It’s Christmas at
Premiere Garden Center in Highlands Ranch
Upcoming Events
Highlands Ranch Hometown Holiday
The Gardens team will be there with give-aways and a chance to win a $50 gift certificate
Date: Friday, December 5 - Time: 3-7 p.m.
Location: Highlands Ranch Town Center Free to attend Sponsored by HRCA
Create Your Own Ornament
Date: Saturday, December 6 - Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: The Gardens
9542 S. University Blvd, Highlands Ranch
Free to attend
Celebrate the Season at The Gardens!
Skip the Cranberries and Other Ways to Prevent Holiday Weight Gain
I take in the majority of my annual calories during the holiday season in much the same way many businesses take in the majority of their profits during the holiday season. And apparently I’m not alone. I just read that the average American gains around one pound per year and three-quarters of it is between mid-November and mid-January. I suspect we add the other quarter between the day we buy Halloween candy and the day we buy more Halloween candy because there’s none of the first round left for our trick-ortreaters.
allotment for the big event. But I find that the hungrier I am, the more likely I am to eat an entire pan of fudge when I get the opportunity. That can be so embarrassing when you’re at someone else’s home for the party.
Ornaments ready to decorate with acrylic paints & markers, organic elements, stencils, faux snow, and all you need to create your own memorable ornament!
Everything you need for Christmas is at The Gardens
Christmas Trees - Colorado native, Concolor White Fir Fresh Greenery - boughs, wreaths & garland
Colorful Poinsettias in multiple sizes
Distinctive gifts, Christmas decorations, lights, & more in our Boutique Store
I manage to eat pretty healthfully—as long as there are no treats in a 25mile radius of my home. But I cannot be trusted around all the goodies that show up between Thanksgiving and January 2. Make that between Halloween and January 2.
During the extended holiday overeating season, I’m forced to balance two competing interests: My love of sweets and my desire to fit into my clothes come January. If I can also pass my next cholesterol test, so much the better. Thankfully I’ve come up with some strategies to fight this annual battle and as a public service and early Christmas present I will now share them with you. I make no guarantees about their effectiveness.
First, I won’t do any holiday baking. That’s what bakeries are for. And anyway I have friends and family members who love to bake and are generous with the fruits of their labor. Why should I add to the calorie count when there are so many other people making treats that taste better than mine would anyway?
I won’t buy any desserts for holiday meals until the very last minute. That way I won’t have to buy them again. If that doesn’t make sense to you, you’re a stronger person than I am.
I won’t skip meals prior to holiday gatherings. I know a lot of people who do that in order to save their daily calorie
I won’t waste calories on holiday foods I’m neutral about and I certainly won’t waste them on foods I don’t even like. For example, I’ve never learned to like cranberries and, believe me, I’ve tried. I serve them every Thanksgiving because one of my regular guests thinks it’s a sacrilege to eat turkey without cranberries. But after years of choking them down, I decided to save the calories and the limited space in my belly for pecan pie which I learned to love a long time ago. Finally, I will share. Or at least I will consider sharing. Early in our marriage, my husband gave me a box of my favorite chocolate-covered mints for Valentine’s Day. On February 16 he asked if he could have one. No, he could not. But not because I didn’t want to share— though I didn’t want to share. The truth was, they were gone.
I told him I’d been concerned about the freshness date. But we both know the only candies that have ever passed their expiration date in our home are the ones that fell into that unreachable place between the refrigerator and the cupboard. I can save myself a lot of calories this holiday season if I can bring myself to share.
So there you have it: my strategies for healthy holiday eating. I’ll let you know how it goes—but only if it goes well. If it doesn’t, I’ll be asking Santa for a new wardrobe this Christmas. And I’ll have to remember to give him my new size.
Dorothy Rosby is the author of ’Tis the Season to Feel Inadequate; Holidays, Special Occasions and Other Times Our Celebrations Get Out of Hand and other books. Contact her at www.dorothyrosby. com/contact.
The Legacy Gift
Legacy is one of those words that often feels too grand for everyday life, like something reserved for presidents, poets, or people whose names are etched into granite. But over time, I have come to understand that legacy isn’t built in grand gestures or sweeping achievements. It’s woven quietly, almost imperceptibly, into the small moments that shape the way people feel when they think of us. Legacy is emotional, intimate, and deeply human. And often, it starts around the kitchen table, not a boardroom table. Legacy is not measured by wealth or possessions, but by moments and traditions.
kind that make headlines. But they are the memories that, decades later, still glow warmly in our hearts. That’s the incredible truth about legacy: it is shaped in the moments we see as ordinary but become unforgettable and extraordinary.
As we enter the holiday season, this might be the perfect time to reflect on the legacy we are creating, whether intentionally or not. It could involve starting a small tradition, like writing a note to each family member on the first
I remember sitting in my grandmother’s living room as a child, watching her wrap presents in paper she had saved from the previous year, the edges already softened, with tape marks still faintly visible. Back then, I thought she was just being thrifty; after all, she had lived through the Great Depression. Years later, I realized she was teaching me something: that gifts are less about perfection and more about the heart of the gift, prepared with love and care. She would tell stories about Christmases when she had nothing but the smell of cinnamon bread and the sound of her family gathering to set the table and prepare for a celebration. Those stories became my story. Even now, whenever I reuse a gift bag, bake that same cinnamon bread, or enjoy the chaos of preparing for Christmas dinner, I feel the legacy of my grandmother’s presence.
It has been almost three years since my mom entered heaven, and I continue her legacy of making stufoli (little Italian honey balls) with my grandchildren. They squeal with delight as they assemble and cut the dough into small pieces, and they let me know when their batch is ready to be placed in the hot oil. Once finished, we pour honey and sprinkles over them, put some in a decorative bag, and now they are ready to be delivered to neighbors and friends. This is my way of keeping my mother’s spirit alive and teaching my grandchildren that this tradition is love from my mother repeated over time. These are not dramatic stories. They are not the
snowfall of the year or cooking a dish that reflects your family’s cultural heritage. It might also mean setting aside one evening to slow down, put phones away, play games, and truly listen to someone you love. Or maybe it’s about creating moments that your children, friends, and family will someday look back on and say, “This is my story.” Legacy isn’t what we leave behind. It’s what we leave within. This season, may we create moments worth carrying forward: moments that become stories, stories that become traditions, and traditions that become the invisible thread tying families, friends, and generations together. joneen@narme.org
C NVERSATIONS
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Arapahoe County
I’m pleased, as a veteran, to observe all of the ceremonies, programs, and recognition of American veterans this year that includes the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. I feel that our military is the best in the world and under President Trump is becoming even stronger with increased funding and a mission to defend America. I appreciate it when people tell me, “Thank you for your service.” The simple statement means a lot to veterans at all ages, ranks, genders, and service branches.
***
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
Been hitting the trail this month. Attending several Veterans Day Observances. One in Aurora at the Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club with an evening program and dinner for 250 military veterans. A fine guest speaker, Major Kathy Gunson, a former combat nurse and Vietnam war veteran followed by an excellent buffet dinner. I was at the American Legion Post earlier in the day where Chef Mike served a buffet luncheon to a packed Post of hungry veterans. I’m a member of the Post and also the Denver Lions Club where the club
meets the second the fourth Tuesdays at the Legion Post at 5400 E. Yale. The Optimist Club also meets there every Friday morning at 7 a.m. and is about to open their annual Christmas tree lot. This past week I had Bill Maniatis and Bob Reginelli as my guests; two longtime friends and both military veterans. Bill is a member of the large Greek Maniatis family where a family gathering involves 150 renowned members. Bob has been my investment counselor and Lion friend for over 40 years. Bob joined the Lion Denver Den in 1968 and is one of the oldest surviving members, hosting many Lion events at his Denver home. Bob’s son Bobby also joined us; and it was just a great luncheon with a retired Peace Corp speaker preaching that we should all be more involved in our communities. She said, “If anyone is going to save our country it is up to us.” That means citizens working together to honor our country and end some of the nonsense that seems to be spreading across the land, like socialism. It has failed all over the globe. Millions of people escaping social-
ism and communism desiring to live in America with our strong Constitution, Rule of Law, and Free enterprise system that rewards hard work and individual initiatives. The speaker reminded me of Andy McKean, who with his wife Kathy, founded Liberty Day decades ago to have students receive and read the Constitution presented to school classes. Liberty Day has faded away, and McKean has moved to Missouri, but his dream lives on. We need to read two books in our lives, The Bible, and The Constitution of The United States of America. Also read a good weekly newspaper, such as The Villager, still family-owned, believing in free enterprise and strong local news coverage. I think The Villager coverage of the recent elections by Freda Miklin and our team was outstanding and unmatched by any other publication. Online readership has soared in recent times, and we value both our print and digital readership. Best $78 investment for 52 issues mailed to your home or to your computer. Subscribe at 303-773-8313.
***
Lastly, and very important at this time of year, is to support local retail business
and nonprofits. Visit local shopping centers and malls for your holiday giving. I read where Amazon plans to replace 600,000 jobs with robots. Well, America doesn’t have to shop with Amazon and send our hardearned money to “Robotville.” The backbones of our economy are the local business firms who are near our homes with real people and local jobs. Boo to Amazon, and hurrah for the South Metro Denver Chamber and all of the local business firms who work so hard to keep their doors open and the rents paid. Shop and donate where you live!
***
Another factoid this week is learning that over 600,000 Coloradoans are on food stamps. That is ten percent of the six-million people who live in Colorado. We have every sporting team in existence, multitudes of concerts and plays, and fabulous ski resorts and mountain retreats all providing jobs. Something doesn’t quite add up in our beloved state. Highways are in disrepair and road signs weather worn. What’s happening to our state?
bsween1@aol.com
FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com
DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Thomas McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com
Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 cogambler@mac.com
Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com
Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Gerri 303-773-8313
EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com
BY FREDA MIKLIN
follow FREDA
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 9-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.
Greenwood Village adds three new members to its city council
On November 17, Bob Doyle, Jay Schneiderman, and Katrin Mezger were sworn in to take their seats on the Greenwood Village City Council, alongside incumbents Paul Wiesner, Ann Nelson, Donna Johnston, Libby Barnacle, and Tom Stahl.
Most years, Greenwood Village City Council elections are more predictable than not. Historically, members tend to serve until they are term-limited, then they endorse folks to replace them, usually people they’ve appointed to one of the city’s boards and commissions, and those folks win.
Not this year. Although the five incumbents on city council who ran for re-election, won, the other three newbies will take their seats with their own ideas and limited history in city government.
In District 2, Jay Schneiderman was endorsed by outgoing council members, but he comes to the dais, not having served on any GV board or commission, and with, in his own words, “fresh eyes and new ideas.” At a candidate forum, he said, “I think my inexperience in this realm can be used to my advantage.” Having received the largest number
of votes in District 2, out of four candidates on the ballot, it seems clear that voters agreed with him. Schneiderman, 36, went to college in Canada, then lived in Israel for 10 years, where he served in a Special Forces unit of the Israel Defense Forces for four years, before returning to his childhood home in Greenwood Village a few years ago.
Jay holds a BA in religious studies from the University of British Columbia and an MA in International Law from Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Bob Doyle, a retired environmental engineer, is the other new city council representative for District 2. Bob has lived in his Greenwood Hills neighborhood for 30 years, but was never asked to serve on a board or commission and ran without endorsement by the outgoing members of the council from District 2. Still, his friends and neighbors know that Bob has long been a close follower of and active participant in city issues, testifying at the council and writing open letters on issues he believed were important.
In 2012, Bob proposed a plan to the City to demonstrate best practices in managing res-
idential water irrigation. Working with the City Engineer, he got Denver Water on board, and they performed audits of 11 homes in District 2, which saved homeowners 25% of their previous water usage. The program also included an educational component on how to save water.
During the campaign, Bob talked about increasing citizen participation in city government and looking for ways to make GV more pedestrian and bike friendly.
Katrin Mezger, an immigrant from Germany with a background in architecture and banking, got the highest vote total of the three candidates running for the two seats in District 4, though she only bested twoterm incumbent Tom Stahl by a few votes. Gary Kleeman, who
previously served eight years on the council, came in third. Kleeman hoped to follow the path of previous council members who ran again years after serving the eight consecutive years to which they were limited. Though Kleeman was well regarded when he served, starting 22 years ago and ending 14 years ago, this time, the voters said they preferred new blood.
Katrin is on the city’s planning and zoning commission, but her endorsements in the race came only from neighbors and citizens who know her well, not other current or previous council members. Apparently, that was good enough for the voters of District 4.
In GV District 1, Paul Wiesner and Ann Nelson were re-elected with no opposition and had even higher vote totals
(Wiesner had 1,195 and Nelson had 966) than any other candidate in any of the other three districts, demonstrating that GV District 1 voters take their civic responsibility seriously.
Donna Johnston and Libby Barnacle were both re-elected easily (Johnston got 954 votes and Barnacle got 937) over newcomer Daniel Zhukov, who got 323 votes, but worked hard and contributed lots of ideas for the city during his run. Johnston and Barnacle will both be serving their fourth and final term from 2025 to 2027, so GV District 3 will be open to all comers in two years, as will be the mayor’s office, since Mayor George Lantz will also be term-limited. We’ll be watching closely to see who seems to be interested in replacing them.
What executives are saying about Colorado’s economy
The Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) recently published its Fall 2025 Executive Outlook, based on results it received from more than 50 senior executives from leading Colorado employers.
COBRT found that twothirds of respondents see the state’s business climate as worsening, naming the cost of doing business, including regulation, as major factors. Still, they expect to “navigate headwinds, rather than retreat,” as evidenced by the other finding that “four in five leaders expect stable or growing sales, and about 75% anticipate steady or higher investment,” which appears to say something different than executives’ expressed views of current trends.
COBRT’s findings also revealed that two-thirds of business leaders surveyed named
housing affordability, in addition to state policy, as having a negative effect on business, warning that, “Colorado’s competitive position is eroding as companies weigh relocation or expansion outside the state.”
Executives named tech, AI, and aerospace as “bright spots,” but still expect slower overall growth in the state’s economy, compared to the U.S. as a whole. They point to a slowdown in net migration to Colorado and a shrinking adult population as leading to challenges for economic growth.
Asked about their companies’ workforce plans over the next 12 months, 33% of respondents said they expect to increase the number of people they employ
in Colorado, 28% said they believed they would neither hire nor fire a significant number of employees, 22% said they expect to reduce their workforce in the state, and only 3% said their companies were considering leaving Colorado.
In April, COBRT reported that, “89% of employers were interested in increasing partnerships with universities, workforce development organizations, and other stakeholders in order to increase access to skilled talent.”
Also included in COBRT’s current report is that, “In a 2025 Colorado Chamber survey, 67% of executives said the state’s economy is headed in the wrong direction, with 92% calling for regulatory reform to reduce em-
ployer burden.”
COBRT is an association of CEOs from the state’s leading employers, representing academia, business, community, and government. They work together to “examine our state’s challenges through a long-term, global lens, and bring forward solutions to strengthen Colorado’s economy and improve our quality of life.”
COBRTS’s members “represent diverse business interests, political viewpoints, and individual philosophies, however, their shared commitment lies in preserving a high quality of life for all Coloradans by fostering a robust and globally competitive state economy.”
To that end, COBRT “supports four pillars as a foundation for a healthy free market system and a strong, stable economy for all Coloradans. These pillars in-
clude a competitive tax and regulatory agenda; the development and attraction of a robust Colorado workforce, both now and in the future; a forward-thinking, sustainable infrastructure; and purposeful leadership to improve communities for the citizenry of Colorado.”
COBRT is the state affiliate of the National Business Roundtable based in Washington, D.C. Debbie Brown is its president. The executive committee of the board is comprised of David K. Schunk of Volunteers of America, Chris Schmidt from Deloitte, Gayle Dendinger of Cap Logistics, Jeff Bloomquist of J.P. Morgan, Danny D. Moore of Denovo Solutions, Karla Nugent of the Weifield Group, Shawn Osthoff of Bank of Colorado, and Jenifer Waller of the Colorado Bankers Association.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program is in financial crisis
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program subsidizes the cost of licensed child care to help families who have an income of 185% or less of the federal poverty guidelines. The program was designed to help parents who are working, searching for work, or in school. The goal is to support
working families so that they can improve their situation, and in turn grow the overall economy. Though primarily funded by the federal government, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program is run through states or counties. In Colorado, the Colorado Child
Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is managed by the state Department of Early Childhood and is administered through individual counties’ departments of human services. It is available to the homeless, in addition to working or in-school families, aiming to improve their lives.
In 2024, after it became apparent that the amounts being paid to child care providers participating in the program were too low, federal rules for the program were changed, effective in August 2026. Those included significantly increasing the compensation to providers, as well as limiting parent
co-pays to 7% of their income. Unfortunately, the mandate to increase payments to child care providers was not accompanied by additional funding for the program. It was left to states and counties to “figure it out.” On October 28, Com-
Continued on page 9
Bob Doyle Jay Schneiderman Katrin Mezger
Continued from Page 8
mon Sense Institute released a report authored by Tamra Ryan, its Coors Economic Mobility Fellow, along with Cole Anderson, CSI Deputy Director of Policy & Research, and Thomas Young, CSI Senior Economist, entitled, “The Economic Impacts of Lost Child Care Assistance in Colorado.”
Ryan ties child care support directly to the strength of Colorado’s economy. She explains, “Child care assistance is work support.” About CCCAP, she says, “By providing child care support to low-income working families, this funding helps accomplish larger goals: encouraging work and economic growth in Colorado.”
Noting that the end of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding has exacerbated the problem, she goes on, “A federal rule, Improving Child Care Access, Affordability, and Stability, was enacted in
follow FREDA
March 2024...and will go into full effect in August 2026. The cost of the new mandates, combined with the decline in funding post-COVID, has left Colorado and its counties in a lurch, particularly in light of recent budget constraints, and has led 24 counties to freeze new CCCAP enrollments or create waitlists.”
Her key findings, due to the combination of financial calamities, are:
“During the three most recent fiscal years (FY 2024-26), an average of 71% of CCCAP’s total funding came from the federal government.
ARPA federal funding was a significant contributor to this pool of funding, but these funds have since largely dried up.
The March 2024 rule mandates an increase in the subsidization rate from the CCCAP program. This change, coupled with increases in child care costs, will increase Colorado’s program costs by over $20
million in the next three years, a budget gap the state would need to fill.
With the new requirements, the state’s average annual cost per child is expected to increase from $6,000 to $18,000. With no additional funding, the number of children who can receive child care assistance will have to be decreased by 64%, from more than 30,000 children to just 10,000.”
Demonstrating the impact of these funding declines, Ryan’s research concludes that:
“Colorado’s 10 largest counties all have CCCAP enrollment freezes in place. The number of chil-
dren whose enrollment in the program is currently frozen across the state has increased by 130% from 4,700 in April 2025 11,000 as of October 1, 2025.
Denver County saw the largest growth in frozen CCCAP enrollments from 83 children in April, to 1,072 this month, a 1,200% increase.
The average growth in the number of children with their CCCAP enrollment frozen was 259% across the 10 counties over this period.
Employed parents who rely on affordable child care through CCCAP will likely need to reduce their employment or stop working altogether to take care
of their children.
CSI modeled two scenarios for reduced employment among parents utilizing CCCAP:
A 20% reduction in employment among parents with a child receiving CCCAP (a 2,667-person decline) and a connected decline in revenue to child care providers, which found that by 2029:
Total employment in Colorado would decline by 7,300 jobs;
GDP would decline by $1.1 billion; and
Disposable personal income would decline by $670 million.
A 40% reduction in employment (a 5,333-person decline), which found a connected decline in revenue to child care providers.”
Tamra Ryan
$20
$40
Can supply a family with diapers and wipes for one week, ensuring they have essential care and comfort.
Can support five teenagers with hygiene products for a month, promoting their health and boosting their self-esteem. $60
Can provide holiday gifts for one child who might otherwise go without, bringing the gift of hope and celebration.
Can equip a child with essential clothing, a warm coat, sturdy shoes and vital hygiene items for an entire year.
WALKS
Photo by Andrew Fassbender
Ambassador Chase Perry & Chloe Becker with Actor Max Carver
Help A Precious Child empower over 50,000 kids with essential support—diapers, clothing, food, holiday gifts and more. Donate today to make an impact:
❤ Join BRRC in standing with children and families recovering from bullying. Your gift fuels healing, resilience, and belonging.
Your gift takes center stage—and this season, it’s doubled! Support Colorado Ballet’s world-class performances, young artist training, and making dance accessible to all.
an Angel this Season and donate
Horse Partners offers mental health services through partnership with horses. Join in offering hope and healing to our Veterans, at-risk youth, and those in need.
Leading the way through life-changing disability and community services for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers across Colorado.
FullCircle offers free peer support, sober events, and family programs that empower Colorado teens and young adults to live connected, healthy, recovery-centered lives. www.fullcircleprogram.com/donations
Every acre, every river mile, and every species protected begins with you. Support The Nature Conservancy’s work in Colorado to create real change for our planet, together. www.coloradogives.org/organization/ Nature-Co
CLC is a unique all-volunteer nonprofit. 100% of your donation funds ground-breaking cancer research and cancer-related services in Colorado. www.cancerleague.org
Your support keeps Colorado’s iconic landscapes alive. From the food on our tables to the scenic views that make Colorado feel like home. You’re helping conserve the land that provides for us all.
Your gift provides spay/neuter surgery for homeless & free-roaming cats, while also taking young kittens off the streets and placing them into adoptive homes. www.TheFelineFix.org
FRIENDS OF NURSING
Providing scholarships for nursing students in Colorado positively impacts the health of our communities. It is estimated that Colorado will experience a shortage of nurses reaching 10,000 RN’s in 2026. Please help Friends of Nursing educate the next generation of nurses. www.friendsofnursing.org, go to Donate page, click on PayPal.
The Gathering Place provides low-barrier, traumainformed care to women, gender-diverse people, and children experiencing homelessness. Your gift provides critical resources and support as they navigate the path ahead. www.coloradogives.org/organization/ Thegatheringplace
Help turn silent nights into seasons of connection. Your support provides 260,000+ nourishing meals filled with comfort, friendship, and hope for older adults.
GLOBAL’s mission is to elongate life and dramatically improve health outcomes for the amazing people with Down syndrome we serve through transformative research and medical care.
“Scouting Colorado equips and empowers youth to develop into leaders through life experiences, service and adventure. Scouting serves all youth and all families across Colorado.”
www.coloradogives.org/donate/ Scoutingcolorado
Colorado’s most vulnerable populations need your help. Your donation to Volunteers of America Colorado creates ripples that spread hope and restores lives. voacolorado.org/one_act
Support The SWF this Colorado Gives Day to advance research for SturgeWeber, Birthmarks, & Glaucoma. Visit Sturge-Weber.org to learn more and make an impact today.
Third Way Center empowers youth to rise above trauma—offering safety, healing, and unwavering support so they can discover their strength and create bright, successful futures.
www.wingsofhopepcr.org
Your Colorado Gives Day gift fuels lasting change. The Nathan Yip Foundation supports rural Colorado school districts building brighter futures through innovative, student-centered, community-rooted initiatives.
Giving Senior Dogs In Colorado & Across The Country Their Forever Home On Their Good Days, Bad Days, & Last Days
Donate to support the historic Cripple Creek Donkeys. Help preserve this treasured herd, representing Colorado’s rich gold mining history. Keep the legacy alive for future generations! https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ twomilehighclub
Zuma’s mission is to provide life-saving rehabilitation and sanctuary to homeless animals and pair them with troubled humans in an animal-assisted therapy setting. http://coloradogives.org/ ZumasRescueRanch
The silence is deafening
Every day in our community, adolescents battle in silence with mental health crises, and the stakes are their futures. These are not just statistics; they are our neighbors’ children, students in our schools, and vital members of our community whose potential is dimmed by the shadows of untreated depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Third Way Center provides a lifeline, offering comprehensive care and support that helps these young people find their voice and their path to recovery.
Third Way Center was founded in 1970 by Dr. Hildegard Messenbaugh, a medical student studying psychiatry at the University of Colorado. She was asked to help organize a shelter for runaway youth. She wanted to provide an alternative to incarceration and homelessness for severely troubled teens (thus – a “third way”). It quickly grew to one of Denver’s largest and most comprehensive TREATMENT programs for at-risk adolescents. The goal for most of the youth at Third Way Center is to emancipate and become self-sufficient because they have no families to support them.
With an average annual success rate of 80%, Third Way Center boasts one of the highest success rates with this particular population in the entire
region. All aspects of the residential and educational programs are geared toward recovery and success, with strong emphasis on therapeutic problem solving, taking responsibility for one’s actions, learning basic independent living skills and completing educational and vocational programs that will lead to a productive future.
Although Third Way Center is licensed to treat children 13 to 20, we specialize in children who are 15 and older and we are often their last hope. Third Way Center takes children that no one else will. Most have been abused and/or neglected repeatedly, many no longer have families and almost all of our youth have been in 30 to 40 placements before coming to us. They are truly Colorado’s “throw away” kids and it is our job to break the cycle of generations of abuse and neglect, one child and one family at a time.
Your contribution directly funds these critical programs, transforming despair into hope and equipping these teens with the tools to thrive.
For more information, please visit our website at thirdwaycenter.org
HOPE
This Colorado Gives Day –Support The Feline Fix
Thousands of Colorado’s most vulnerable cats and kittens face the world alone hungry, scared, and in many cases, without a safe place to call home But thanks to compassionate supporters like you, The Feline Fix is changing their stories every single day
This Colorado Gives Day; we encourage you to be part of something truly lifesaving
As Colorado’s leading nonprofit dedicated exclusively to kitten rescue and adoption, low-cost spay/neuter, Humane TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) resources, and essential veterinary services, The Feline Fix is a lifeline for underserved cats and kittens Your gift directly fuels programs that prevent suffering, stop the cycle of overpopulation, and give forgotten cats a chance not only to survive but to thrive
In the past year alone, The Feline Fix has:
• Spayed and neutered thousands of cats, preventing tens of thousands of future litters
• Provided medical care for abandoned kittens and cats in crisis including those suffering from illness or injury.
• Supported dozens of volunteer fosters who open their hearts and homes to help rescued kittens grow, heal, socialize, and learn what love is.
• Ensured that community cats across Colorado live safer, healthier lives through Humane TNR.
But the demand continues to rise Every week, more cats need urgent care More kittens arrive cold, sick, injured, or orphaned More neighborhoods call for help with growing colonies Our waiting lists grow faster than we can keep up and that is why your support today matters so deeply
Colorado Gives Day amplifies your generosity, allowing your donation to go even further thanks to the $1 Million+ Incentive Fund When you give to The Feline Fix between now and December 9, you are not just donating you are creating real, measurable impact for cats who would otherwise be unseen and unheard
Together, we can build a future in which all cats are valued, protected, and treated with kindness
Please schedule your Colorado Gives Day donation today and help us continue this vital work From all of us and all the whiskered lives depending on your kindness thank you. Your compassion changes everything.
For many older adults, the holidays can feel long and quiet. Days pass without a friendly face or shared conversation. This winter, Nourish Meals on Wheels is turning those silent nights into seasons of connection for neighbors across South Metro Denver.
Each weekday, the Nourish kitchen prepares nearly 800 hot, from-scratch meals for older adults in South Metro Denver. With need rising, the organization has seen a 40% increase over the past three years and expects to deliver more than 260,000 meals in 2025.
Every delivery tells a story of care: a knock that brightens the day, a cheerful smile on a frosty morning, a handmade card tucked beside a warm meal. For many who go days without company, these small gestures mean everything.
With more than 600 volunteers and 54 routes, Nourish delivers more than food—it delivers hope. “At Nourish, every meal is a reminder that someone cares,” said Nancy Falk, Executive Director. “Thanks to our volunteers and donors, we’re helping bring comfort and companionship to older adults across our community.”
Research and client feedback
show the impact goes far beyond nutrition. Eighty-five percent of clients say that daily visits from volunteer drivers help ease loneliness and stress, proving that consistent kindness builds connection long after the holidays.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Deliver Meals: Routes take about two hours, typically between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. weekdays.
Share Creativity: Make handmade tray favors, cards, or small gifts that lift spirits.
Donate: Every gift provides meals, caring visits, and moments of hope.
Refer a Neighbor: If you know someone 60 or older who could benefit, call 303-798-7642 or visit NourishMealsonWheels. org.
This season, you can help fill quiet homes with warmth, kindness, and community. With every meal delivered and every visit shared, Nourish brings light to the long winter nights and connection to the people who need it most.
The Gathering Place supports women, gender diverse people, and their children in building stable lives through home health purpose and community programs using low-barrier, trauma-informed care. We provide a safe space for members experiencing homelessness to access essential services, such as meals, showers, and clothing, as well as stability services, such as case management and health-focused programming.
are scared, struggling, and being failed by the systems meant to protect them. With your help, we can continue to provide much-needed services and support for individuals navigating these uncertain times. To donate and find other ways to help your unhoused neighbors, visit TGPDenver.org.
In 2025, we have recorded 47,000 visits to our drop-in shelter and helped 147 adults and children secure housing. It’s been a difficult year for so many vulnerable people that
The Gathering Place provides low-barrier, trauma-informed care to women, gender-diverse people, and children experiencing homelessness. Your gift provides critical resources and support as they navigate the path ahead.
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ Thegatheringplace
OPINION - Home is where the heart Is. Or Is it?
CONTRIBUTED BY
RON REDDEN
Many people look forward to retirement. It’s time to slow down, travel, spend more time with the grandkids. For most people, the vision includes the other person with whom they’ve spent most of their life. Life doesn’t always work out the way planned. One day we may wake up and those lifelong plans just got canceled. The mate, lifelong partner, has died. What now? To whom do I say good morning? So many questions, so few answers. Where there was once conversation, laughter, love, there is now silence and heartbreak. Too many seniors find themselves in this exact scenario. They are lost, isolated, and lonely. Roughly 24% of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated and 43% aged 60 and older are experiencing loneliness. Now, for the statistical reality.
Heartbreak leads to isolation and loneliness which leads to depression which, all too often, leads to suicide. In 2023, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10,437 individuals aged 65 and older died by suicide in the U.S. These statistics are not necessarily accurate. There are many ways to commit suicide. We think that it has to be by a firearm or an overdose; it could be by stopping life saving medication, starvation or other less conspicuous methods and letting nature take its course. The highest risk group are men aged 75 and older. The suicide rate for men in this age group is 40.7 deaths per 100,000. Women in this same demographic have a rate of 5.1 deaths per 100,000. In my opinion, that’s understandable. Also men use a more sure means of being successful at suicide. Everybody calls Mom. Daughters and granddaughters stay in touch. Dads seem to be forgotten. They lose
their sense of purpose. What can be done to relieve this suffering? It is a one-word fix, “socialization.” It’s a proven fact that people need socialization. We are social beings and without that social interaction we cease to thrive. Our physical health as well as our mental health suffer. This leads to premature death as well as increased medical costs.
Transportation Solutions Arapahoe County (TSAC) is working to acquire transportation for elderly and disabled individuals who fall under the term “shutins”. TSAC is approaching organizations, who might be willing to provide transportation using their existing vans and drivers. These folks would be transported to various nearby facilities where they could socialize for 2 hours a week. Perhaps playing bridge, or other games, exercising, or just visiting. This interaction will inevitably lead to friendships. That is how we fix loneliness and
isolation.
Based on the information available, there is no precise annual number of elderly shut-in individuals who die by suicide in the United States. However, several sources offer statistics on older adults and suicide rates:
Overall Older Adult Suicide Rate: In 2022, approximately 10,433 individuals aged 65 and older died by suicide in the U.S.
Highest Risk Group: Individuals aged 75 and older, particularly men, face the highest suicide rates among all age groups. In 2021, men aged 85 and older had the highest suicide rate (55.7 deaths per 100,000 population), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Social Isolation and Loneliness as Risk Factors: Social isolation and loneliness are recognized as significant risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviors in older adults.
Prevalence of Social Isolation: Roughly one-quarter
(24%) of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated, and a substantial portion of adults (43%) aged 60 and older report experiencing loneliness.
While there isn’t a specific count of suicides among elderly shut-ins, it’s crucial to acknowledge the elevated suicide risk among older adults, especially those experiencing social isolation and loneliness, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit their website at 988lifeline.org.
Editor’s note: Mr. Redden told us he became aware of the scourge of elderly suicide when he chaired the Isolation and Loneliness sub-committee for the City of Centennial Senior Commission.
WINGS OF HOPE for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to funding pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus. An all-volunteer organization, every donation received goes directly toward funding seed research projects at the CU Cancer Center. This enables many of the grant recipients to go on to qualify for major grants from such entities as the National Cancer Institute.
Maureen Shul founded WINGS OF HOPE for Pancreatic Cancer Research in 2012 after losing her brother and mother to the disease. "When you experience something that devastating, you need to find some purpose and meaning in it all in order to move forward," Shul stated. "For me, starting WINGS OF HOPE to fund the research that would improve patient outcomes and survival rates was the only thing I could think of doing to honor my family and all those impacted by this disease."
Research funding comes from donations received throughout the year and from 2 signature events, “Evening of Hope” and the Kingsbury Open. This year’s “Evening of Hope” featured two renowned local artists, one a pancreatic cancer survivor. Over $85k was raised that evening to fund pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus.
The Kingsbury Open, founded by Lisa Goodman in memory of her father who died from pancreatic cancer in 2007, has become a premier Colorado golf event, with all proceeds going to fund pancreatic cancer research through their partnership with WINGS OF HOPE. This year the Kingsbury Open raised $50k for pancreatic cancer research.
To date WINGS OF HOPE has given approximately $2 million to the CU Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer research, which over the years has resulted in several clinical trials being brought to CU Cancer Center.
COLORADO GIVES is a special and unique way for people to donate to the nonprofits they support and believe in. We invite you to join this effort to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Coloradogives.org/organization/wingsofhopeforpancreaticcancerresearch www.wingsofhopepcr.org
Dr. Richard Schulick, Director of the CU Cancer Center and Maureen Shul, founder of Wings of Hope
Second time’s a charm for Broncos vs. Chiefs
What a difference a year can make.
On November 10, 2024 the Broncos lined up for a last-play field goal that would have produced a 17-16 victory over Kansas City.
ed in 2018, which began an odyssey for him as a football player.
Lutz admitted afterward. “When you’re part of a loss like that. You don’t just forget about it.
Long-snapper Mitchell Fraboni crouched over the ball, ready to send it on a crisp line to holder Riley Dixon.
Placekicker Will Lutz was poised to send it through the uprights.
But wait!
Leo Chenal of Kansas City deflected the kick. Denver was denied. KC won 16-14.
That had to be one of the most disappointing results in Broncos history.
Jump ahead to last Sunday.
Score tied, 19-19. Broncos again lining up for a potential game-winning kick.
On the 35-yard line again.
The snapper was the same, and so was the kicker. Only the holder, rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw, was different.
Memories were swirling in Will Lutz’s head, and in the minds of Broncos fans.
Could it possibly happen again?
“It’s obviously something you think about,”
“When I looked down and saw we were on the line again, making it a 35-yard field goal, I was kinda like, ‘Shoot, here we are . . . ‘ I’ve been waiting for a game like that.”
Ironically, a blocked kick figured in the outcome of the rematch with the Chiefs, too.
Offensive lineman Frank Crum got his hand on Harrison Butker’s extra point attempt to keep Kansas City within three points in the fourth quarter.
Crum—6-feet-8 and 315 pounds—is a third generation Wyoming Cowboy who signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent.
We pretty much take for granted two-thirds of the trio that initiates every extra point kick and field goal attempt. Punts begin in Mitchell Fraboni’s hands, too.
So, who is Mitchell Fraboni, anyway?
Who he isn’t is a star. He played parts of four seasons at Arizona State (2014-17) after helping his high school team, Mountain Pointe of Phoenix, win a state championship. He went undraft-
He knocked around minor league football for a few years—the Spring League Alphas and Conquerors in 2020 and the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League in 2022 before catching on with the Broncos later in 2022. The next two seasons were spent on the practice squad.
On March 11 this year he signed a three-year, $4.175 million contract with Denver. Perseverance has its reward.
His kicker, Will Lutz, has been in the National Football League since 2016—always playing for Sean Payton. In nine seasons he has made 243 of the 283 field goals he has attempted (85.9%).
He was a walk-on at Georgia State and an undrafted free agent.
Among those 243 field goals are 15 that made differences in Denver’s current 9-2 record heading into this week’s bye. None, of course, is bigger than Sunday’s gameender.
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 in December. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast.net
JOSHUA TREE EXPERTS
Winter Tree Care is critical to protecting the investments you’ve made in your landscapes!
• Remove hazardous limbs to protect people and property.
• Colorado’s cold, dry climate dehydrates trees - whether you water them yourself, or utilize our deep root watering services, don’t forget to water your trees!
• Fewer leaves = greater structural visibility. Our certified arborists can make smart, healthy cuts that will set up your trees for longterm success.
Continue building on the investments you’ve made into your trees - schedule a Winter Arborist Inspection to develop a tree care plan for the winter time. By spring 2026, you’ll be glad that you did.
229-8777
Tree Care Safety
Cherry Creek North In Deep Cocoa For Rebrand
Claus takes the District to court over ‘North Pole’ name.
BY IKE L. MUSKE Cherry Creek North | Denver, CO
Another local shopping area is under scrutiny for a rebranding misstep. This time, Cherry Creek North (no, not the mall, the district) is the one getting grilled for its new name, or, more accurately roasted like a chestnut.
The shopping district unveiled a new name and slogan, “Cherry Creek North Pole—The Best Place on Earth for The Holidays,” as part of its seasonal marketing campaign. Which, for a place with the area’s best dining, shopping, and festive events, seems appropriate to this editorial board. But not everyone is celebrating.
Alistair Peppermintwist, Esq. of the Fa La La Law Group and Senior Elfin Counsel to Santa Claus, has issued cease-and-desist letters to the district, claiming the rebrand infringes on intellectual property tied to Santa and the North Pole’s brand.
“The name and use of the North Pole have been trademarked by Mr. Saint Nicholas Claus for centuries,” Peppermintwist said in a phone interview. “Cherry Creek North’s claim that it is the best place on earth for the holidays is verging on libel. That designation is lawfully reserved for Mr. Claus. Second best? Well, their holiday lights were impressive. But BEST?! C’mon, nothing touches Santa’s holiday magic.”
When pushed further, Pep -
permintwist jingled a bell into the phone and hung up.
Without infringing on our journalistic duties, we would have to agree with the elf lawyer—Cherry Creek North’s holiday lights are impressive, along with their premier hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and spas.
Certainly, it’s the best place in Denver for the holidays. Though, in an effort to avoid the Naughty List, we will concede that it’s difficult to compete with real holiday magic.
Peppermintwist filed an injunction earlier this week and held a press conference outside the courthouse demanding a formal response from the district. As of press time, Cherry Creek North has not issued a statement.
The elfin attorney also took to social media to apply public pressure, while the district has continued with its schedule of festive holiday events including Saturday Night Lights, a dance party meets holiday magic (December 6th, 13th, & 20th), and its Holiday Market featuring local makers.
While the legal dispute continues, visitors to Cherry Creek North (Pole™) can expect the annual display of good cheer, one million lights, and seasonal programming to go on as planned.
Starting
STEP
Have
STEP
Select
STEP
Love
WARM UP WITH FALL FLAVORS
AT THE KOELBEL LIBRARY CAFE
KOELBEL LIBRARY 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial Pumpkin Spice
Harvest Moon Mocha Chocolate and Orange
Honey Nut Harvest Honey and Hazelnut
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL AT THE VILLAGE CENTER, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLORADO 80113, AT 6:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025 (SECOND AND FINAL READING), TO CONSIDER FOR ADOPTION COUNCIL BILL 4, SERIES 2025 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE REPEALING AND RE-ENACTING ARTICLES I THROUGH VIII, REPEALING AND REPLACING ARTICLES IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, AND ENACTING A NEW ARTICLE XIV OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING BUILDING AND FIRE REGULATIONS; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE 2020 NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING STANDARD, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE, THE 2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE, AND THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF; RELOCATING THE TEXT OF ARTICLES IX THROUGH XIII WITHIN CHAPTER 18 AND UPDATING CROSS-REFERENCES THEREIN; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH.
THE PURPOSE OF THE REFERENCED CODES ARE GENERALLY TO REGULATE AND CONTROL THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, QUALITY OF MATERIALS, USE AND OCCUPANCY, LOCATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES WITHIN THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE AND TO PROVIDE MINIMUM STANDARDS TO SAFEGUARD LIFE OR LIMB HEALTH, PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WELFARE FROM THE HAZARDS OF FIRE EXPLOSION AND DANGEROUS CONDITIONS ARISING FROM STORAGE, HANDLING, AND USE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND DEVICES IN THE USE OR OCCUPANCY OF BUILDINGS OR PREMISES. ALL REFERENCED CODES AND AMENDMENTS THERETO ARE AVAILABLE FOR
PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLORADO 80113. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSAL, PLEASE CALL THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT 303-783-2721.
ALL PROTESTS OR COMMENTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING ON OR BEFORE THE HEARING DATE, OR BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Published in The Villager First Publication: November 20, 2025 Last Publication: November 27, 2025 Legal # 31131
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025, AT 5:00 P.M. FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING A SITE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR RENOVATIONS TO THE PUTTING AND CHIPPING AREA AT 4125 S. UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD (CHERRY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB).
THE APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE AT WWW. CHERRYHILLSVILLAGE.COM/ HEARINGS OR AT THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80113, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. OR YOU MAY CALL 303-783-2729 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
PROTESTS OR COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80113 OR PWORKMAN@CHERRYHILLSVILLAGE.COM ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING, OR BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Published in The Villager Published: November 20, 2025 Legal # 31132
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Arapahoe Libraries Board of Trustees
The Arapahoe Libraries Board of Trustees (the “Board”) invites interested residents to apply for an open position.
The Board is a seven-member governing, policy-making board. The Board is responsible for a $53 million budget, nine facilities, and the policies for funding and operating these facilities.
Arapahoe Libraries serves all of Arapahoe County except the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Aurora. It also serves a small portion of Adams County that is within the Deer Trail School District. New Trustees are recommended by the Board and confirmed by the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners and the Deer Trail School District Board of Education, the two governmental entities that formed the District in 1966.
The time commitment for Trustees is substantial. The Board meets on the third Tuesday of every month beginning at 5:30 p.m. (dates and times are occasionally changed.) Meetings are scheduled on a rotating basis at the various District libraries. In addition to the 2-4 hours of reading to prepare for each meeting, trustees must also commit to attending some library events, study sessions, and occasional workshops, conferences and related meetings. An iPad will be provided for Board reading material.
Besides your time and interest in the Library, the most important qualification is a sincere commitment to provide the best possible library service to the residents of the entire District. Experience interpreting financial statements is also encouraged. Applicants must live within the Arapahoe Library District service area to serve on the board.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the functions of the volunteer position.
Interested persons should complete the online application found at https://arapahoelibraries.org/board-of-trustees.
Applications must be received by Wednesday December 17, 2025 at 4:00 pm. For further information please contact Oli Sanidas, Executive Director, at 303-792-8987.
Published in The Villager
First Publication: November 13, 2025
Last Publication: December 4, 2025
Legal # 31114
NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF KINGS POINT SOUTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Kings Point South Metropolitan District No. 2 (the “District”), City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that
STATE OF NEW MEXICO
COUNTY OF SOCORRO SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case No.: D-725-CV-2024-00099 REO
TRUST 2017- RPL1, Plaintiff, vs. NINFA ARCHULETA AKA
NINFA A. ARCHULETA; NINFA ARCHULETA, THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ANICETO B. ARCHULETA, DECEASED; JEANNE JOJOLA, KNOWN HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ANICETO B. ARCHULETA, DECEASED; ALFRED ARCHULETA, KNOWN HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ANICETO B. ARCHULETA, DECEASED; ANNIE ARCHULETA, KNOWN HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ANICETO B. ARCHULETA, DECEASED; LEOPOLDO ARCHULETA II, KNOWN HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ANICETO B. ARCHULETA, DECEASED; HOUSEHOLD REALTY CORPORATION, Defen-
dants . NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION STATE OF NEW MEXICO to Defendants, Ninfa Archuleta The Personal Representative Of The Estate Of Aniceto B. Archuleta, deceased, Jeanne Jojola, Known Heir of the Estate of Aniceto B. Archuleta, deceased, Alfred Archuleta, Known Heir of the Estate of Aniceto B. Archuleta, deceased, and Leopoldo Archuleta II, Known Heir of the Estate of Aniceto B. Archuleta, deceased to be published on: You are hereby notified that the above-named Plaintiff Reo Trust 2017- Rpl1 has filed a civil action against you in the above-entitled Court and cause, the general object thereof being to foreclose a mortgage on real property located at 1001 Spring Street, Socorro, NM 87801. The real property which is the subject matter of this action is legally described as follows: THE
one or more vacancies currently exist on the Board of Directors of the District. Any qualified, eligible elector of the District interested in serving on the Board of Directors for the District should file a Letter of Interest with the Board by 8:00 a.m. on December 1, 2025.
Letters of Interest should be sent to Kings Point South Metropolitan District No. 2, c/o WBA, PC, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 2000, Centennial, CO 80122.
KINGS POINT SOUTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO.2
By:/s/ WBA, PC
Attorneys at Law
Published in The Villager
Published: November 20, 2025 Legal # 31133
\NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED 2026 BUDGET AND AMENDMENT OF 2025 BUDGET OAK PARK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed Budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Oak Park Metropolitan District (“District”) for fiscal year
2025 Budget, if necessary, at public hearings to be held during a special meeting scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 24, 2025 via Zoom. Meeting access information and the meeting agenda may be obtained from the District’s website: https://www.oakparkmd.org/
adoption of the proposed 2026 Budget and Amended 2025 Budget, if necessary.
OAK PARK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
By: /s/Bruce Wilhelm President of the District Board
Published in The Villager Published: November 20, 2025 Legal # 31134
FOLLOWING TRACT OF LAND SITUATE IN SECTION 21 OF THE SOCORRO GRANT; BEGINNING AT CORNER NO. 1, THE NE CORNER OF THE TRACT DESCRIBED WHICH IN COMMON CORNER 21 OF SURVEY 535, TRACT 2, WHENCE THE CORNER COMMON TO SECTIONS 15, 16, 21, AND 22 OF THE SOCORRO GRANT BEARS N. 46° 47’ E., 4380.0 FEET; THENCE, 50° 43’E., 102.2 FEET TO THE CORNER 2; THENCE, S. 88° 05’W., 160.0 FEET TO THE CORNER 3; THENCE, N 00° 43’W., 111.2 FEET TO THE CORNER 4; THENCE, S. 88° 37’E., 160.0 FEET TO THE CORNER 1; THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. BEING PART OF SURVEY 535, TRACT 2, LOCATED ON SPRING STREET IN THE CITY OF SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO. If there is a conflict between the
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.
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
SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST
FRI., JAN. 30, 7:30-10:15 a.m. at DCSD Legacy Campus. Keynote speaker: Rob Cohen, Chairman & CEO of the IMA Financial Group, Inc. and National Women’s Soccer League Controlling Owner. Keystone Speaker: Henry Sobanet, Chief Financial Officer/Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration & Government Relations, Colo. State University. Info@bestchamber.com
38TH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR
DEC. 6, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Goodson Recreation Center. Local artists with a variety of homemade items. Admission & parking free.
FRIENDS OF NURSING CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON AND MUSICAL CONCERT
SAT., DEC. 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please join us for a delicious lunch and a fun Christmas Shoppe and Silent Auction at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood,
5111DTC Parkway in Greenwood Village. Enjoy a beautiful musical performance featuring headlining Soprano, Christie Conover. Rick Crandall is the emcee with two-time Friends of Nursing Scholarship Recipient, Sean Simpson, giving an update on his nursing career following his graduation. For ticket information, call 720-8913412.
JINGLE JAM - HOLIDAY AFTERNOON
SAT., DEC. 6, 1-4 p.m. at Centennial Center Park. Free, family-friendly celebration. Dancers, Centennial elementary & middle school choirs with holiday favorites. Free holiday cookies, hot chocolate & cider, write letters to Santa, magical snow globes for a fun photo opportunity.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY HOLIDAY EVENT
SAT., DEC. 13, 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Holiday shopping village with Santa, music, food trucks, games & more.
11:30 a.m. - Yeti Set Go! 5 K run. Visit arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/visitthevillage
THE VILLAGE TOY DRIVE FOR VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA COLORADO
TUE., DEC. 16, 5-7:00 p.m. Annual wrapping party at First American State Bank, 8390 E. Crescent tParkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village. Hearty appetizers and drinks provided.
SAVE THE DATE
FRIDAY, JAN. 30 7:30-10:00 a.m. Economic Forecast Breakfast sponsored by South Metro Denver Chamber.
CLUB 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 a.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. 303-7574774.
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/Black-BaseballsHeyday/
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
COLORADO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
THURS., FEB. 5, 2026. Hyatt Regency Denver at Colo. Conv. Center. Register: Coloradobusinesshalloffame.org
GE TREE SERVICE
Trusted & Reliable for 20 years. A Certified
2026 Mazda3 Carbon Edition
The 2026 Mazda3 Is A Fun Driving Experience
The Mazda brand is making a strong impact on the U.S. auto industry with quality vehicles at moderate prices. Mazda vehicles, for the most part, are assembled in Hofu, with Japanese parts including engines and transmission. Unclear if, and when, they may move some assembly facilities to the United States. But the quality of their vehicles is outstanding and very competitive to all brands.
The test car driven this week is a Mazda3 Cardon Edition with all-wheel drive with a manu-
facturer’s suggested list price of $31,360 with several options of floor mats, illuminated door sill trim plates and navigation 3D card, adding an additional $1,265 to the MSRP. This is an amazing price for an all-wheel drive four-door sedan. This Mazda3 has a sports car design and performs like a sports car with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower linked
to a Skyactiv drive with a sport mode selection. The versatile transmission can be downshifted easily for mountain driving with a simple shift knob movement. The Mazda3 has amazing performance and driving per- fection. It seems to love curves and likes to go fast.
The “Polymetal Gray” metallic paint adds to the sporty appearance, along with the 18”
Arborist, Licensed & Insured, Family Owned & Operated.Free estimates. Call 303-500-2017. www.coloradotreeremoval.com
THE GARDENS GARDEN CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW OWNERSHIP
Locally family-owned-and operated. 9542 S. Univ. Bvld., 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
Appointments : 303-970-9514.
COWBOY MOVING & STORAGE
Commercial & Residential Moves - Also, load & hold. Call 303-789-2200.
GRAND OPENING - MT. FUJI
SUSHI-HIBACHI
The Streets of Southglenn - 6850 S. Gaylord, Centennial. 303-997-0888. mtjujisushico.com
THE AUDIOLOGY METHOD
Schedule a hearing test. 7180 - 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 720-592-0252
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 Reviews. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-969-5386.
black alloy wheels and all-season tires. All LED lights add to the sharp nighttime visual drive. A power sliding glass moonroof is always appreciated along with the rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated side-mirrors with memory positioning.
The interior features red leather trimmed seats with a power driver seat with lumbar support. Both front seats are heated, and the rear seats have fold down 60/40 split to enhance room for skis, snowboards, et al. Adding to the sports car mystic, both the steering wheel and shift knob are leather wrapped. Driving a smaller vehicle in a constant flow of tailgating trucks that seem to want to rule the highway… safety features
ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING
Upscale dining, engaging events and activities. Call 720-684-5913. 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 303-215-0333.
SEMION BARBERSHOP FOR ALLMEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN
5910 S. Univeristy Blvd., Greenwood Village. 720-531-3998.
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 RISK-FREE TRIAL
.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
OWN YOUR STORAGE OR FLEX WAREHOUSE SPACE Visit MYDREAMSTORAGECO.COM
PARKSIDE VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
14501 E. Crestline Drive, Aurora. Lunch is on usschedule your tour today. 720-315-7778 or visit ParksideVillageRetirement.com
By H. Throttle
are important. A driver’s warning alert is appreciated along with lane departure warning system with lane keep assist. The latest radar cruise control helps keep the speed compliant with speed signs. Additional blind spot monitoring is vital along with some stout 4-wheel disk brakes. A full range of airbags including knee, front and rear side impact airbags with side air curtains add to the overall safety. The engineers have added every safety feature to this Mazda3 that has been developed for passenger safety.
The Mazda3 got a nifty 34 mpg. on the freeway with 28 mpg overall. This vehicle is a lesson in smart technology, safety, and performance with attractive pricing. Mazda has a full line of larger vehicles and styles.
This Mazda3 is very impressive and fun to drive.
Pre-Order Thanksgiving Packages. Bring Thanksgiving
Make hosting easy (and delicious) with our Thanksgiving Heat & Serve Packages — fully prepared, beautifully balanced, and ready to impress. Choose from our Classic Thanksgiving Packages plus a curated selection of sides and appetizers that elevate your holiday table.
Deadline To Order Online Thursday, Nov 20, 9pm
Pick Up From Oliver’s Italian (Greenwood Village) Wednesday, Nov 26, between 1pm-5pm
Gather your family and friends and give thanks with us this Thanksgiving. You’re invited to a cozy 3-course feast featuring favorites like roast turkey, filet mignon, sea scallops, and chicken saltimbocca — all served with family-style sides, fresh salad, and your choice of dessert. Make it a true Italian celebration with a La Famiglia pasta course for the table. Reserve now for Thanksgiving Day! $65.99 per guest | Kids Plate $24.99 Seating
Oliver’s Italian, part of Shucking Good Hospitality, is located at 4950