Stop. Ask. Listen.
Defensiveness is one of the most damaging dynamics in a marriage. It may seem harmless, like a quick rebuttal, a justified excuse, or a counterattack, but over time, it quietly chips away at connection, trust, and emotional safety.
Defensiveness often hides deeper issues: emotional immaturity, poor self-control, and deep insecurity. If left unchecked, it can turn even minor misunderstandings into emotional barriers.
and a partner who eventually stops trying to connect.
Imagine a Saturday morning. Sarah gently tells her husband, James, that she feels like she is carrying most of the parenting responsibilities. She’s tired, not criticizing; just being honest. James immediately retorts, “You think I do nothing? I work all week while you complain!”
In that moment, James isn’t truly hearing his wife. He’s too emotionally immature to sit with her discomfort or consider her words without making it about himself. Instead of being present and curious, he deflects and defends. This kind of immature response is rooted in fear, the fear of being seen as inadequate. However, the irony is that his defensiveness makes him appear inadequate in the moment. True maturity in marriage requires us to tolerate discomfort without needing to escape or retaliate immediately.
When Emily and Rob discuss finances, Emily expresses anxiety about their spending habits. Rob, feeling attacked, raises his voice, storms out of the room, and slams the door behind him.
“This conversation is over! I know you think I am not a good enough provider. Nothing I do can make you happy,” he yells. Rob lacks self-regulation. When conflict arises, his nervous system goes into overdrive, and instead of pausing, breathing, and responding, he reacts. His defensiveness becomes an emotional outburst. This kind of defensiveness stems from a deep-seated insecurity.
In marriage, the ability to self-regulate, especially during emotionally charged moments, is crucial. Without it, one partner becomes unpredictable and emotionally unsafe, and the other feels increasingly alone in the relationship. Insecure partners tend to personalize everything. And when everything feels like an attack, defensiveness becomes the default reaction. The result is emotional disconnection,
Many struggle with defensiveness, but there are skills one can learn to stop this destructive cycle. When you feel triggered, avoid speaking immediately. Pause, take a breath, and ask yourself: Am I listening to understand or preparing to defend? Say aloud or quietly, “I’m feeling attacked,” or “I’m feeling like I need to defend myself.” Naming the emotion helps you gain control over it. Replace defensiveness with curiosity by asking your partner, “Can you help me understand what you’re feeling right now?” This reduces
tension and shows emotional maturity.
Charlie Kirk did this when he was on college campuses, asking students to prove him wrong. Instead of getting defensive about his beliefs and opinions, he asked questions to try to understand the person at the microphone. After watching several of his YouTube videos, I noticed a pattern of asking rather than telling.
Defensiveness is not just about what you say, it is about what you’re protecting. Often, it is pride, wounds, or fear of rejection. But in a marriage, protecting yourself too much means you stop protecting the relationship. If you stop, ask, and listen, your marriage will likely be more satisfying to both partners. joneen@narme.org
C NVERSATIONS
The Villager mailed thousands of newspapers into Greenwood Village last week. Some of you may have received two newspapers. The mass mail sorting isn’t a perfect science so if you get your regular subscription newspaper share
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
the extra newspaper with a friend. If local residents don’t read Freda Miklin’s excellent and educational pages about candidates and updates on politics, they are missing out on very valuable information that impacts our lives and livelihoods. The Villager is mailed to paid subscribers 52 times a year for less than a candy bar costs and delivered to your mailbox. Subscribe 303-773-8313 for print or online. Family owned in
Arapahoe County for 43 years. Freda covered the latest Centennial Forum, look for her article in this week’s edition; there is a very competitive race for mayor. We’ve also got Littleton election on tap and the contest emerging for two board seats on the Cherry Creek School District with four candidates seeking two open seats. Cherry Creek schools is celebrating their 75th anniversary this year; the same year that Greenwood Village emerged as a new city under the leadership of DTC developer George Wallace. Both organizations have had spectacular success over their long history.
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Next week look for a feature on TAPS, supporting fallen veteran families; with many photos. A stellar event every year for our fallen heroes and their families.
*** I have to applaud my good friends, the Reinke brothers, and their store’s annual Halloween spook show in the center of downtown Littleton. This is a Disney quality show along with the most amazing variety store filled with ghosts and Halloween gifts, gadgets, and costumes.
Reinke’s are great boosters of downtown Littleton and iconic figures in the Littleton business community. See details in their Halloween ad on page 13.
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And to all of you world travelers that reside in Arapahoe County cities, there is a very unique new international grocery store in the Woodland Shopping Center on Littleton Blvd near the ARC store. The spacious store is owned and operated by an international family with a vast abundance of Middle East and American delicacies, including some great take-home mouthwatering dishes prepared by talented chefs. The Littleton Chamber had a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming this unique food outlet to the community. This is a world wide store; it is fun to walk the aisles and see the immense variety of delectable items, including fresh produce and some great fresh dates that I found at the store. Treat yourself and shop local!
When the Federal Reserve runs your life
While not obvious, it is amazing, and a bit concerning, how great an impact monetary policy has on our lives. Decisions that an “independent” Federal Reserve makes have profound implications for future generations. Monetary policy decides the fate of our economic well-being, good or bad.
ment and the Federal Reserve.
There are two issues here. First, monetary policy decisions should be independent of any political manipulation.
Applying integrity and principle to our thought process, we must conclude that no politician, including one with whom we agree, should control monetary policy.
If we are going to debate President Trump’s attempt to influence the Federal Reserve’s implementation of monetary policy, then we must discuss another: the competency of Federal Reserve monetary decisions and the Fed’s obvious acquiescence to previous presidents. Monetary policy decisions work out over decades, not years, and certainly not over a politician’s term in office. For instance, inflation in 2023 began with monetary policy mistakes in 2008, when then–Fed chair Bernanke embarked on a new, untried policy called Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). The Fed issued — “printed” — trillions of U.S. dollars (liquidity) into the economy. It is called quantitative easing, or Q.E. This was an extreme departure from historical policy, and it was implemented unilaterally and without debate by the Treasury Depart-
Second, we have witnessed three Fed chairs (Bernanke, Yellen, and Powell), over two decades, caving to political pressure. In these cases, it was to appease Democrat presidents Obama and Biden. We didn’t hear any complaint by the left-wing media when Chairman Bernanke, in 2008, “printed” a massive money supply into the economy to help President Obama make the economy look better than it was during the Great Recession.
Increasing the supply of money in the economy should stimulate economic growth. But it didn’t work in 2008, and we suffered the Great Recession. The cause of the Great Recession was highly restrictive fiscal policy by President Obama: high tax rates, a punitive regulatory environment, and a bias against free enterprise with emphasis on more government control.
In this case, Fed policy, to issue so many dollars into the economy, could not overcome poor fiscal policy, but led to terrible inflation a decade later.
Fed implementation of a new monetary theory (MMT) in 2008 haunts us to this day. The inflation we suffered over the bulk of President Biden’s term was caused by excessive money supply that started in 2008. Any fourth-year economic student (or a first-year Austrian School economist) would tell us that excess money supply causes devaluation of the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar — in other words, inflation.
So let’s be honest and criticize any and all presidents who manipulate monetary policy for their own benefit. Even more important, the Federal Reserve should be held accountable for the many policy mistakes they have made over the years.
Monetary policy should be implemented by an independent, principled, and rules-based body whose outlook stretches decades out. We need a deliberative body that understands the intricate interactions in any massive and complex economy. And they should be driven to one principle: preservation of the value of the U.S. dollar. Inflation destroys dollar value. Federal debt destroys future eco-
nomic prosperity. Our Constitution, based on principles enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, should guide monetary policy. That concept, that principle, is limited government so that individuals are free to choose and citizens have the inalienable right to ownership of their property. Neither the Congress nor the Fed should ever issue debt that the citizens must repay. Yet they constantly overspend and over-print and put us into debt.
That single act (debt due to excessive spending) steals current and future income from every citizens; it is incredibly immoral and unethical.
Fed policy has been the antithesis of the guiding principle of its formation: Instead of protecting the value of the US Dollar, Fed policy has actively devalued the dollar. Inflation, dollar devaluation, debt, and spending steal from current and future generations to increase the power of our government over our individual freedom.
“A Republic...if you can keep it.” Indeed.
Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank. He is a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. He believes there is a direct connection joining individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.
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Message to all voters in Greenwood Village District 2 from City Council candidate Jack Coffey
Paid for by Jack Coffey
In my previous Villager ad, I emphasized my background and experience to convey the message of my qualifications for City Council and I urged you to visit my website for additional details at coffeybreak.org
With ballots about to be mailed out to registered voters, I want to share the core principles that will drive my decisions if elected.
✓ To preserve the character of Greenwood Village while planning for the future, balancing growth with livability.
✓ To deliver a Council that not only provides leadership to the community but listens to the residents and keeps them informed.
✓ To ensure that Greenwood Village remains a safe and welcoming place for families.
✓ To protect and enhance the open space, trails, parks and heritage that make Greenwood Village unique.
✓ To manage taxpayer dollars wisely and assure that approved projects meet their goals.
If you do visit my website you will see from my career and experience that I can and will deliver on these principles. I hope I can count on your support when filling out your ballot.
THE CAMPAIGN CHRONICLE
AS ELECTION INFORMATION BOOKLETS AND BALLOTS ARRIVE, I WANT TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE RESIDENTS OF GREENWOOD VILLAGE, AND THOSE LIVING IN DISTRICT 3 NOT AS A POLITICIAN, BUT AS A NEIGHBOR WHO CARES DEEPLY ABOUT WHERE OUR CITY IS HEADING OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, I’VE SEEN HOW CHEAP TACTICS CAN CONFUSE VOTERS AND LEAD THEM TO BE MISINFORMED BY NAME RECOGNITION OR EXCESSIVE S IGNS ON THEIR CORNERS BUT THIS ELECTION DESERVES MORE THAN THAT IT DESERVES INFORMED CHOICES BASED ON TRUTH, TRANSPARENCY, TALENT AND TRUST. IF WE LOOK BEYOND MY CANDIDACY, I TOO AM A VOTER I ALWAYS CHALLENGE MYSELF TO NEVER VOTE WITHOUT RESEARCHING ALL CANDIDATES, AND LOOKING TO SEE WHO EMBODIES MY SAME BELIEFS
S LONG BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS EXCELLENCE, BALANCE, AND THOUGHTFUL LEADERSHIP BUT HE WAY, THE SENSE OF OPENNESS HAS FADED TOO MANY DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE PUT FROM CONSTITUENTS OR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM COUNCIL-MEMBERS WE ARE ALL L AND STATE DECISION MAKING BUT FORGET ABOUT OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WHO WE CLOS ELY, EVERY SINGLE DAY SO THE REASON I’M RUNNING FOR OUR CITY COUNCIL IS DENTS LIKE YOU DESERVE MORE MORE HONESTY, MORE ACCESS, AND MORE RESPECT.
WHAT MAKES DANIEL ZHUKOV DIFFERENT AS A CANDIDATE? ITS SIMPLE: YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING FOR YOURSELF MY RECORD, MY IDEAS, MY GOALS THEY’RE ALL PUBLIC. I’VE BUILT A CAMPAIGN THAT’S OPEN AND EASY TO NAVIGATE: A CLEAN AND DETAILED WEBSITE, AN INFORMATIVE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE ON INSTAGRAM, AND THIS VERY COLUMN, THE CAMPAIGN CHRONICLE, WHERE YOU CAN TRACE MY CAMPAIGN JOURNEY, MY CHARACTER, AND MY PROMI SES THROUGH A CREATIVE LENSE OF TRANSPARENCY SOMETHING THAT NO OTHER CANDIDATE OFFERS
INFORMED VOTER EDITION YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WONDER WHERE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES STAND OR WHAT THEY’RE WORKING ON AND UNDER MY LEADERSHIP, YOU WON’T I’M HERE TO LISTEN, TO EXPLAIN, AND TO ACT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF YOU, NOT A CLOSED CIRCLE OF INSIDERS TOGETHER WE CAN COLLABORATE TO MAKE THIS CITY EVEN BETTER THAN IT IS THIS ELECTION ISN’T ONLY ABOUT FRESH NEW IDEAS OR GENERATIONAL CHANGE IT’S ABOUT RESTORING YOUR TRUS T WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO VOTE FOR TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP THAT VALUES RESIDENTS ABOVE POLITICS DON’T LET THIS OPPORTUNITY PASS YOU BY I URGE YOU TO DO YOUR RESEARCH PLEASE VISIT DZHUKOV.COM AND FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @DANIELZHUKOVFORGV TO LEARN MORE AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHY I’M ASKING FOR YOUR TRUST, YOUR CONFIDENCE, AND YOUR VOTE LET’S BE INFORMED VOTERS TOGETHER, AND WE CAN MAKE GREENWOOD VILLAGE MORE OPEN, MORE HONEST, AND STRONGER THAN EVER ALREADY ON BOARD? KINDLY CONSIDER PLACING MY YARD SIGN OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
DANIEL ZHUKOV: CANDIDATE - GREENWOOD VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
BY FREDA MIKLIN
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I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college. I am a 12-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.
Three CHV homes burglarized
On October 5, Cherry Hills Village Police Chief Jason Lyons reported that three homes in the Cherry Hills Park and Glenmoor neighborhoods experienced residential burglaries between 6:00 pm and 8:45 pm on October 3rd. Glenmoor is gated and Cherry Hills Park has a full-time manned security building.
Per CHVPD, “In each case, a door was broken to gain entry. Two of the homes were unoccupied at the time. In a third incident, residents were inside when suspects entered; the residents shouted, and the suspects immediately fled. No injuries were reported.”
Chief Lyons said, “These
crimes were quick and timed for when many families are out to dinner or when people are expected to be away from their homes. Detectives are investigating all three incidents using every tool at their disposal, and we’re asking the community to partner with us—if you live in these neighborhoods, please check your cameras.”
The police department said that property loss is still being inventoried, and suspect information remains under investigation. They have asked that anyone who lives in or near Cherry Hills Park or Glenmoor to please review any camera footage they have from doorbell cameras or exterior securi-
on Friday, October 3rd
ty systems “around the times of 6:00-8:45 pm on October 3 for unknown persons on foot, loitering vehicles or cars making repeated slow passes, vehicles dropping off passengers and circling back, or individuals approaching front doors, side gates, or back patios.” Residents who discover any footage that could be relevant are asked to send it to CHVPD’s detectives by using the form that can be found at: https://crimewatch. net/us/co/arapahoe/cherry-hillsvillage-pd/228378/webforms/ submit-tip
CHVPD is “conducting increased patrols in the affected areas and will provide updates as verified information be-
Candidates for mayor of Centennial answer questions at community forum
The South Suburban Sports Complex at 4810 E. County Line Road in Highlands Ranch was the setting for a Saturday afternoon Centennial mayoral and city council candidate forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties (LWV) and the American Association of University Women.
The first part of the forum featured the three candidates for mayor, Bennett Rutledge, Don Sheehan, and Christine Sweetland. Sheehan was unable to attend due to a death in his family, out-of-state. Rutledge attended on Zoom. Sweetland was there in person.
Both Sweetland and Sheehan are in the middle of their second four-year term on the city council and did not need to resign their seats to run for mayor, so each may resume their seat on the council for two more years if they are not elected.
LWV’s rules state that, if a candidate is unable to participate in a forum, he or she may designate another person to give their opening and closing statements, but those people cannot answer questions on the candidate’s behalf. Current Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko gave Sheehan’s opening statement and current Centennial City Council Member Tammy Maurer gave his closing.
In his opening statement, Rutledge talked about “the necessity of pushing back against the overreach of state and federal and yes, even county and even below, homeowners’ associations’ overreach, and that is basically why I will not be doing anything except repairing the damage done by previous mayors and city councils.”
Piko talked about “Don
Sheehan’s campaign theme, “Building on Success” on three central issues: public safety, fiscal responsibility with a focus on affordability for Centennial citizens, and local control.” She named his campaign
website, donforcentennial.com. as a place where voters can get more information on Sheehan. The site also includes endorsements.
In her opening, Sweetland mentioned her career as a certified residential appraiser who owns a small business, her service on the city council for six years, and her website, sweetlandforcentennial.com, where voters can get more information on her many years of volunteer service and ask questions about their concerns. It also includes endorsements.
Asked by moderator Carol Ayars of LWV to identify their two top priorities for Centennial and how they would accomplish them, Sweetland named housing as her number one priority, noting the city council on which she serves has added live-work units and incentives for housing developments, adding, “But more can be done.” Her second priority is “uplifting small businesses in our community.”
Bennett said, “Easing up on the brakes for Centennial prosperity either by individuals
or by small businesses...making it less difficult for them to prosper in a downturned economy.”
Asked what actions their city should take to address Gov. Polis’ stated 106,000unit shortage of housing units,
across the state, and affordability issues, leading to homelessness, Rutledge replied, “I would first start out by easing up on the brakes, eliminating restrictions that are not really necessary for safety or health... Keep in mind that we are living on land that, 200 years ago, a dwelling made of skins held up by poles was considered quite adequate for this part of the country.”
Sweetland said her feeling and that of many Centennial residents to whom she has spoken on the campaign trail, is, “There’s no place to downsize. For those of us who are in the homes where we’ve raised our children, the next family should be in that home, going to the school that’s eight houses down from my house, playing in the park that’s half a block from my house. Unfortunately, there’s no place for my husband and I to go that we could own. So, I’ve been a big voice on construction defects legislation that needs to be fixed at the state level so that we can actually have a for-sale product in Centennial for those of us
comes available.”
According to an email from the Glenmoor HOA to residents on October 6, CHVPD visited the Glenmoor guardhouse within hours of the break-ins, “to request video footage...(including) all license plate numbers for vehicles entering the property between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. They were specifically interested in footage of a black Audi that exited the property at 8:00 PM, coinciding with CHPD’s earlier entrance into Glenmoor around 8:00 pm.”
Anyone with information on these incidents has been asked to reach out to CHVPD Officer Peyton Lee at 303-783-2715.
who want to downsize and stay in this community.”
The LWV also asked about Centennial’s designated Midtown District, along Yosemite Street, south of Arapahoe Road.
Sweetland talked about the Midtown District as an opportunity for a “walkable, mixed use (community) close to light
rail,” with “parks and trails that we are known for,” noting, “Centennial took an innovative approach and put the plan together, and said, “This is what we want,” inviting “developers to come on in and build.” She went on, “Those 1960s office buildings that are empty, we need to create a new downtown Centennial with lots more housing, lots more development opportunities, and walkability.” She also pointed out, “This is not happening tomorrow. This is a 20-year mission.”
Rutledge answered, “I’m willing to have some development in the Midtown area. One thing I am not willing to see is the Centennial government use eminent domain to take someone’s home...and hand it over to a developer to get rich off of.”
Presenting a closing statement on behalf of Don Sheehan, City Council Member Tammy Maurer talked about his “passion and creativity when looking at the challenges of our residents and city.” She pointed out, “He is incredibly
CHVPD would also like to remind all residents to keep all outside doors locked with deadbolts set, garage doors closed, interior doors from the garage locked, first floor windows latched, exterior lights on from dusk to dawn, alarms armed and cameras on, side gates closed and locked, and not to post your location on social media in real time when you’re not home. In any emergency, including an incident in-progress, always call 911.The non-emergency phone number for Arapahoe County Dispatch is 303-7954711. CHVPD administration can be reached at 303-7618711 (Option 3).
collaborative” and will “make sure everyone has a voice in the process of making decisions,” adding, “Having served with Don for the past six years, I can confidently say he possesses the experience and strong leadership capabilities necessary to lead Centennial.”
In her closing statement, Sweetland told the audience that, “When I ran for re-election (to city council) in 2023, with four names on the ballot, I received 63% of the vote. And in my neighborhood, the people who know me best, I received 80% of the vote. They know that I want to do what’s best for Centennial...My vision for Centennial is that we are a safe city where neighborhoods matter, businesses are valued, and we create new spaces for all to enjoy.”
In his closing statement, Rutledge said, “Christine and Don will have their own ideas about which way Centennial should go, and quite frankly, I’m the one who is proposing a sharp turn. We are up against the intrusions of higher government in a way that was not envisioned at the time of the home rule charter.” He described having witnessed a scene at the local Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) office where three young ladies, “very colorfully dressed,” drove up to the field office, “went inside and did not come out,” and whose cars were driven away by people who “were clearly not ones who came with them.” Rutledge said that “the ICE people should leave because they are operating a business that attracts criminal activity.”
The election is November 4. Ballots will be mailed to all active, registered voters beginning October 10.
Bennett Rutledge (from Zoom)
Christine Sweetland Photo by Freda Miklin
Don Sheehan File photo
follow FREDA Centennial City Council candidates talk about plans and priorities
The Centennial City Council is comprised of nine voting members, eight representatives from the four districts of the city, and the mayor. All nine are elected to four-year terms and are limited to two terms.
Leaving the Centennial City Council after the November 4 election, due to term limits, are Mayor Stephanie Piko and Council Members Tammy Maurer (D2), Mike Sutherland (D3), and Marlo Alston (D4). Christine Sweetland (D2) and Don Sheehan (D4), both of whom are running for mayor to replace Piko, are halfway through their second four-year term on the city council. They are not required to resign their seats to run for mayor, so, unless elected mayor, both are eligible to continue serving their current term after November 4th
That leaves incumbents
Amy Tharp (D1), Richard Holt (D3), and Robyn Carnes (D1), assuming she is re-elected, as the only known continuing members of the council at this time. It’s complicated, but the next Centennial City Council will look markedly different than the current one.
On October 3, the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties (LWV), along with the American Association of University Women sponsored a city council candidate forum at the South Suburban Sports Complex at 4810 E. County Line Road in Highlands Ranch.
LWV recorded the forum on video and it will be available on the League’s YouTube site when it’s finished.
All eight candidates for the four council seats, one in each district, up for election, were present.
Candidates for District One are the only incumbent running for re-election, Robyn Carnes, along with Cindy Sandhu. District Two candidates, seeking to replace Tammy Maurer, are Carrie Penaloza and Ashish
Vaidya. In District Three, Ryan Dwiggins is facing off against Patty McKernan to replace Mike Sutherland. In District Four, Durrell Middleton and Jeffrey Gilliam are competing to replace Marlo Alston.
In their opening statements, Carnes talked about the importance of keeping partisan politics out of Centennial government, Sandhu emphasized her civic engagement and having served in the Peace Corps after finishing college at CU. Penaloza pointed to being a longtime municipal prosecutor, while Vaidya noted he has a Ph.D. in political science and has lobbied for working families at the state capital. Ryan Dwiggins pointed to his affiliation with the Metro Denver Economic Development Commission and service on Centennial’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Patty McKernan pointed out that local government is the government closest to the people. Jeffrey Gilliam suggested bringing back Neighborhood Watch and Durrell Middleton shared he came from Chicago’s south side and went to college at West Point.
LWV asked questions to candidates in varying order. We are presenting responses to questions in council district order, to make it easier for our readers to locate the ones that
interest them.
The question was asked, “What are your two top priorities and how would you accomplish them?”
Sandhu named safety and affordability, pointing out that the average home in Centennial costs $700,000 and is unattainable for young families. She also asked that Centennial “create a working partnership with Littleton Public Schools.”
Carnes also named public safety and affordability, proposing the Streets of SouthGlenn as a possible location for a 55-andover residential community that would motivate Centennial’s older citizens to vacate their single-family homes, making them available to young families.
Vaidya said Centennial needs the “missing middle” of housing for empty nesters and young families, and the city needs to rethink its waste policies, since 75% of waste that goes to the landfill from Centennial could be recycled or composted.
Penaloza said she is focused on safety, affordability, and walkability, especially for seniors.
McKernan said she wants to make sure the city only solves real problems, doesn’t seek them, and wants to know why Midtown Centennial isn’t thriving.
Dwiggins is focused on
“a stable, predictable, and long-range tax base to serve residents,” and feels he is very collaborative.
Middleton named housing, safety, thriving businesses, and working well with the county as priorities.
Gilliam talked about financial stability around governance and safety, noting he has done that work in his dental practices.
The moderator asked what actions their city should take to address Gov. Polis’ stated 106,000-unit shortage of housing units, across the state, and affordability issues, leading to homelessness?
Sandhu said she believes seniors need an affordable place to downsize, construction defect laws need to be reformed, and some units in new developments should be required to be affordable.
Carnes, who is a realtor, said there are 90,000 housing units approved and not yet built in Arapahoe County, because of “state legislation, red tape, lack of insurability, market financing, and the cost of labor and materials,” adding, “38% of homes right now are having to lower their price.”
Vaidya agreed that the lack of entry-level and middle housing, as well as for-sale condos, are significant problems, along with high water-tap fees.
Penaloza said, “It’s a very tough market for young college graduates,” noting Centennial has put zoning in Midtown to encourage first-time homebuyers.
McKernan said affordable housing “also means being able to live,” including paying property taxes, based on inflated home values, as well as utilities and maintenance, which have all gone up in price. She said there are 42,500 homes and 41,000 households in Centennial, so there is not an actual “housing crisis,” just a lack of choices at lower price points.
Dwiggins said, “At the council level, we can provide a framework for the development community to respond,” by being “predictable, listening, and open to solutions.”
Gilliam said there are enough homes in Centennial if residents are willing to live with what they can afford until they build equity to move on to a better home.
Middleton said average home prices are too high and a middle market of starter homes is needed.
The election is November 4th. Ballots will go in the mail beginning October 10 to all active, registered voters. Voters can check their status, if they are uncertain, at GoVote Colorado.com.
Two statewide ballot issues seek help to pay for free school lunches from Colorado’s wealthiest taxpayers
Only ballot issues related to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) can be placed on the statewide ballot in odd-numbered years.
The November 4, 2025 ballot will have two items that meet that definition, Proposition LL and Proposition MM, both of which were referred to the voters by the Colorado General Assembly.
In 2022, the Coloradans approved Proposition FF, which created the Healthy School Meals For All program that provides free lunches to all children in the state’s K-12 public schools, regardless of location or
income level. Money to pay for that program came from raising taxes on the top 5% of residents, which are those with income over $300,000 annually. Costs for this program have exceeded expectations and the state is seeking more funding to keep it going.
Christine Benero, president of Mile High United Way, speaking in 2022 in support of Proposition FF, said, “The skyrocketing price of food has made it very difficult for families struggling in this economy to put healthy food on the table. Prop FF helps families facing tough times by mak-
ing sure all kids have access to a free meal at school, so kids don’t worry about going hungry.”
The mechanism to get that money was to limit standard and itemized state income tax deductions for those earning over $300,000 to $12,000 for single filers and $16,000 for joint filers. Under TABOR rules, moneys received in excess of certain limits must be refunded to taxpayers unless they give permission for it to be retained. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the reduction in the standard and itemized deduction for high-income earners gen-
erated $12.4 million more than the state expected. Proposition LL would allow the state to retain that money for the school lunch program, rather than refund it.
Proposition MM would raise taxes by $95,000,000 annually to provide new, additional funding to the school lunch program, and also replace SNAP (federal program that provides food benefits to low-income families) benefits that have been withdrawn by the federal government through the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
To accomplish that, the state legislature is asking voters to go back to those
earning over $300,000 and further reduce their standard and itemized deductions, from $12,000 to only $1,000 for single filers, and from $16,000 to only $2,000 for joint filers.
According to the nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff, if Proposition MM is approved, approximately 200,000 households will be affected. Average single filers who are affected will pay $327 more each year, and average joint filers who earn over $300,000 will see their tax bill increase by $574, over and above the increase in taxes they have paid since the 2022 change.
From left to right, Cindy Sandhu, Robyn Carnes, Ashish Vaidya, Carrie Penaloza, Ryan Dwiggins, Patty McKernan, Durrell Middleton, and Jeffrey Gilliam
Photo by Freda Miklin
Pepper ‘em with LOVE gala raises over $470,000 For Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary (PSDS)
A clever canine-hosted video stole the hearts of 450 guests who were asked to wear a touch of red as a nod to Pepper’s logo and theme for the fun-filled, magical evening. While Carnie Wilson was unable to be part of the pop trio’s performance due to unforeseen medical surgery, she FaceTimed to send love to sister Wendy Wilson and childhood friend Chynna Phillips and the audience. Chynna Phillips’ husband - actor/producer/writer William “Billy” Baldwin was featured in the lineup of the evening’s festivities. Baldwin walked the red carpet, posed for photo ops and paused for interviews.
Wilson Phillips Concert at Mission Ballroom with Auctions, Dinner and Special Guests
PSDS Executive Director and Co-Founder Justin Klemer presented the Winston Award (named for the first official pup to enter PSDS) to Judi Soule-Cantrell for her extraordinary contributions to the lives of dogs at the sanctuary. Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary opened its doors in 2023 on a 50-acre ranch in Roxborough Park and is a leading “dog retirement community” for canines to live and be cared for until the last days of their lives. PSDS only adopts dogs from area shelters and rescues to help ease overcrowding. Amenities and enrichments
“We believe in the magic of senior dogs!”
–
PSDS CoFounder and President Mary
Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips (daughter of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys) PSDS Co-Founder and President Mary Leprino surrounded by daughter Laura Klemer and son Justin Klemer (Co-Founder and Executive Director)
From Top Dog Sponsor BNY Wealth, Eunice Kim with Bill Schull
Winston Award recipient
Judi Soule-Cantrell and Tim Soule Bonnie and David Mandarich
Platinum Sponsor Sterling Ranch President Brock Smethills
Nancy Olsen and husband Brad Olsen (Board member) with Phil and Chris Harris
Christine Benero, Bradley Joseph
Jeremy and Melissa Oster with special guest Billy Baldwin Photo by Steve Peterson
Chynna Phillips (daughter of John and Michelle Phillips – The Mamas & The Papas)
Josh Benker and Justin Joseph
Jill and Larry DiPasquale’s Epicurean catered the event
Backyard view from the Sanctuary
Adam Wilson, Dr. Dave Hurt and Scott Coors
LEFT, BELOW: PSDS Community Programs Director Paula Jacques-Bonneau with Jo Klein who hand crafted bracelets for each guest
Photos by Scottie Iverson
Payton rolls the dice; Nix, Franklin deliver
What would you have done in Sean Payton’s shoes last Sunday?
The Broncos had just scored their second touchdown of the fourth quarter to cut what had been a 17-3 Philadelphia lead at the end of the third period to a single point, 17-16.
Kick the point after and tie the game with 7:36 left to play, and hope for another score to win?
That, of course, was the “safe” choice, the conservative option— the option most coaches choose most of the time.
al consideration.
If he kicked for the tie, and that turned out to be the last score in regulation, his team would be the statistical underdog in overtime. (The home team wins almost 60% of the time.)
got to make on the run.”
Said Nix: “Troy ran a great route we’ve been practicing for a couple weeks.”
The game wasn’t over at that point, of course. The Denver defense had to stop the Eagles for almost eight minutes, less whatever time the Broncos spent with the ball.
He’d been here before. In Cincinnati, last December.
Or try for a two-point conversion and take an 18-17 lead if you succeed?
That risked wasting a rally that had brought Denver within a point of tying the defending Super Bowl champs who had won 20 of their past 21 games.
Fail in that moment and the Broncos might not get another chance to take the lead. They could lose another close one and fall to 2-3.
“We had like seven-and-ahalf minutes left,” Payton recalled. “We said, ‘Let’s keep being aggressive.’”
It wasn’t a high-percentage decision.
Across the past 10 seasons in the National Football League, “going for two” has worked less than half the time, according to analysis of the strategy’s use.
Data shows that coaches tend to attempt a pass almost three-fourths of the time but succeed on less than 40% of those calls. About 50% of rushing attempts, meanwhile, have been successful.
Which brings us back to the choice Sean Payton had before him—with an addition-
Bo Nix had thrown a 25-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims with eight seconds left to play, to cut the Bengals’ lead to a point, 24-23.
Nix held up two fingers, but the coach ignored him and kicked for a tie— only to lose in overtime.
This time?
“We came here to win a game,” Payton said postgame.
“And I had two or three calls that I loved.
“We got to a call I had a lot of confidence in. And the guys executed.”
That last part is the key.
A coach can make the daring decision, but then it comes down to the players.
“You win with people,” legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes titled his book decades ago.
In this case, it fell to Nix and his former college teammate at Oregon, Troy Franklin.
Payton explained that he expected the Eagles to defend Franklin with single coverage on the two-point try.
“Troy has got a really, really good first step,” Payton said. “When you watch the route, one jab and he was fantastic on it.”
Nix rolled to his right parallel to the goal line and fired to his teammate.
“It was a good throw,” Payton critiqued, “a throw you’ve
PRE-ORDER
Denny Dressman's new book, BLACK BASEBALL'S
will be released late this year
Use the link below to access McFarland Publishing's online catalog and pre-order your copy so that you receive it as soon as it's available,
https://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/product/ Black-Baseballs-Heyday/
BLACK BASEBALL'S HEYDAY is a collaboration with internationally celebrated Kansas City artist Anthony High that captures the many dimensions of black baseball before Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier, and presents 32 original paintings by High in a unique "art museum tour" format.
With a huge assist from two Philadelphia penalties that wiped out combined gains of 38 yards, Denver forced a punt then held possession for 11 plays, gaining 50 yards and, most importantly, consuming almost four minutes of remaining time.
And this where Payton’s confidence in Nix and Franklin really paid off.
Playing with a one-point lead instead of tied or down a point, Denver sent Will Lutz out for a 36-yard field goal that meant Philly would have to score a touchdown, not just kick a field goal, in the final minute and six seconds.
The Eagles came close, a last-play pass batted away in the end zone as time expired.
For all those fans who watched summer practice but didn’t recognize a contingency when they saw one, or wonder what, exactly, the team practices each week of the season, Troy Franklin had an answer.
“I’ve been doing it all week,” he said. “So, I just kind of put my mindset as like, ‘All right, just trust your technique.’”
Denny Dressman’s 17th book, a collaboration with Kansas City artist Anthony High titled Black Baseball’s Heyday – Capturing An Era in Art and Words, will be published late this year. You can write to Denny at denny dressman@comcast.net
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC
SATURDAY OCTOBER 18, 2025 SHERATON DENVER DOWNTOWN HOTEL
�� GLOBAL Ambassador Guion Macsovits
�� Co-Chairs Jay Mills & Kiana Akina and Andy & Meg Kauth
�� Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardees
Jane Lynch and Kevin Iannucci
CONGRATUL ATIONS TO OUR HONOREES! SEE YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITIES IN PERSON!
Jeremy Renner, Jessica Biel, Jane Lynch, Kevin Iannucci, John C McGinley, Amanda Booth, Lauren Potter, Max Car ver, Shelley Hennig, Sarah Bock, Alexis Floyd, Beverley Mitchell, Kim Christiansen, Phil Lipof & more!
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October 23 – 25th | 10am – 5pm
October 26th | 11am – 4pm
Christmas Florals, Pre-Lit Trees, Garland and Wreaths, Holiday Table Décor, Ornaments, Tree Skirts, Stockings, Gifts, and so much more!
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
Pursuant to C.R.S.
that on/or after the 1st day of October 2025 final settlement with Asphalt Specialties will be made by the City of Cherry Hills Village, for the 2025 Mill and Overlay Project, and that any person, co-partnership, association, company, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against any of the contractors for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractors, or any of their subcontractors, in or about the performance of said work may file at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on/or after, October 1st, 2025, a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the City Council of the City of Cherry Hills Village, at the office of: City Manager City of Cherry Hills Village 2450 E. Quincy Avenue Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
Failure on the part of a claimant to file such statements prior to such final settlement will relieve said City from all and any liability for such claimant’s claims.
CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE STATE OF COLORADO
Published in The Villager
First Publication: October 9, 2025
Last Publication: October 16, 2025 Legal # 1201
COURTS
IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR THE ARAPHAHOE COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO
NOTICE TO: JOHN DOE YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED: a Petition for Guardianship has been filed in the following case, that a copy of the Petition may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court during regular business hours, and that default judgment may be entered against that party upon whom service is made by such notice if he/ she fails to appear or file a response within thirty-five (35) days of publication. Please take notice that the matters are pending In Re Interest of Violet Marie Johnson. Petitioner Laurie Johnson, Interested Party Adrianna Johnson. For the guardianship of Minor child Violet Marie Johnson.
CASE NUMBER: 2025 PR5088240
Published in The Villager First Publication: September 25, 2025 Last Publication: October 23, 2025 Legal # 120001
DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Streetx Centennial, Colorado 80112
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner,
In the Interest of:
NAVAEH MORNING’RAYNE GAGNIER, Child, and concerning,
MAXCINE MARIE GAGNIER AND DARRICK ANTHONY MORNING, Respondents.
Erinn Walz, Reg. #46076 Office of the County Attorney Arapahoe County Department of Human Services
14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 ewalz@arapahoegov.com 303-636-1821
NOTICE OF DEFAULT
ADJUDICATORY HEARING
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
CENTENNIAL AIRPORT
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority (ACPAA), owner and operator of Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado, is soliciting Statement of Qualifications and Experience for Architecture & Design Engineering Services for an Outdoor Aviation Themed Community Space, Playground and Airport Observation Tower.
The A&E Team must supply all information required by the Request for Statements of Qualifications and Experience. The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority reserves the right to waive any informalities and minor irregularities in the submittals and to select the firm deemed to be in the best interest of the Airport.
For any questions and to obtain a complete copy of the Request for Statement of Qualifications and Experience please contact Jeremy Gunn, Director of Operations for Centennial Airport, at 303-218-2925 or jgunn@centennialairport.com. RFQ documents are available on www.bidnetdirect.com.
The Statements of Qualifications and Experience must be submitted to Jeremy Gunn, Centennial Airport, 7565 S. Peoria St. Unit D9, Englewood, CO 80112 no later than 4:00 p.m. MST, November 4, 2025.
Published in The Villager
First Publication: October 2, 2025
Last Publication: October 9, 2025 Legal # 12011
NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT/SETTLEMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that the East Valley Metropolitan District of Arapahoe County, Colorado, will make final payment on October 22, 2025 at the hour of 6:00 p.m. to Diaz Construction Group, LLC for all sums due and owing for all services rendered, material furnished and for all labor performed in and for the East Valley Metropolitan District for the Arapahoe Frontage Road 6” Water Line Project.
Any person, individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, limited liability company, partnership, association, or other legal entity that furnished labor, materials, sustenance, or other supplies used or consumed by a contractor or his or her subcontractor in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplied laborers, rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractor or the subcontractor may, at any time up to and including the time of final payment set forth above, for the work contracted to be done, file with the District a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of the claim.
Verified statements must be received by the District no later than 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, and in writing addressed to the East Valley Metropolitan District, c/o Erb Law, LLC, 8480 E. Orchard Road, Suite 3650, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.
Failure on the part of any claimant to timely file a verified statement of claim will release the East Valley Metropolitan District, its Board of Directors, officers, agency, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim
Published in The Villager
First Publication: October 2, 2025 Last Publication: October 9, 2025 Legal # 12014
NOTICE OF BUDGET
SKYLINE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (Pursuant to 29-1-106, C.R.S.)
NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the SKYLINE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT for the ensuing year of 2026; a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of Darcy Beard, CPA, 6050 Powell Rd, Parker, CO 80134, where the same is open for public inspection; such proposed budget will be considered at the regular meeting of the SKYLINE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025 at the 2 Penguins Tap & Grill, located at 13065 E. Briarwood Ave, Centennial, CO 80112. Any interested elector of SKYLINE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
Dated: September 24, 2025
SKYLINE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
By: /s/ Darcy Beard Budget Officer
Published in The Villager
Published: October 9, 2025 Legal # 12017
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
GOLDSMITH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOVEMBER 4, 2025
1-13.5-1105(2)(d), 1-13.5-502 C.R.S.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the eligible electors of the Goldsmith Metropolitan District of Arapahoe County and the City and County of Denver, County, Colorado.
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election is to be held on Tuesday, the 4th day of November, 2025, and that said election shall be conducted by mail ballot. Accordingly, ballots will be distributed by U.S. Mail not earlier than October 13, 2025, and not later than October 20, 2025, to eligible electors of the District entitled to vote in the election. The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District referenced above, certain ballot issues and ballot questions concerning taxes, debt, revenue, and spending summarized below, as applied to the District. At said election, the electors of the District shall vote for the following Ballot Issues and Ballot Questions certified by the District:
BALLOT ISSUE A (Operations Tax Increase)
BALLOT ISSUE B (Operations and Maintenance– Fees)
BALLOT ISSUE C (Capital Costs – Ad Valorem Taxes)
BALLOT ISSUE D (Revenue Debt)
BALLOT ISSUE E (Special Assessment Debt)
BALLOT ISSUE F (Water)
BALLOT ISSUE G (Sanitation)
BALLOT ISSUE H (Streets)
BALLOT ISSUE I (Traffic and Safety)
BALLOT ISSUE J (Parks and Recreation)
BALLOT ISSUE K (Transportation)
BALLOT ISSUE L (Television Relay and Translation)
BALLOT ISSUE M (Mosquito Control)
BALLOT ISSUE N (Security)
BALLOT ISSUE O (Business Recruitment)
BALLOT ISSUE P (Fire Protection)
BALLOT ISSUE Q (Operations and Maintenance Debt)
BALLOT ISSUE R (Refunding)
BALLOT ISSUE S (Reimbursement Agreements)
BALLOT ISSUE T (De-TABOR)
BALLOT ISSUE U (Mortgage)
BALLOT ISSUE V (Multi-Fiscal Year IGA)
BALLOT ISSUE W (10.5 % Waiver of Property Tax Limit)
Eligible
(Transportation
ballots to the office of the Designated Election Official which is also the ballot drop-off/ walk-in voting location: at Spencer Fane LLP, 1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000, Denver, Colorado 80203. The office of the Designated Election Official is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from October 13, 2025 through November 3, 2025 and from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on November 4, 2025 (Election Day). Please contact the office of the Designated Election Official at (303) 839-3800 to coordinate walk in voting or drop off of ballots.
By: /s/ Courtney Linney, Designated Election Official AVISO DE ELECCIONES ESPECIALES DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE GOLDSMITH 4 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2025
1-13.5-1105(2)(d), 1-13.5-502 C.R.S.
A QUIENES CORRESPONDA, y en particular a los electores elegibles del Distrito Metropolitano de Goldsmith del Condado de Arapahoe y de la Ciudad y Condado de Denver, Colorado.
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA PÚBLICAMENTE que el martes 4 de noviembre de 2025 se celebrarán elecciones especiales, que se llevarán a cabo mediante voto por correo. Las boletas se distribuirán por correo entre el 13 y el 20 de octubre de 2025 a los votantes elegibles del Distrito. El objetivo de las elecciones es someter a votación de los electores elegibles del Distrito mencionado anteriormente determinadas cuestiones y preguntas relativas a impuestos, deuda, ingresos y gastos del Distrito, que se indican a continuación.
En dichas elecciones, los electores del Distrito votarán sobre las siguientes cuestiones y preguntas electorales certificadas por el Distrito:
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL A (Aumento del impuesto sobre operaciones)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL B (Operaciones y mantenimiento: Tasas)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL C (Costos de capital: impuestos ad valorem)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL D (Deuda por ingresos)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL E (Deuda por tasas especiales)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL F (Agua)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL G (Saneamiento)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL H (Calles)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL I (Tráfico y seguridad)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL J (Parques y recreación)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL K (Transporte)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL L (Retransmisión y traducción televisiva)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL M (Control de mosquitos)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL N (Seguridad)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL O (Captación de empresas)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL P (Protección contra incendios)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL Q (Deuda por operaciones y mantenimiento)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL R (Reembolso)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL S (Acuerdos de reembolso)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL T (De-TABOR)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL U (Hipoteca)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL V (IGA multianual)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL W (Exención del 10.5% del límite del impuesto sobre la propiedad)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL X (Autorización de transporte)
CUESTIÓN ELECTORAL Y (Autorización de televisión por cable)
Los electores elegibles pueden solicitar boletas postales nuevas o de sustitución y entregar sus boletas postales votadas en la oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado, que es también el lugar para depositar las boletas y para votar de manera presencial: en Spencer Fane LLP, 1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000, Denver, Colorado 80203. La oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado está abierta de lunes a viernes, de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., del 13 de octubre al 3 de noviembre de 2025, y de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. el 4 de noviembre de 2025 (día de las elecciones). Comuníquese con la oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado al (303) 839-3800 para coordinar su votación presencial o para depositar su boleta.
Por: /s/ Courtney Linney, Funcionaria Electoral Designada
Published in The Villager Published: October 9, 2025 Legal # 12024
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED 2026 BUDGET AND 2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed budget for the ensuing year of 2026 has been submitted to the Orchard Hills Metropolitan Recreation and Park District (the “District”). Such proposed budget will be considered at a meeting and public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held on November 12, 2025 at 7:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter, at Vibe at Fiddlers Green, located at 6363 South Fiddlers Green Circle.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an amendment to the 2025 budget of the District may also be considered at the above-referenced meeting and public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District. A copy of the proposed 2026 budget and the amended 2025 budget, if required, are available for public inspection at the offices of Simmons & Wheeler, P.C. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to final adoption of the 2026 budget and the amended 2025 budget, if required, file or register any objections thereto.
ORCHARD HILLS METROPOLITAN RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
By: /s/ Lisa K. Mayers, General Counsel to the District
Published in The Villager
Published: October 9, 2025 Legal # 12025
NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2026 BUDGETS AND AMENDMENT OF 2025 BUDGETS
PROSPER COORDINATING METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
PROSPER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1
PROSPER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2
PROSPER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 3
PROSPER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 4
PROSPER WATER & SANITATION FINANCING METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
PROSPER REGIONAL WATER & SANITATION SERVICE METROLITAN DISTRICT
PROSPER PARK & RECREATION FINANCING METROPOLITAN DISTRICT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO (COLLECTIVELY, THE “PROSPER DISTRICTS”)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that proposed budgets have been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Prosper Districts for the ensuing year of 2026. The necessity may also arise for the amendment of the 2025 budgets of the Prosper Districts. Copies of the proposed 2026 budgets and 2025 amended budgets (if appropriate) are on file in the office of the Prosper Districts’ Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 2001 16th Street, Ste. 1700, Denver, Colorado 80202, where the same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2026 budgets and 2025 amended budgets will be considered at a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. via Teams video/ teleconference. Any interested elector within the Prosper Districts may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2026 budgets or the 2025 amended budgets, inspect the 2026 budgets and the 2025 amended budgets and file or register any objections thereto.
You can attend the meetings in any of the following ways:
To attend via Teams Videoconference, e-mail chelsea.bojewski@claconnect. com to obtain a link to the videoconference.
To attend via telephone, dial 1-720-547-5281 and enter the following additional information: a.Phone Conference ID: 150 864 644# PROSPER DISTRICTS /s/Denise Denslow
Prosper Districts Manager Published in The Villager Published: October 9, 2025 Legal # 12026
OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO
SOUTH CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
BEGINNING OCT. 1 with a year of activities. Tom Mauro is chairman of the Golden Anniversary observance. The club was organized between Feb. & July in 1976 with two original members, Greg Hurd & Kent Gloor, still members.
CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT IS CELEBRATING 75TH ANNIVERSARY
IN 1950 SCSD formed eight schools, eight principals, three buses, 43 teachers, and 1,253 students. Today there are 53,000 students.
UPCOMING CLASSES AT CURTIS
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
OCT. 7-NOV. 18 1-3 P.M. COLORED PENCILS
CURTIS ARTS SOLO EXHIBITION
SEPT. 6-NOV. 1. Exhibit by Jo Stealeyl at 2359 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LITTLETON’S DEPOT ART GALLERY FIBER ARTISTS COMPETITION
Show dates: SEPT 9 TO OCT 11. Littleton’s Depot Art Gallery is posting a competition for all fiber artists in Colorado. Check on CaFE (Callforentry.org) for details and the prospectus. The Depot is located at 2069 West Powers, Littleton. For inquiries, contact fiberart@ depotartgallery.org
REINKE BROS HAUNTED MANSION
SEPT. 26-NOV. 2. in Littleton. 57th Year of frightful fun. www.reinkebrothers.com
COLORADO BALLET OPENS 65TH SEASON
OCT. 3-12 with Cult Favorite Dracula at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Tickets: ColoradoBallet.org/Dracula
LITTLETON MAYORAL/CITY COUNCIL FORUM
THURS., OCT. 9, 5 p.m. in the large meeting room in Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datora St., Littleton. Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Arapahoe & Douglas Counties.
CHERRY CREEK CHORALE “SPELLS, SPIRITS & MARIACHIS”
OCT. 10, 11 7 p.m. Tickets: CherryCreekChorale.org Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village. 30 minutes prior to concert - pre-concert talk. Talk about the History of the music, The Chorale & “Mariachi Las Dahlias.”
CHERRY CREEK REPUBLICAN WOMEN
OCTOBERFEST
OCT. 14, 11a.m. - 1:30p.m. Doubletree Hilton on Orchard. Silent & Live Auction, Live Music. RSVP cherrycreekrepublicanwomen.org
CONVERSATIONS WITH COMMISSIONERS
THURS., OCT. 16 5-6:30 p.m. CentrePoint Plaza 14980 E.Alameda Dr., Aurora. Join Rhonda Fields & special guests from Arap/Douglas Works.
CSU 50 YEAR CLUB AWARDS
LUNCHEON
FRI., OCT. 17, 10:30 a.m., Pre-Reception; 11:45 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m. Luncheon and Awards program. Hilton Ft. Collins, 425 W. Prospect Rd. Class of 1975 to be inducted.
RSVP: 800-286-2586. SAT., OCT. 18. Homecoming game - CSU Rams vs. Univ. of Hawaii, 5 p.m.
FALL FESTIVAL
OCT. 18, 12 - 4 p.m. 32 vendors, face painters, hay rides, bar and more. 7745 Moore Rd., Littleton. Tickets: Scan the QR code in the Oct. 9 Villager, page 12.
18TH ANNUAL “BE BEAUTIFUL BE YOURSELF FASHION SHOW”
SAT., OCT. 18, 5-9:30 p.m. at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel to benefit Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Celebrities, Awards, Auction, Dinner and Show starring Jeremy Renner, Jane Lynch, Jessica Biel, Kevin Iannuci and many more. Tickets & Info: www. bebeautifulbeyourself.org or 303-321-6277.
AURORA REPUBLICAN FORUM
OCT. 18, 10 a.m. Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora Aspen Room. $5 coffee & donuts.
HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA TO HOST EDUCATION DAY
SAT., OCT. 18, 9 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at The University of. of Colo. - Anschutz Medical Campus. Info: movement@ cuanschutz
THE GARDENS GARDEN CENTER TO HOST TRICK PIG
OCT. 18, 11 a.m. As seen on America’s Got Talent Show & The Today Show. 9542 S. Univ. Blvd., Highlands Ranch. GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME “BE BEAUTIFUL BE YOURSELF FASHION
SHOW SAT., OCT. 18, 5 p.m. at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Tickets: 303-321-6277 or development@ globaldownsyndromeorg
TREAT STREET
OCT. 18 & 19 - Call for Venders & Community Partners, Event Center, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds & Park. Arapahoeco.gov
FRIENDS OF NURSING WISH SHOPPING EVENT & FUND RAISER
TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 6-8 p.m. Join FON for an evening of friendship & fun-shopping at both WISH Boutique and WISH Gifts, next door to each other in the Happy Canyon Shopping Center, 5014 E. Hampden Ave., Denver. WISH donates a percentage of the total sales back to Friends of Nursing to support the Nursing Scholarships!
THE GARDENS GARDEN CENTER
PUMPKIN CARVING & TRUNK-ORTREAT
SAT.,OCT. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Purchase your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch then carve & decorate. 9542 S. University. Blvd., Highlands Ranch.
CARLA’S A CLASSIC DESIGN
30th Annual Holiday Open House – dazzling holiday décor and gifts. THURS – SAT. OCT. 23-25. 10 a.m.
– 5 p.m. SUN., OCT. 26 11a.m.-4 p.m. The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Centennial. 303-6830372. Carlasacd.com
HARVEST HOOT AT THE CHILDREN’S
MUSEUM
OCT. 24-26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. At the Marsico Campus. Monster carnival games, spooky potions, stories about fall folklore, make pumpkin patch treats, Rocky Mtn. mini train & more. Gen. admission. Mychildrenmuyseum.org
EASTERSEALS 15TH ANNUAL COLO.
MONTE CARLO NIGHT
SAT., OCT. 25, 6 p.m. at Ameristar Black Hawk. Honoring Ameristar Casino Resort Spa & the Dave & Wendy Dennis Family. Info: 303-233-1666.
CITY OF AURORA HOSTS FREE FESTIVITIES
SAT., OCT. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. Live entertainment from the Darling Revival Trio & Joe Smith & the Spicy Pickles. Food trucks, vendors, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and more.
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA
ANNAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
OCT. 25, 1-3 p.m., 16965 Pine Lane, Suite 120, Parker. Costumes encouraged. RSVP Victoria_Raphael@ ad4children.org
ARAPAHOE COUNTY ELECTIONS IS HOSTING PUBLIC TOURS OF THE ELECTION FACILITY
TUE., OCT. 28, 9 a.m. Wed., Oct. 29, 12 p.m., Fri., Oct. 31, 10 a.m. Register: arapahoeco.gov/facilitytours
AURORA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL
THURS., OCT. 30, 6-9 p.m. Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. Keynote Speaker: Tom Papacomedian, writer, and actor. “A-List 2025: Harvet Time in Aurora. Celebrate successes of the City of Aurora, Adams County, and Arapahoe County. Tickets: 303-755-2223.
HERITAGE EAGLE BEND CRAFT FAIR
SAT., NOV. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission, unique vendors. 23155 E. Heritage Parkway, Aurora
250 U.S. MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL CELEBRATION
SUN., NOV. 9, VIP access 4 p.m.; General - 5-9:30 p.m. See the AV-B8 Harrier II & Dedication! Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver. Tickets: See QR Code on page 11 of Oct 9 Villager.
TABLES EXTRAORDINAIRE
WED., NOV. 19-SAT., NOV. 22. Benefits the Philanthropic Outreach of Saint Catherine Philoptochos Society. NOV. 19, High Tea & Table Viewing - $45. 9:30-11:30 & 1-3:00 p.m. Nov. 20 , High Tea & Table Viewing 9:30-11:30 a.m. Table Viewing + Pastry Favor $20 on Thurs., Nov. 20, 12-4 p.m.; Fri., Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sat. Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-12 noon. Greek Treats for Sale. Purchase tickets www.stcatherinechurch.org/tables. The church is located at 5555 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village.
L’ESPRIT DE NOEL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
NOV. 21 & 22. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 49th Central City Opera Annual Home Tour. 5 decorated homes in the Hilltop neighborhood. Proceeds to Central City Opera. Info: centralcityopera.org/guild. Tickets: lespritdenoel.org
COLORADO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
THURS., FEB. 5, 2026. Hyatt Regency Denver at Colo. Conv. Center. Register: Coloradobusinesshalloffame.org
CLUBS NEWS
OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH
FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts 49 years. American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25. Call Frank 303-759-9232 for a free breakfast. Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.
DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-313-9741.
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-377-7682.
EXPAND YOUR LOVE OF BRIDGE
New games specifically for Novice and Intermediate players. Tech Center Bridge is located at 6161 S. Wabash
Way, Greenwood Village. Call 303-915-1229. 1st & 3rd Thursdays 12:30-3:45 p.m. Cost is $8. Need a partner?
Check the online list bredgewebs.com/techcenterbridge
Also ask about Denver Metro Bridge at 5250 Leetsdale Dr., Denver. 303-757-4774.
WHAT’S NEW?
“BLACK BASEBALL’S HEYDAY” Capturing an Era in Art and Words, Written by Villager author Denny Dressman and Art by Anthony High. Pre-Order Now! https://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/product/BlackBaseballs-Heyday/
WHAT’S NEW? - COLORADO
LEGISLATORS HELD A SPECIAL
SESSION TO PLUG $800 MILLION
BUDGET DEFICIT
On the 33 measures, only one received bipartisan sponsorship - a proposal to divert $264,000 in general funds from the state’s wolf reintroduction program to now help cover subsidies for health insurance purchased by individuals thru the state’s help insurance exchange.
COLORADO DEMOCRATS TO HOLD 2026 STATE ASSEMBLY IN PUEBLO MARCH 28, 2026 at the Memorial Hall.
RENEW YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Renewal kiosks are fast, easy and issue you tags on the spot? Go to COMVExpress.com to find a location near you.
BUSINESS NEWS
THE GARDENS GARDEN CENTER
ANNOUNCES NEW OWNERSHIP
Locally family-owned-and operated. 9542 S. Univ. Bad., Highlands Ranch. Open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ASPENDALE 60+ ACTIVE ADULT
APARTMENT COMMUNITY IN CENTENNIAL Debuting Late 2025. Appointments : 303-970-9514.
COWBOY MOVING & STORAGE
Commercial & Residential Moves - Also, load & hold. Call 303-789-2200.
GRAND OPENING - MT. FUJI SUSHIHIBACHI
The Streets of Southglenn - 6850 S. Gaylord, Centennial. 303-997-0888. mtjujisushico.com
THE AUDIOLOGY METHOD
Schedule a hearing test. 718- E. Orchard Rd., Ste. 302, Centennial. 720-457-5113.
HOST YOUR EVENT AT THE JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT FREE ENTERPRISE CENTER In Greenwood Village. Events @JARockyMountain.org
CHERRY HILLS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
6325 S University. Blvd., Centennial. Call for Tour 720592-0252
FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED
ORGANIC NATURAL MARKET
“FRESH MARKET” open at 1500 W. Littleton Blvd., Unit 106 - Woodlawn Shopping Center. Open 7 days a week. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION + MORE
5 Star Google Review. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-969-5386.
ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING
Upscale dining, engaging events and activities. Call 720684-5913. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.
TONIGHT WE DINE
Fine meats & seafood. Free delivery on $100 or more. Look for The Villager Combo for $100. Call 303-2150333.
SEMION BARBERSHOP FOR ALLMEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN
5910 S. Univeristy Blvd., Greenwood Village. 720-5313998.
THE EYEWEAR COLLECTION
Owner Aaron Mozes is a CCHS graduate. Comprehensive Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Contacts. 5910 S. University. Blvd., Unit D4, Greenwood Village.
BKC KITCHEN & BATH
Free consultation & estimate. Visit showroom at 4151 S. Natches Ct., Englewood. 303-761-7477.
HEARING LIFE HAS 30 DAYS RISKFREE TRIAL
SEE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON PAGE 2 OF THE SEPT. 18 AND SEPT. 25 VILLAGER. 5910 S. University. Blvd., Ste A-3, Greenwood Village. 720-362-3903.
FALL PARTIES/EVENTS? BOOK TODAY Rocky Mountain Valet. Visit www.ROCKYMTNVALET.COM
KIMPTON CLARET HOTEL Host your next special event at The Kimpton Claret. www.clarethotel.com
TRAVEL SHOW
COURTS
Continued from previous page AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING RESPONDENT, DARRICK MORNING
Case No: 2025JV255 Division: 22
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding DARRICK MORNING is set on OCTOBER 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Division 22 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected and adopt the prepared treatment plan for you in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code, or to determine that there is no appropriate treatment plan.
The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/ or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:
•https://judicial.webex.com/meet/D18ARAP-Div22
•Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.
•Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.
•If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720650-7664. When prompted enter Access code: 2594 887 9073 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).
If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
Dated: October 3, 2025.
Erinn Walz, Reg. #43200
Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner
Published in The Villager
Published: October 9, 2025 Legal # 1201
DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado (303) 645-6600 Telephone
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner,
In the Interest of: TYLAN FERNANDO HAMILTON,
Child, and concerning,
ERIKA ANN HAMILTON, and JOHN DOE, Respondents.
Kiley Schaumleffel, Esq., Reg. #46107
Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 636-1308
Fax: (303) 636-1889
NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT CONCERNING RESPONDENT, JOHN DOE
Case No: 25JV278 Division: 34
To The Respondents:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT, JOHN DOE, is set for October 23, 2025, at the hour of 1:00 p.m., in Division 34, at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the children, dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.
The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/ or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:
•https://judicial.webex.com/meet/D18ARAP-Div34
•Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.
•Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.
If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720650-7664. When prompted enter Access code: 2594 408 0614 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).
YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to appear before the Court at said time and place, either in person, virtually, or by phone. If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
Dated: October 3, 2025
Kiley Schaumleffel, Esq., Reg. #46107
Assistant County Attorney
Attorney for the Petitioner
Published in The Villager
Published: October 9, 2025 Legal # 12022
