a master plumber coming out to figure

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PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale

I

BY LISA J. SHULTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

t’s Stock Show time!

One of my favorite parts of this event is viewing the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale. Located at 4665 Humboldt Street in the National Western Complex, a Red-Carpet Reception and Opening Gala for the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale

was held Tuesday January 3. I love attending this event as it is an opportunity to meet some of the talented artists in person. The sale began thirty years ago in 1993. Each year, one piece of art is selected for the National Western Permanent Collection and a limited edition featured art poster is available to purchase.

The exhibit and sale are a joint inspiration of Coors Brewing Company and the National Western Stock

Show. The social group, Young Guns of the National Western Stock Show, promotes art, philanthropy, Western culture, and networking for young professionals. The Young Guns and Coors Western Art combine to support the National Western Scholarship Trust, which helps 100 students each year as they study agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary sciences.

Art sales will benefit this

scholarship trust.

Be sure to stop by this impressive collection of Western art. The exhibit can only be viewed during the 16-day National Western Stock Show January 7-22. Located on the 3rd level of the Expo Hall at the National Western Complex, the art gallery is open 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday, 9am to 8pm Sunday thru Thursday. There is no extra fee to get into the art gallery,

but there is a grounds admission charge for the Stock Show which is different every day. For ticket prices, go to www.nationalwestern.com.

Lisa J. Shultz is an art and culture columnist for The Villager since 2020. Lisa is a Denver native, and she loves to inspire exploration of the city’s treasures in her book Essential Denver. Find out more about her and her book at LisaJShultz.com.

Artist Barbara Van Cleve and Lisa J. Shultz

Photos by Lisa J. Shultz

January 12, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

National, state leaders join Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and National Western Stock Show to celebrate agriculture at 2023 Boots ‘n Business

Colorado National Guard supports governor’s inauguration with flyover and cannon salute

BY COLORADO NATIONAL GUARD PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Members of the Colorado National Guard supported the inauguration of Gov. Jared Polis at the State Capitol in Denver, Jan. 10, 2023, with an F-16 Fighting Falcon flyover, ceremonial cannon salute, military band, and the presentation of colors.

The cannon fired 38 blank rounds from Civic Center Park across from the State Capitol’s west steps, symbolizing Colorado as the 38th state admitted to the union.

A few additional practice

rounds were be heard prior to the ceremony.

“Military support to the governor’s inauguration is a time-honored tradition in our state,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Brig.

Gen. Laura Clellan said.

“Our Colorado National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are proud to participate in this ceremony in honor of our commander-in-chief.”

The CONG is organized into units and operates under command and control of the governor with delegated control to the state adjutant general.

A 21-gun salute is the

most commonly recognized of the customary gun salutes, performed by the firing of cannon or artillery as a military honor.

The custom stems from naval tradition, where a warship would fire its cannons harmlessly out to sea, until all ammunition was spent, to show that it was disarmed, signifying the lack of hostile intent. As naval customs evolved, 21 guns came to be fired for heads of state, or in exceptional circumstances, for heads of government, with the number decreasing with the rank of the recipient of the honor.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and National Western Stock Show (NWSS) reunited to kick off the return of the Stock Show at the 29th Boots ‘n Business luncheon, presented by U.S. Bank. The Denver Metro Chamber and the NWSS have been working together to advance agriculture in Colorado since 1906, when the business community helped establish the Stock Show.

The annual event honors the history of agriculture and business in Colorado, as well as the economic drive and impact it creates for the state.

This year, the Denver Metro Chamber was excited to host a variety of national and state leaders, including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Michael B. Hancock. These leaders joined the Denver Metro Chamber’s president and CEO, J. J. Ament, and the NWSS president and CEO, Paul Andrews, in highlighting the impact of agriculture on Colorado’s economy and history.

“Every year, nearly a million people flock to the National Western Complex to watch the rodeo, connect with friends, see new ag innovations, showcase their livestock and celebrate our western

heritage,” said Ament. “The annual event brings people from 40 states and 30 countries, boosting Denver and Colorado’s economy during what would otherwise be a pretty quiet time of year.”

Both Ament and Andrews talked about the importance of the agriculture industry to Colorado’s economy. Ament stated that the NWSS adds $120 million of economic impact in January alone, and Colorado’s food and beverage production companies generate more than $12 billion in economic output annually. The 3,200 companies that make up the food and agriculture industry directly employ nearly 48,000 Coloradans.

Secretary Vilsack spoke about the importance of agriculture in the United States, and how every U.S. city is reliant on farmers and ranchers to keep their citizens fed and spur economic growth. “[Farmers and ranchers] believe in hard work. They believe in their responsibility to their fellow man to make sure there’s adequate nutrition… life is better, every citizen in this country’s life is better, because of what farmers and ranchers do,” said Secretary Vilsack.

Governor Polis spoke about the Continued on page 15

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PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

January 12, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

Common Sense Institute celebrates Free Enterprise Award honorees

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

On December 13, in connection with the issuance of its 2023 Colorado Free Enterprise Report, the Common Sense Institute (CSI) honored leaders who represent the strength of our state’s free enterprise system at its second annual Free Enterprise Summit luncheon for 400 guests at Empower Field at Mile High.

Keynote speaker for the luncheon was Arthur Brooks, who describes himself as, “a PhD social scientist, bestselling author, and columnist at The Atlantic who specializes in using the highest levels of science and philosophy to provide people with actionable strategies to live their best lives.”

A past president of the American Enterprise Institute, Brooks is the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School.

CSI founder Earl Wright was honored with the Free Enterprise Trailblazer award, which “recognizes someone who has achieved a legacy that promises opportunity for all Coloradans, safeguards the fiscal health of our state, and ensures the free enterprise system flourishes.”

The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association (RMMCA) was selected to receive the Champion for Prosperity Award, which “goes to an organization that consistently enters the public policy debate and leads policymakers towards solutions that advance the opportunity for prosperity and the free enterprise system.”

RMMCA CEO and EVP Dave Davia accepted the award.

Colorado legislators Rep. Shannon Bird and Sen. Rob Woodward received the Visionaries for the Future award, which

Earl Wright, Chair of the Board of CSI, was the winner of the Free Enterprise Trailblazer award

State Rep. Shannon Bird, winner of the Visionary for the Future award

State Sen. Rob Woodward, winner of the Visionary for the Future award

Accepting the Champion for Prosperity award from CSI President & CEO Kristin Strohm was CSI board member and Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Assn. EVP & CEO Photo by Freda Miklin Dave Davia.

Pete Coors, chair of Molson Coors caught up with JJ Ament, president and CEO at Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and a CSI board member. .

Photo by Freda Miklin

Longtime Colorado power couple Don and Linda Childears took a tour of Empower Field before the awards presentation. .

Photo by Freda Miklin

Business executives Grant Whiteside, Paul Archer, and Charlie McNeil came to pay their respects to the honorees. McNeil is a CSI board member. .

Photo by Freda Miklin

“recognizes the innovation, bridge building, and common sense it takes to solve some of

Memorial Service for Linda Philpott

A Memorial Service for Linda Philpott will be held Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at SMDRA Event Center, 6436 S. Racine Circle, Centennial.

The South Metro Denver Realtor Association is asking that In lieu of flower donations that individuals interested in making a cash/check donations be made to SMDRA REALTORS Care Foundation in Linda’s memory.

SMDRA will hold the money and as soon as the foundation is finalized the money will be moved to that fund. The foundation will

Harvard Business School Professor of Management Practice Arthur Brooks was the keynote speaker.

benefit SMDRA members, helping them to remain a Realtor while in crisis. It will also benefit several existing 501c3 organizations that assist people with housing.

Linda will be honored as a Legacy member (founding) for perpetuity.

Donations can be dropped off or mailed to: Melissa Maldonado, Chief Executive Officer, South Metro Denver REALTOR Associations, 6436 S. Racine Circle, Suite 100, Centennial, CO 80lll. Questions: Contact Melissa Maldonado at melissa@smdra.com

Colorado’s greatest public policy chalenges. Drawing on experience, creativity, and the ability to

convene diverse opinions across the state, the honorees clearly identify the problem and drive

towards solutions rooted in data and fact.” fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

New Year’s resolutions for children

With high gas prices, inflation, supply chain issues, and cancelled flights, most people are happy to put 2022 to bed. We yearn for a better, less frustrating, more prosperous, and healthier 2023. Many adults desire to set goals for the new year. According to polls, 78% of us will make a few New Year’s resolutions. I wonder how many parents work with their children to help them set goals for the new year.

Goal setting is a protective factor for children as it provides clarity, vision, motivation, and a pathway to achievement. When children set goals, it gives them clear steps to follow. It develops a system to achievement, motivation, fulfillment, and accountability. Goal setting teaches time management, preparation and

reduces procrastination. Other benefits of goal setting for children are organizational skills, planning, and creative problem solving. When goals are manageable and achievable, success is more likely. Success builds self confidence and self-efficacy creating a “can-do” spirit of achievement. With skills and confidence, children can set more ambitious goals.

Some examples of goals are:

they developed empathy seeking to help with grocery bags or opening a door for an elderly person.

I encouraged them to be curious about others, their gifts, talents, hurts, and passions. I let them know that everyone has a story, and it is their job to learn about one another. Being kind and caring should be a skill that is developed in childhood. This enables young people to develop social skills and be able to interact with people of different cultures, backgrounds, ages, and circumstances.

Increased Awareness, Empathy, and Curiosity

Increased Discipline and Self-control

I encouraged my children to be aware of their surroundings. I inspired them to look around and see how they might make the world a better place by picking up trash or seeing if anyone needed assistance. I was so proud of them as

According to many sport and life coaches, these two traits engender success in school, work, play, relationships, and life. Character is developed when one can control their temper, manage their Continued on page 15

January 12, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

PORTICO PENTHOUSE

Evelyn Lim, CSI 2022 Mike A. Leprino Fellow

Kelly Caufield, CSI Executive Director

Chris Brown, CSI VP of Policy & Research

Common Sense Institute presents its 2023 Colorado Free Enterprise Report

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

CSI released its 2023 Colorado Free Enterprise Report (Report) with a panel discussion at Empower Field at Mile High on December 13.

Panelists were Evelyn Lim, CSI 2022 Mike A. Leprino Fellow and the Director of Policy and Research at the American Cornerstone Institute, Chris Brown, CSI Vice President of Policy & Research, and Kelly Caufield, CSI’s executive director.

The Report is organized around the policy areas that drive CSI’s ongoing research in furtherance of its chief goal of protecting and promoting Colorado’s economy.

Those areas are: • Jobs & The Economy • Education • Energy & Our Environment • Health Care • Housing & Our Community • Infrastructure • State Budget • Taxes & Fees In the area of Jobs & The Economy, noting that Colorado’s employment growth between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022 ranked seventh among all states, inflation and unemployment are below the national average, and the labor force participation rate is higher than it was pre-pandemic, CSI gave it a four-out-of-five performance rating.

With twice as many job openings as people were unemployed, the possibility of recession looming, and the negative financial impact on employers and employees of the start of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program, CSI rated the outlook for Jobs & The Economy as negative.

CSI gave Health Care a three-out-of-five performance rating and determined the outlook in this area was negative because it expects health insurance premiums to increate “at a rate almost

double the national average in 2023,” while four health insurance carriers announced they are pulling out of at least one of our state’s health insurance markets during the first year of the Colorado Option, “which imposes strict price controls for plans offered in the individual and small-group markets.”

They noted that Colorado is one of the country’s healthiest states, with relatively low rates of obesity and smoking, compared to many others.

The Report also pointed to the high quality of health care in our state.

In addition to the strict price controls associated with the Colorado Option, CSI pointed to the Colorado Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board as an example of government interference with free enterprise.

Another area of consistently high focus in our state is Housing & Our Community, which CSI pointed out had the 13th-highest oneyear price appreciation rate in 2022 at 22.6%, though it must be noted that recent events, including rising interest rates and the threat of an economic recession, have caused that rise to cool significantly. CSI also notes that the year-end housing deficit was 116,907 units statewide, an increase of 12,763 from the prior year.

They also point out that Colorado ranks in the bottom ten of all states in the effective residential property tax rate and single-family home purchasing power. Also listed as a negative for our community is our state’s diminished prison population, which CSI attributes to “progressive criminal justice reform measures (which) have reduced the punishments for certain crimes,” not a reduction in crime itself. Rather, the report points to increased rates of violent and property crimes. For all these reasons, CSI gave this category a one-out-of-five performance rating.

The passage of Proposition 123 in November, which will create a statewide affordable housing fund that will be used for multiple housing programs, CSI saw as highly significant. They pointed to the importance of local governments, however, which have the option of choosing not to participate in the affordable housing program.

Also impacting the future are three other laws passed in 2022, Crime Prevention through Safer Streets, Creation of Colorado Workforce Housing Trust Authority, and Recertification and Theft of Catalytic Converters.

For these reasons, the category of Housing & Our Community was awarded a neutral outlook by CSI. Areas of opportunity on which Coloradans should focus in 2023 that the CSI panel identified in their roundtable discussion were: • K-12 school choice policy, which could become a reality for more students with the increased focus on transportation • State investing in innovative partnerships between higher education and industry, which could be leveraged to address workforce needs.

• $2.2 billion state general fund reserve in Gov. Polis’ budget, a record high • 2022 general assembly addressed funding challenges for PERA (Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association) and the shortfall in the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund, heading off the need for huge raises on the state’s employers’ • Colorado is a low tax state, with the eighth lowest state tax burden and the sixty best corporate tax climate in the U.S. The full 48-page 2023 Free Enterprise Report is available at: https://common senseinstituteco.org/coloradosfree-enterprise-report-2023edition/ fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

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PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

2023 Economic Forecast Breakfast

January 27th | 7:00 - 9:00 AM Marriott South at Park Meadows

Presented by WhippleWood CPAs

The Chamber's Economic Forecast Breakfast has proven to be informative, thought-provoking and entertaining. Gain unique insight from a distinguished panel of speakers, as they discuss topics that explore and shape our businesses, our state and our country for the upcoming year.

This dynamic discussion is open to members and guests. Be a part of this event to engage with local leaders and public officials.

Speakers Dennis Huspeni

Henry Sobanet

Moderator City Editor Denver Gazette

Panelist CFO - Colorado State University

Chad Marturano

Panelist VP & CFO - University of Colorado

Laura L Jackson

Panelist VP, Air Service Development & Aviation Research Denver International Airport

Member Ticket: $90 Non-Member Ticket: $100 Premier Table Sponsor: $1,000

Register at BestChamber.com/EFB

Sports

January 12, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

5-12 doesn’t mean Broncos’ next coach can’t win ‘now’ Whether it’s Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh or Vince Lombardi reincarnate, or somebody else, the next head coach of the Broncos will not find the cupboard as bare as this 5-12 season would seem to indicate.

In fact, Denver’s situation is ripe for a dramatic reversal of fortunes rather than the start of an arduous rebuilding process.

In the wake of Sunday’s season-ending 31-28 victory over the Chargers, a quick postmortem on 2022 produces several hopeful findings:

INJURIES While no incident—thankfully—even approached the level of Damar Hamlin’s brush with death, casualties nonetheless severely impacted Denver this season.

The Broncos led the National Football League in the number of players on Injured Reserve with 22 and had the most salary paid to players who couldn’t play: north of $33 million.

More than two dozen names long, the list of players lost for the duration and those who missed a game or more represents the nucleus of a playoff contender on its own.

OFFENSE Yes, through 17 weeks the Broncos were last in the league in scoring with an average of 16 points per game, then virtually doubled that on Sunday.

And mega-millions quarterback Russell Wilson had the worst season of his career.

His quarterback rating was almost 20 points under his previous low.

But why?

Well-documented coaching issues aside, injuries in the backfield and along the line are obvious reasons.

Denver utilized nine running backs. (The Chiefs used five, Cincinnati only three; the league average is four.)

And seven other players—five wide receivers and two quarterbacks—carried the ball, too.

Behind a patchedup line that was missing, at various times, tackles Garrett Bolles, Billy Turner, Calvin Anderson and Tom Compton, guards Dalton Risner and Quinn Meinerz, and center Lloyd Cushenberry, Wilson was sacked a career-high 55 times in 15 games, which tied him for the league lead in this ignominious category. His previous high was 51 in 16 games in 2018, the only other time he topped 48.

In addition to Tim Patrick, whose importance to the passing game was evident all season, the receiving corps was without—again, at various times—Courtland Sutton, K.J. Hamler, Jerry Jeudy, Kendall Hinton and nearly every tight end, including rookie Greg Dulcich, who emerged as a potential future force.

RESULTS A loss is a loss, BUT . . .

This decimated, mismanaged outfit nonetheless defeated three playoff teams, among its five measly victories.

Among its dozen defeats, NINE were by no more than a touchdown. FIVE were by a field goal or less.

And once the head coach was replaced, the team’s last two games, a loss to Kansas City and a hard-earned victory over the Chargers (both playoff qualifiers), were argu-

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ably their best performances of the season.

So, given the above autopsy of 2022, what awaits Mr. New Coach?

FUTURE OPPONENTS Thanks to the National Football League’s desire for league-wide parity, which is encouraged in part by ensuring that, as much as possible, teams with poor records are scheduled to play other teams coming off poor seasons, the next head coach should face a manageable slate of opponents.

PERSONNEL Injuries are a part of this sport, but if the Broncos catch a break in terms of games lost by key players, that will make a huge difference.

And if the Wilson who shone in the second half on Sunday shows up regularly under more experienced coaching and better game-planning and game management, the offense should look more like it did against the Chargers.

The NFL Draft doesn’t offer as much potential for help as in past years because of trades involving draft choices.

But the new ownership group already has shown a willingness, and the wherewithal, to spend—i.e. a hundred million-dollar renovation of Empower Field at Mile High that’s to be ready by fall, and $400,000 worth of new sod for the last game of this season, to be followed by another re-sodding before next season begins.

So, maybe that draft-day deficiency will be offset by signing marquee free agents.

Tops on the list would be offensive linemen and a running back to pair with Williams, or with Latavius Murray if Williams doesn’t recover fully or is slow to return.

(League-leading rusher Josh Jacobs is available.)

We all know Vince Lombardi isn’t coming back. But don’t rule out Payton, or Michigan’s Harbaugh, just yet.

With better luck in the health department, a sound coach and leader, and a few strategic improvements in personnel, this Broncos squad is capable of reaching the playoffs under new management as soon as next season.

Denny Dressman is a veteran of 43 years in the newspaper business, including 25 at the Rocky Mountain News, where he began as executive sports editor. He is the author of 15 books, nine of them sports-related. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net.

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October 27, 2022, THE VILLAGER | PAGE 22 Legals

LEGALS PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

Answering the profound question, why am I here?

I must be getting more philosophical as the years go by. I often find myself standing in the middle of a room overcome by existential questions. Why am I here? What is my purpose? Didn’t I come here for something? What was it?

I know a lot of people struggle with these questions and I have some thoughts on how to make peace with them. First, it’s important you be fully present in whatever activity you’re engaging in. Let’s say you’re working on a craft project and you need a pair of scissors that happen to be in the garage.

Why you keep your scissors in the garage I have no idea, but I’m not here to judge.

It’s tempting to let your mind wander as you go get

them. In order to stay focused on your mission, you might say or even sing a little song as you’re marching through the house.

“Scissors. Scissors. I’m going to get scissors.” This works well—if it’s scissors you need.

Your family may be alarmed as you pass by them singing about scissors but no more so than they would be to see you standing in the garage asking, “Why am I here?”

Another trick is to carry a reminder of your goal. Let’s say dinner is almost ready and it’s time to cut the roast.

Unfortunately the cutting board is in the laundry room, though why you keep your cutting board in the laundry room, I can’t imagine.

You don’t want to get all the way to the laundry room,

forget why you’re there, start doing laundry and miss dinner. So pick up something that will remind you of your intention. You could carry the roast with you, but your family might be concerned to see you carrying a roast to the laundry room. They’re already wondering why you keep the cutting board there and your scissors in the garage.

I suggest you choose something smaller, maybe the ketchup. When you get to the laundry room, the ketchup in your hand will remind you that you’re there to get the stain remover. No wait.

That doesn’t sound right.

If you’ve forgotten to carry a reminder or sing as you walked through the house, there’s still hope. First stand in the middle of the room you find yourself in. If anyone else is there, tell them you came to say hello. Then take a few deep breaths, look

guisher.”

If that doesn’t happen, be thankful that your house isn’t on fire. Then, as you enjoy your snack, think back. What room were you in before you found yourself standing in the kitchen telling your teenager you just came to say hi?

Walk back to it. Just being there may bring to mind the important errand you were on when you left. If however you return to the original room, look around and think to yourself, why am I here, well, I just don’t know what to tell you.

Dorothy Rosby is the author of three books of humorous essays including Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time. Contact her at www. dorothyrosby.com/contact.

around slowly and try to think logically. What do you keep in that room that you may have needed? I realize logic may not be your strong point if you’re the kind of person who keeps your scissors in the garage and your cutting board in the laundry room.

If that’s the case, find something else to do while you’re there. Straighten the magazines on the coffee table if you’re in the living room. Make yourself a snack if you’re in the kitchen. This will buy you time to ponder the true reason for your visit. It will also reassure your family that whatever other issues you may be experiencing at least your appetite is still good.

If you’re lucky, your spouse will yell from the other room to remind you of your mission. “What’s taking you so long? I thought you were getting the fire extin-

The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. Letters deadline 10 am Monday. Please limit to 300 words.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Marvin J. Johnson, aka Marvin James Johnson and Marvin Johnson, Deceased Case Number 2022PR31378 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado or on or before May 1, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Patricia K. Johnson 27680 E. Lakeview Drive Aurora, CO 80016 Published in The Villager First Publication: December 29, 2022 Last Publication: January 12, 2023 Legal # 10964 ___________________________

NAME CHANGE

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO 1790 West Littleton Blvd.

Littleton, CO 80120 Case No.: 2022 CV 100707 PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME Public Notice is given on December 8, 2022 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of VICTORIA ROSELLE GRACE MURPHY be changed to AYESHA ABDULRAHMAN The court orders the following publication for a change of name: Date: Dec. 8, 2022 Shana Kloek Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk Published in The Villager First Publication: January 5, 2023 Last Publication: January 19, 2023 Legal # 10966 ___________________________

SPECIAL DISTRICTS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Directors of Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) at 1:30 p.m. on January 18, 2023, in the office of SEMSWA, 7437 South Fairplay Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112, to consider the adoption of certain

regulations as they relate to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permit. The hearing shall consider the approval of a revised Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control (GESC) Manual. Any interested elector or property owner

within SEMSWA’s boundaries may attend and comment on the proposed standards and regulations which may be inspected at the office of SEMSWA or on its website www. semswa.org.

Published in The Villager Published: January 12, 2023 Legal # 10971

FOXFIELD

GLENDALE

on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 concerning the following ordinance:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF GLENDALE PUBLIC NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE

CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO ORDINANCE NO. 1 SERIES OF 2023

The Board of Trustees of the Town of Foxfield hereby gives notice that a public hearing shall be held virtually and in person at the South Metro Fire Protection District Station #42, 7320 South Parker Road, Foxfield, Colorado, at 6:30 p.m. on February 2, 2023, concerning ORDINANCE 202301, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 16-2-50 AND 16-6-10 OF THE FOXFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE TO EXPLICITLY INCLUDE A PROHIBITION OF SHORTTERM RENTALS WITHIN THE LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. Ordinance 2023-01, which was introduced on November 17, 2022, will be presented for final passage at the February 2, 2023, regular Board meeting.

Copies of the proposed ordinance and the Foxfield Municipal Code are available for public inspection by contacting the Town Clerk at 303-680-1544 or clerk@ townoffoxfield.com.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ATTEND Published in The Villager Published: January 12, 2023 Legal # 10967 ___________________________

The following ordinance was passed before the City Council of the City of Glendale, Colorado, on the 3rd day of January, 2023, and was ordered published by said Council: CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO ORDINANCE NO. 8 SERIES OF 2022 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO, REVISING THE WATER RATES AND FEES OF THE WATER ENTERPRISE A copy of this ordinance is on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

Dated the 4th day of January, 2023 City of Glendale, Colorado Veronica Marvin, City Clerk Published in The Villager Published: January 12, 2023 Legal # 10968 ___________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Glendale, Colorado, will hold a Public Hearing at Glendale City Hall, 950 South Birch Street, Glendale, Colorado, in the Courtroom/Council Chambers on the first floor, at 7:00 p.m.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO, MODERNIZING THE GLENDALE RIGHT OF WAY CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE AND REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 12.20 OF THE GLENDALE CODE OF ORDINANCES Copies of this ordinance are on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

Dated the 4th day of January, 2023 City of Glendale, Colorado Veronica Marvin, City Clerk Published in The Villager Published: January 12, 2023 Legal # 10969 ___________________________ PUBLIC NOTICE The 2022 annual financial report for the Cibrowski Family Foundation is available for Public Inspection during regular business hours from today’s date through July 31, 2023 at the Office of Deon E Fitch, Chairman, Cibrowski Family Foundation, 6059 S Quebec Street, Suite 202, Englewood, CO 80111. 303-740-9497, 1-720-8153426 (Fax).

Published in The Villager Published: January 12, 2023 Legal # 10970 ___________________________

January 12, 2022 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15 Colorado Statewide Network

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW JAN. 7-22, 2023. The 117th NWSS will host 29 rodeo performances and a full schedule of horse shows. Info: nationalwestern.com SOUTH SUBURBAN PARKS & RECREATION HOLIDAY EVENTS Jan. 13 & Feb. 10 5-8 p.m.

Goodson Rec. Center. For ages 3-12 for movie nights. Bring your blanket. Popcorn & pizza served. Info: 303-483-7014 ARAPAHOE COUNTY SPRING HOME SHOW JAN. 13-15 - Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center. Free, lots of giveaways, samples, and savings. Explore the latest in home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living, and more. Friday 12-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora.

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST JAN. 17, 2023. More than 500 business executives and leaders expected for the 35th Annual breakfast. 7-9:00 a.m. - Marriott South at Park Meadows. Tickets: Call 303795-0142.

NATHAN YIP FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA FEB. 4, 5-10:30 p.m. - Grand Hyatt Denver Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with a Chino- Latino twist. Join Gala Chairs Dr. Raul & Vivian Murciano for a Lunar New Year’s celebration featuring an Asian and Cuban inspired dinner, lion dancers, a palm reader, Chinese calligrapher, a traditional salad toss and Night Market with music provided by the Colorado Mambo Orchestra. All

Resolutions for children emotions, resist temptations, delay gratification, and control their impulses.

goals regarding gratitude is essential. Once gratitude takes root, happiness and joy are a result.

Being thankful is the opposite of being entitled.

Integrity

Grit

Continued from page 10

Integrity means making ethical, respectful decisions, asking questions, and following instructions— even when faced with difficult situations. It is a set of learned beliefs, capacities, attitudes, and skills that create a moral compass children can use to help them understand what is ethical, fair, proper, honest, and true.

Increasing grit creates perseverance which is the ability to overcome life’s obstacles and become a creative problem solver.

This skill is built by encouraging a positive attitude and turning failure into a learning and growing experience. Dr. Foster Cline, noted child psychiatrist, tells us to let children fail while the stakes are low.

Gratitude

Optimism

Teaching young people to set

Have children increase their

2023 Acura Integra Turbo model excels I was excited to learn that I would be road testing an Acura 2023 Integra, any vehicle with an Acura name means quality and speed.

So it was that an Acura Integra A-Spec model was delivered by the factory representatives to my driveway.

My delight dimmed, however, when I settled into the sleek sports model for the first time and discovered that it was a stick-shift.

Wow, I haven’t had a manual transmission to drive for several years.

But, growing up with manual transmissions, the shifting is no problem, but city stop-and-go with a manual transmission can result in considerable clutching and gear-shifting. So be it, and I warmed up to the manual transmission after a few days enjoying the power of lower gears with a six-speed transmission, 200 horsepower, and a turbo engine. This Integra could fly if it only had wings.

proceeds benefit The Nathan Yip Foundation, which provides funding for teachers & educational projects in rural Colorado. Tickets: www.

Nathanyipfoundation.org Purchase tickets by Jan. 23.

Questions? Contact jill@ nathanyipfoundation.org

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WHAT’S NEW? After 44 years of sharing public health resources with its neighbors, Arapahoe County, on Wed., Jan. 4, 2023 opened the doors to its own, single-county Public Health department. Visit arapahoegov.com/health MAYORS & COMMISSIONERS YOUTH AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN Deadline: MARCH 3. A scholarship program for exceptional high school seniors. Visit arapahoegov. com/youthawards vision to a glass half-full rather than half-empty. This helps to mitigate disappointment and encourages children to believe that goodness is all around them even when they have setbacks.

To increase success, utilize the SMART approach. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time sensitive.

Let us make every effort to set New Year’s goals with children and work throughout the year to help them achieve them.

If we all did this, it would add to their success and make the world a kinder, gentler place. joneen@myrelationshipcenter. org

The internal cab was “Red” and the outside of the sleek, low base design, was “Liquid Carbon Metallic.” A smoker outside a restaurant commented to

metal to withstand the shifting wear and tear.

The six- speed gear choices matched the four-drive modes of sport, comfort, normal or individual. I spent most of my driving time in the sport mode.

That reduced the fuel mileage, but the average was around 30 mpg. Driving in sixth gear on

me about the attractive interior.

“Thanks, I replied.”

Sleek styling with the Acura emblem lighted, with “Jewel Eye” LED lights cut through the dark stormy nights. The longer that I drove this sports model the fun factor increased.

The interior seats were heated with 12-way power controls and a leather covered steering wheel. The floor pedals were

the freeway the mileage could exceed 37 mpg. I found out that the fuel tank only contained 12.4 gallons of gas as I added fuel after a mountain drive.

Acura provides a “Collison Mitigation” system that warns the driver of frontal objects and will stop prior to striking a forward object, depending upon distance and speed. The Integra was loaded with wind-

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National Western Stock Show Continued from page 7

importance of the Stock Show in representing the history and culture of Colorado agriculture. “[The Stock Show] is a great example of the Colorado way,” said Governor Polis. “The Stock Show is truly a proud Colorado tradition—an example of who we are and what we will be.”

Governor Polis also spoke about the economic impact of agriculture in Colorado, saying that the industry spurs $47 billion

in economic impact and employs nearly 200,000 Coloradans.

While Boots ‘n Business recognizes the importance of agriculture in Colorado, it also provides a pathway for Colorado youth to pursue their education in agriculture, rural medicine and veterinary science. A portion of the proceeds from this event benefit the National Western Scholarship Trust.

Since its inception in 1983, the Trust has awarded thousands of scholarships, funding the future of Colorado’s agriculture industry.

By H. Throttle

shield safety, speed signs, and engineer efforts were made in the design to keep more of the eyesight on the roadway, rather than the dashboard.

The center console was simple to use, and the UBS smart phone charging pad was quick and easy to use. The sound system was lit up with 16 premium speakers. This matched up with the younger generation with the stick shift, superior sound system, and the bright red interior.

The 19” black “matte” wheels gave the car a likeable appearance of speed and performance.

Where this Integra really shined was coming down U.S 70 through the mountain breezing along at high speeds with perfect road control, almost like a jet fighter. No matter the speed there was always some driver passing. The MacPherson front shocks and real

multi-link suspension working with the electric steering gave excellent control to the driving experience. This was where the six-speed transmission worked so well, going to fifth gear on some hills and driving in the sixth gear on the downslopes.

I would prefer this model with an automatic transmission that is available. The price on the test model was $37,395 with all options included. They didn’t charge extra for the lighted “Diamond Pentagon” grill emblem.

This model is assembled in Marysville, Ohio with a U.S. engine and transmission made in India with a power train warranty of 6/YR/70K. Stick shifts are hard on clutches with teenage drivers.

This is a car to be driven and enjoyed.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • January 12, 2023

Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools

I

BY LISA J. SHULTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

recently viewed the US debut of Flemish artworks - Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks at the Denver Art Museum. The exhibit displays artists from the Southern Netherlands between the 15th and 17th centuries. The viewers have the opportunity to understand the society and culture of the times and perhaps see some parallels to our world today. I was particularly mesmerized by scenes of humans behaving foolishly in a piece by Frans Verbeeck entitled, The Mocking of Human Follies.

I allowed 90-minutes to appreciate a slow meander through the rooms playing the audio provided and retraced my steps several times to see favorite pieces again. This ticketed exhibition ends on January 22, 2023. When I went to see it, I reserved a spot in the morning.

I secured a lunch reservation at The Ponti to enjoy afterwards.

Being refreshed with a delicious lunch, I then spent time in the Martin Building viewing a few floors of interest before calling it a day. Parking tip: meters are free on Sunday, but the parking garage is handy for those wishing to park in close proximity to the entrance.

For more information, visit denverartmuseum.org.

Lisa J. Shultz is an art and culture columnist for The Villager since 2020. Lisa is a Denver native, and she loves to inspire exploration of the city’s treasures in her book Essential Denver. Find out more about her and her book at LisaJ Shultz.com.

Photos by Lisa J. Shultz

Lisa J. Shultz