• Our boutique gift store is alive with Christmas decor, faux trees, ornaments and unique gifts
• Certified Organic Maple Syrup from the Hudson Valley in New York
• Amaryllis bulbs ready for the season
Heights and Widths
Saturday, Dec. 6th 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Gardens will supply the ornaments, acrylic paints & markers, organic elements and stencils to create your own memorable ornament. Great fun for the kids!
The Transformational Power of Patience
Years ago, when I was dating my now husband, I watched him unravel tangled Christmas lights. As he gently and carefully unraveled three twisted strands from a chaotic, tightly packed pile, my heart softened and opened to his character and endurance in tackling such a complicated task.
Patience is one of the simplest virtues to recognize but among the hardest to practice. It requires us to wait even when our instincts urge us to rush. It challenges our desire for instant answers, quick fixes, and immediate gratification. Still, patience remains the quiet power that guides us toward happiness, contentment, peace, and healthier relationships.
We live in a world where almost everything is just one click away. Food arrives within minutes, messages are sent instantly, and expectations grow even faster. Waiting often feels like an inconvenience, a delay, or even a failure. Yet, some of the most important things in life cannot be hurried; healing, forgiveness, growth, love, trust, and truth all require time.
I heard a story about a father teaching his daughter how to grow sunflowers. She planted the seeds and diligently watered them, but within a week, she became frustrated. “They’re not doing anything!” she cried. Her father smiled and said, “The magic is happening where you cannot see.” Weeks later, tall sunflowers reached toward the sky, proof that beautiful things happen in unseen places long before they appear before our eyes. That is patience: trusting the process even when there is no visible progress.
A recent example of patience is when we sold our home in Greenwood Village. Wanting to downsize and be part of a community (not just a neighborhood), we chose Heritage Eagle Bend (HEB), a 55+ active community. Since the community is so popular, we couldn’t find a home. For two years, we were homeless, bouncing between renting an apartment and traveling abroad. Our realtor, who lived in HEB, sent us listings, but by the time we opened the computer to view the details, the house was already under contract. Getting frustrated, we were ready to give up and look elsewhere. However, I always held out hope that we would find something. Then a miracle happened: on a cruise, we met another couple who were
randomly assigned to our dining table. During the pleasantries of getting to know each other, they announced they were from Denver, lived in HEB, and were selling their home. I almost pole-vaulted into their laps. As it turned out, we did not buy their home, but because of this serendipitous meeting, we were alerted to another home on their street and purchased the house. Because we were patient, something extraordinary awaited us.
In relationships, patience is the glue that keeps people together. Misunderstandings occur. People grow at different
rates. Dreams develop on different timelines. With children, patience becomes a form of love that shows them they are safe. A child learning to tie their shoes or manage their emotions needs someone who can sit beside them without rushing, shaming, or fixing everything too quickly. Patience says, “You can take your time. I’m here.” Few messages provide more comfort or security. Patience is hard. It challenges us, humbles us, and reveals our vulnerabilities. But through that challenge, we grow calmer and become kinder to ourselves and others. We see that waiting isn’t wasted time; it’s the fertile ground where faith, resilience, and character develop. This season, when everything moves so fast, be patient with others. It will transform you. joneen@ narme.org
Print Will Never Die…A Look Back
Nostalgia sweeps over me this week as I took the first edition of The Villager newspaper from my office wall resting in a historic bindery.
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
The issue is dated Vol. 1. No.1, December 2, 1982. The front page features a beautiful color photo of the “Splendor of the Rocky Mountains.” The leading news story relates the purchase of “The Squire” mail permit from Jerry Brock, publisher of The Douglas County News
A new masthead heralded the arrival of The Villager that has endured for 44 years. The newspaper was greeted with enthusiasm by Bob St. Clair, mayor of Cherry Hills Village, and mayor Fred Fisher of Greenwood Village. Two complimentary letters were published, praising the new arrival. Mayor Fisher stated it
well when he wrote, “It is very helpful for those of us involved in local government to have activities reported to our citizenry accurately and on a timely basis. Your success in providing this communication will be a significant public service.”
Mayor St. Clair also added his congratulations …”I wish you luck and encourage you in your role as liaison between the city and its residents.” He concluded … “As we come to grips with traffic and related problems of growth, free exchange of information and opinions between residents and the council will be imperative. I look forward to your help as we strive together to keep Cherry Hills the sort of place in which to raise our children and grandchildren.”
It has been an amazing trip through 44 years. We have made
many wonderful friends and featured so many interesting residents and businesses of these cities. We assisted in the rise of Centennial; our governmental reporter Betty Wotring, served on the first city council of the newly formed City of Centennial. With the growth and importance of Arapahoe County we have expanded the growing footprint of The Villager across the entire county with features and news of importance to county residents. With a small, but award-winning staff, we do the best we can to capture local news on the homefront. Many of the stories and features would have been lost in time without The Villager’s vigilance. We have accepted the responsibilities, as described by the two past incumbent mayors welcoming us aboard.
We continue the challenge, greeting new city council members and one new mayor for the
Gen Zers Are Becoming Political Kingmakers, But No One Speaks Their Language
Gen Z and Millennials will make up 60% of the votes in upcoming elections.
The successful leaders will have done the work and articulated the principles that motivate this up-and-coming group. The old platitudes will not work. Neither will the old political parties…
They reject the petulant baby-boomers vitriol and want answers to hard questions. These are the same questions every generation asks. Its just gotten very real for this generation and they want workable answers. Not platitudes.
The excesses of past generations have finally come home to roost. The national debt crushes the younger generation’s ability to afford a home. Excessive federal spending on pipe dreams, like renewable energy, have robbed this generation of a reasonable life style or career.
They want a strong, vibrant,
free-market economy because they can work hard and smart and get ahead on their own efforts. They don’t want anything handed to me because it weakens their spirit.
They are tired of people who always kick the can down the road and say: “let’s have a new government program to fix the problem.”
Well, the movers and shakers of this generation see through that nonsense.
They’ve seen the Federal Reserve destroy the buying power of their dollars. By allowing inflation to cut into the buying power (dollar devaluation) of their money.
They’ve seen a morally corrupt education system promise everything and deliver nothing. It’s become a system that tells what to think, instead of teaching students how to think.
They’ve seen a welfare and entitlement system create generations of despondent victims unable
to break the bonds of a government handout.
They see their government hiring and paying bureaucrats at their expense, while they suffer under student loan debt and are unable to afford a starter house.
They’ve seen their taxes and fees go through the roof, but all this government spending is going to someone that didn’t earn the money.
They’d like to keep more of what they earned.
They are intrigued by Tribalism because early on it resembles Patriotism. But later, they see its danger. Tribalism leads to the tyranny of the majority over the minority, just like the concept of democracy.
They are tolerant of differing lifestyles and different ideas. They respect your religious beliefs, but draw the line at anyone telling them what to think and what to believe.
They respect the various religious beliefs others hold, but
City of Centennial. It has been a great honor and pleasure to work with all of the mayors and council members down through the past four decades.
Today we have the largest readership in the newspaper’s history with print and digital circulation with a wonderful award-winning staff.
Many of our original subscribers are still with us and some still subscribing to The Villager in some of the excellent assisted living facilities in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
The Villager is in good hands with the vigilant and professional work of publisher Gerri Sweeney and our new co-publisher Susan Sweeney Lanam. The torch is being passed as the years fly by, and we all attempt to adjust to social media and life’s challenges.
I do know this after 44 years, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
demand their inalienable right to think for themselves. They respond to enlightenment, but reject any form of dictate, guilt or coercion.
These generations are not monolithic, but highly diverse. One group says that capitalism has failed and its time to try a new way, like socialism. The other group says capitalism has been thwarted at every turn by a federal bureaucracy mad with its own importance. They want a free-of-government- interference-markets. They want true capitalism and truly free markets in which they decide, not some bureaucrat.
Gen Z and Millennials will, and are, getting their turn at the wheel of life. I only hope they will learn from our efforts and clearly see the path ahead.
Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank, a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. There is a direct connection between individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.
EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com
The
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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.
Cherry Creek High School & District bond project update
On November 24, Cherry Creek High School
Principal Ryan Silva and members of the design and construction team for the rebuilding of Cherry Creek High School presented an update on the construction at that site. They also laid out the big picture for the rebuild of the entire campus after what they hope is another successful bond election in 2028, and possibly, another one after that.
Of the $950 bond issue approved by Cherry Creek School District voters in November 2024, $220 million will be spent at Cherry Creek High School.
In Spring 2026, the two CCSD administrative buildings on Union Avenue just east of Yosemite Street will be demolished. The district administrative staff will permanently relocate to nearby offices in the DTC, located in Denver.
In fall 2026, new tennis courts and a new turf field will be completed in Belleview Park, while two new buildings get underway that will become a math and science academic building and a new athletics building, expected to be completed in summer 2028.
The final construction aspect at the CCHS campus that will be funded from the 2024 bond is construction of a new north parking lot for CCHS, west of the Stutler Bowl, which will be near the new
designated main drop-off for CCHS students from Union Avenue, as well as the demolition of the existing West building, built in 1955, in fall 2028. Other upgrades that will occur districtwide, including at CCHS, from the 2024 bond, include large touchscreen flat-panel screens, replacing outdated technology, at a cost of $18 million, in classrooms across the district, and upgraded and consistent audio-visual equipment in all district high school auditoriums at a cost of $2 million.
Other construction projects in the district being funded by the 2024 bond issue, begun immediately after its passage, along with their budgeted cost and expected completion date, are:
$80 million and be completed by December 2027. Also from those bond proceeds, $244.6 million has been budgeted for 18 specific maintenance projects at schools across the district. Those are scheduled to be completed by December 2028.
CCSD anticipates another bond issue in November 2028, which it plans to use to build another academic building and an arts building on the CCHS campus, along with an expansion of the Phase 1 athletic building that will feature a new swimming pool.
Over 100 community members, along with Greenwood Village City Council Members Donna Johnston, Katrin Mezger, and Tom Stahl, attended the presentation.
knowledged that the new footprint of the high school would be larger than the current one and passing periods during construction might need to be adjusted to allow students to safely move around the construction between classes.
noise associated with that activity to the sound of tennis balls being hit.
When a community member asked about the rebuilding of Belleview Elementary and Campus Middle School, a member of the design team assured the questioner that the high school buildings were being designed to accommodate future construction of the other two schools. It was unclear whether the two smaller schools would be rebuilt in Phase 2 that will hopefully begin after a successful November 2028 bond issue, or a future Phase 3, but it was stated that there will be renovations at both the middle and elementary schools during the interim to bring their current facilities up to date, compared to newer schools built more recently in the eastern part of the district.
Spending on safety and security, districtwide, from the 2024 bond, will cost
In response to questions from the audience, CCHS Principal Ryan Silva ac-
A neighbor who lives near the location where CCHS will build new tennis courts asked Principal Silva if the new courts will be available to be used only by CCHS students. Silva said, “Our tennis courts are open all the time. People are up at our facilities all the time. That doesn’t mean we want them at our facilities all the time. It does say (signs) that you shouldn’t use them without permission, but we rarely can enforce that. The courts are not locked. There is a sprinkling of people who use them on the weekend.” He noted that the location where the new tennis courts will be built is currently used for other sports on the weekend, such as club lacrosse programs, comparing the
Another community member asked Silva what the capacity and projected enrollment is for CCHS. Silva responded, “If you look at projections for CCHS, in coming years, we are supposed to decrease in size. There are smaller birth classes that are coming, so that means we should probably go down to about 3,500. I’ve been at Cherry Creek for 26 years and we’ve been told that we’re going to be at 3,500 to 3,200 for about 15 years. This year, we’re going to graduate our largest senior class that we’ve had since the 1990s, with 1,000+ students. This year, our enrollment is 3,780. When I first became principal 17 years ago, we weren’t supposed to be as big as we are right now. We continue to be bigger than what we’re projected to be.” He said the school’s capacity is 4,000 students and it was at that mark just before the COVID pandemic hit, but has gone down by about 200 in the past five years.
CCSD maintains an interactive and highly detailed section on its website about construction and the ongoing use of bond proceeds at https://www.cherrycreek schools.org/2024-mill-andbond/2024-mill-and-bond.
Birds eye view of Cherry Creek High School after Phase 2 of the rebuild is completed
Redevelopment of Marilyn Hickey property comes back to GV Council for more changes
On December 1, the Greenwood Village City Council unanimously approved several changes to the site development plan and final plat for the property at 8081 E. Orchard Road that formerly housed the Marilyn Hickey Ministries and has been boarded up for more than five years.
Well over a year ago, on September 16, 2024, GV City Council approved the site development plan (SDP) and a special use permit (SUP) for the developer, Alberta Development Partners (Alberta), to demolish the 10.2-acre property at 8081 E. Orchard Road and redevelop it as commercial on the western five acres and residential on the eastern five acres. Construction was expected to commence soon after.
The changes requested by Alberta on December 1 were to add 22 parking spaces and designated locations on the property for permanent and temporary emergency power generators and a recycling trash enclosure. All three new requests were from planned tenant Whole Foods, according to project architect Michael Mulhern.
After analysis, city staff noted that approval of the three requests would not substantially impact any of the criteria previously used for approval of the project.
Included with the plan then and now are a westbound deceleration lane and
right-only access into the development from westbound Orchard Road, along with a new traffic signal light at the west end of the project, and new sidewalks on Orchard Road and on Dorado Place.
The commercial five acres of the property is comprised of a 35,000-square-foot building for a “high-end grocer,” recently acknowledged to be Whole Foods, and two 4,000-square-foot smaller buildings to house other businesses.
The five residential acres of the property, for which the primary access is the to-be-constructed Dorado Place, are comprised of 54 attached townhomes, dispersed among 13 buildings, containing two to seven units each. It will be gated, thus not accessible by car to shoppers at Whole Foods or the other businesses in the remaining commercial buildings. City staff determined that the density of the 54 townhomes on five acres was five per acre by calculating it based on the entire 10 acres of the property, even though the residential and commercial are separately demarcated on the plan and do not overlap.
According to the minutes of the September 24, 2024 city council meeting, staff “explained that the GV Municipal Code does not define how to apply density, and in the absence of that, staff used common
sense and best practices… looking at the development (as) one large cohesive project and understanding the comprehensive plan intends to have lower density residential.”
The comprehensive plan, which states current city council policy and is not law, calls for no more than four residential units per acre in that location. Using the actual part of the property on which all the townhomes are situated would result in a calculation of 10 units per acre, and at least one member of city council on September 16, 2024, noted that, it “looked a lot denser than five units per acre.”
After the council approved the project on a 5-0 vote last year (Councilmembers Donna Johnston, Anne Ingebretsen, and Ann Nelson were absent), Don Provost, principal of Alberta, informed GV that his company would develop the commercial five acres of the site but that a different company would build the townhomes because Alberta is not a residential builder. He also assured council members that at least the commercial portion of the project, beginning with demolishing the existing building, would begin in a few months.
No demolition or other evidence of redevelopment has occurred in the 14 months since.
Before they voted on
December 1, council members and the mayor asked questions about how adding 22 parking spaces to the site did not adversely effect the flow of traffic within the property.
Council Member Bob Doyle asked Provost how residents will be able to access the Whole Foods and other commercial property from the north. Provost said, “If you’re walking from Landmark, you’ll be able to walk, using Dorado Avenue, to Whole Foods,” adding that if people are driving, they will have to go to Orchard Road to get into the property.
Mayor Lantz wanted to know when Provost would begin construction, noting, “Last time I asked you this question, it was going to be about a year ago, right now, you were going to start tearing down. What’s your anticipated time line now?”
When Provost responded, “As quickly as possible,” the mayor said, “Help me understand that, please.” Provost answered, “I wish I could tell you. The process we have to go through with the State of Colorado to get a demolition permit…. We’re in the process of that. Then we’ll come to the city to get a demolition permit…” When the mayor asked how long he thought it would take to get the state demolition permit, Provost said he had no experience with that, that he’d never demolished a building before that required a permit.
On November 18, 2025, Alberta representatives also received a unanimous recommendation for approval of the changes they sought
from the Planning & Zoning Commission (P & Z). During that meeting, P & Z Commissioner Rich Easton asked Provost why the project was taking so long to get started. Provost replied, “There is not a more motivated party than myself. I don’t want to continue to carry this property and have the burden of that one day longer than I need to.” (He bought it in spring 2017). Provost continued, “Whole Foods is a very complicated organization to deal with,” noting that being owned by Amazon has made decision-making at Whole Foods more cumbersome, but, he explained, “We need to be responsive to their corporate structure and requests.”
Also at the P & Z meeting, Commissioner Jeff Litman asked Provost when the construction of the townhomes would start. Provost said that it could not begin until he constructed a pad for the residential builder, and, “In order to deliver the townhome pad, we have to demo the entire site, and they (the residential builder) need to put in a lot of services: water, sewer, roads, curb, gutter, all that other stuff (which) takes six to nine months, (during which) the builder will typically start construction of a model home and 15 to 20 of the 54 homes.” He predicted the pad would be complete so the residential builder could begin the process of installing utilities by late spring or summer of 2026.
Ethics complaints for mixing funds filed against Michael Bennet for Governor campaign
The Colorado Secretary of State reports that two ethics complaints have been filed against Michael Bennet and his campaign committee in the 2026 Colorado governor’s race by Alyssa Holladay, on September 24, 2025 and November 4, 2025.
On November 17, the Secretary of State issued a “Notice of Initial Review, Consolidation, and Opportunity to Cure,” combining both complaints, because they rely on “a common set of operative facts,” and the applicable rules support doing so.
Ms. Holladay asserts that Mr. Bennet, who is a sitting United States senator, is currently an active candidate for re-election to the Senate in 2028, while simultaneously an active
candidate for Colorado governor in 2026. But, she says, “There is no discernible or even nascent campaign to support Bennet’s 2028 Senate reelection—no campaign website, no opponent, no announced staff, and no public announcement stating his run for reelection to the Senate. Yet, despite this nonexistent Senate reelec-
tion campaign, the Bennet Senate Reelection campaign still spent heavily from Bennet Senate Reelection campaign funds….” leading one to conclude that Bennet is “operating two campaigns in a way that strongly appear to be backfilling Bennet for Governor campaign costs using Bennet Senate Reelection campaign money. Such an arrangement is illegal under Art. XXVII, Section 3(6) of the Colorado Constitution.”
The Colorado Constitution prohibits a candidate’s candidate committee to accept campaign contributions from another candidate committee, established under federal law. In her complaints, Ms. Holladay presents examples of significant expenditures made by the Bennet Senate Re-
election committee between April 1 and September 30 of this year that she asserts were for the benefit of the Bennet for Governor committee, constituting an unreported and illegal contribution from Bennet’s senate reelection committee to his election for governor committee.
The Campaign Finance Enforcement division of the Secretary of State’s Office, in its November 17 notice, concludes that the complaint alleges “sufficient facts to support a factual and legal basis for the violations of law alleged…but that one or more of the alleged violations may be curable,” and the Bennet gubernatorial campaign has the opportunity to respond, but must do so by December 3.
A third complaint was
filed against Bennet by Jeffrey Ethan Au Green on November 20. Au Green filed a similar complaint against Bennet’s main Democratic opponent in the race for governor. In both complaints, Au Green asserts that he used “data-analysis formulas” (such as AI) to conclude that information about donors that was required to be included, was not. The law states that information about donors who contribute $20 or less in cash need not be listed, and both campaigns appear to have followed that rule. The Secretary of State’s Campaign Enforcement Division has not yet responded to these two filings against Bennet and Weiser.
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet
When Zaya was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber, I felt both shock and relief. At last, we had answers and a new path to follow. While I knew a lot about autism, SturgeWeber was completely new to me.
The Sturge-Weber Foundation has been a lifeline, providing knowledge about seizures, glaucoma, and birthmarks, and more importantly—they gave us hope. Our biggest challenge has been adjusting financially to her many medical needs, but we’re taking it one day at a time and moving forward. We’re grateful for our incredible medical team who help us learn, understand, and study her birthmark, diagnosis, and arm growth.
If Zaya’s story moves you, please take a moment to visit Sturge-Weber.org to learn more and help support life-changing research that gives kids like Zaya a brighter future.
sturge-weber.org
Zaya
Empower future nurses to improve healthcare in Colorado communities
Friends of Nursing raises funds for scholarships through nine schools of nursing in Colorado: Adams State University, Colorado Christian University, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Metropolitan State University-Denver, Regis University, University of Colorado-Anschutz Campus, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and University of Northern Colorado.
Last April Friends of Nursing presented the largest sum of scholarship awards, such as these pictured, in its 44-year history, $170,000.00 to students at nine schools of nursing in Colorado. These nursing students will be improving healthcare in our Colorado communities for years to come.
Dear Supporter,
for supporting Friends of Nursing
To donate, please visit www.friendsofnursing.org, go to the Donate page, and click on PayPal.
We are reaching out today with an urgent and heartfelt request for your help in our 2025 Colorado Gives Day Campaign. As we approach the end of the year, Zuma’s Rescue Ranch is working hard to close the gap in funding for our 2025–2026 program costs—and we can’t do it without you.
Every dollar you give directly supports the horses and humans who depend on Zuma’s every single day. Your generosity keeps our gates open and our programs thriving.
Here’s what your support makes possible:
• 80 meals are served every day to our herd of rescued and sanctuary horses, totalling 3,300 pounds of hay/grain
• 160 hooves trimmed every six weeks to keep our horses healthy and sound
• 40 dental procedures per annum
• 80 fecal samples are collected, and read in the lab each month to prevent parasites/colic
• 15 clients per week are receiving subsidized mental health services through equine-assisted therapy
• 40 community service hours each month are offered to students, veterans, and volunteers in need of connection and purpose
These numbers represent far more than operations—they reflect lives saved and lives transformed. Every horse that finds safety here, and every person who finds healing through our programs, is a direct result of compassionate supporters like you.
Your contribution today ensures we can continue feeding, caring for, and empowering both horses and humans in the year ahead. Together, we can finish 2025 strong and step into 2026 with hope, stability, and purpose.
How you can help us is to go to the website below and set up your own Colorado Gives Day Fundraising Page for your favorite horse, or your favorite mental health program, Denver Children’s Home, or the DOD Veterans SkillBridge program.
Please take the time to create your page ASAP and set a fundraising goal. Zuma’s goal is $50,000 for this season! Please Help Us Help Them Jodi & Paul Messenich, Founders www.zumasrescueranch.com
YOUR
NURTURES
Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 65 years of presenting world-class ballet and innovative dance in Colorado. Your donation helps fund professional performances, training the next generation of artists, and making dance accessible to everyone and inclusive of all.
Scan the QR code to make a Colorado Gives Day gift. Your impact will be doubled thanks to a matching gift opportunity!
FRIENDS OF NURSING
Dianne Bartlett (donor of the Max and Dianne Bartlett Scholarship) with recipient Chika Ago Njoku attending University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Jeanne Taylor (donor of the Jerry Taylor Memorial Scholarship) with recipient Daniela Ramirez Castruita attending Regis University-Denver.
Six of the nine 2025 Amy Davis Scholars: Ay’rion Williams, CSU-Pueblo; Megan Huether, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; Elizabeth Kaschmitter, Colorado Christian University-Lakewood; Keara Harrington, University of Colorado, Anschutz Campus; Gabrielle Ligotke, Regis University-Denver; and Htoo Paw, Metropolitan State University-Denver.
Photo by Andrew Fassbender
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
Colorado Gives Day is officially underway—and early giving starts today!
This is Colorado’s biggest day of generosity, and it’s your chance to join thousands of neighbors making a real, meaningful difference. Your support helps Cancer League of Colorado fund service grants, research grants, and clinical trials with trusted partners across the state. Together, we’re pushing for hope, progress, and better outcomes for those affected by cancer.
Early Giving is Live — and Your Impact Goes Even Further!
From now through December 9, every donation you make is boosted by a $1M+ Incentive Fund from Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank. The more we raise, the bigger our share.
Even better, if you start a new monthly recurring donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first month’s gift up to $100. It’s an easy way to double your impact! And here’s the bonus:
Every early donation helps us gain momentum and increases our chance to earn additional funds from the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund. Give today and you’re already part of Colorado’s biggest day of giving.
How to Give ❤
Visit Cancer League’s Colorado Gives page
Click “Donate” and choose a one-time gift or set up a monthly donation. If you choose monthly, your first gift is matched— automatically!
We’re deeply grateful for your commitment and for standing with us in this mission. Thank you for helping us reach our $50,000 goal and for making a lasting impact. www.cancerleague.org
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:
“Our mission is to provide community support to families struggling after the tragic death of a child.” In Loving Memory Bladyn James Wayne Vogels. 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.
“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
the way through life-changing disability and community services for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers across Colorado.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Join BRRC in standing with children and families recovering from bullying. Your gift fuels healing, resilience, and belonging. Support The SWF this Colorado Gives Day to advance research for SturgeWeber, Birthmarks, & Glaucoma. Visit Sturge-Weber.org to learn more and make an
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
Help turn silent nights into seasons of connection. Your support provides 260,000+ nourishing meals filled with comfort, friendship, and hope for older adults.
Giving Senior Dogs In Colorado & Across The Country Their Forever Home On Their Good Days, Bad Days, & Last Days
to
the
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
humans in an animal-assisted therapy setting. http://coloradogives.org/ ZumasRescueRanch
“Horse Partners brings people and horses together for hope and healing. Alongside our horse partners, our licensed and certified staff serve the mental health needs of Veterans, trauma survivors, at-risk youth, couples, families, and individuals. Please partner with us in helping those who need a new way forward.”
WHEN YOU GIVE TO A PRECIOUS CHILD THIS COLORADO GIVES DAY...
$20
$40
$60
$100
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.
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.
HELP US SAY “YES” TO EVERY CHILD WHO WALKS THROUGH OUR DOORS BY DONATING TODAY! Give now at bit.ly/COGD-Donate
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.
Dr. Richard Schulick, Director of the CU Cancer Center and Maureen Shul, founder of Wings of Hope
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.
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.
Martyred Angels Grief Support
Spirit Horse and The Martyred Angels Foundation are honored to announce their collaboration to create the Martyred Angels Grief Support - Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy sessions for families that have undergone loss and are looking for support and healing. Each session utilizes Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, process support, and trauma informed care to help families look for ways to heal and find meaning in their sorrow. Therapy is paid in full by The Martyred Angels Foundation - A foundation set up to help families who are grieving and in need of financial assistance.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this group, please reach out to The Martyred Angels Foundation or email them at martyredangels501c3@gmail.com
“Our mission is to provide community support to families struggling after the tragic death of a child.” In Loving Memory Bladyn James Wayne Vogels.
Mora Jr.’s hire could be Sonny’s second coming
Could this be the dawn of a second stretch of Sonny Lubick-style prosperity for Colorado State’s football program?
Dan Hurley thinks so.
The head basketball coach of Connecticut’s back-to-back national champions (in 2023 and 2024) said as much after hearing that the Huskies’ head football coach was leaving Storrs for Fort Collins:
berths in four years, and nearly tripled home game attendance.
“We feel like we’re in a much better shape than we were four years ago,” Auriemma responded when asked for reaction to Mora Jr.’s departure. “That’s all because of what’s happened here since Jim took the job. Football’s not only fun to watch (now), it’s completely different than what people were used to.
“He elevated everything (at UConn). It brought hope back to a program that was in a pretty dire situation . . . It’s incredible, the job he did . . . He’s an awesome coach.”
Jim Mora Jr. was introduced on Monday at Canvas Stadium as CSU’s 25th head football coach (including two interims) in 126 years, telling a packed house that included many former players he doesn’t want to get carried away, but:
“Good times are ahead. We’re not going to put any limitations on what we can be.”
Mora Jr. comes to Fort Collins after four seasons as head coach at UConn, where he orchestrated a transformation similar to what Lubick achieved at CSU after he was hired in 1993.
In 2022, Huskies football was an afterthought at a school where even men’s basketball was hard-pressed for top-billing by Geno Auriemma’s perennially outstanding women. The program had endured 10 straight losing seasons, including 1-11 in 2021, under five head coaches., and was attracting only about 12,000 fans per game.
He leaves having engineered consecutive 9-3 seasons, compiled an overall 2723 record, earned three bowl
“There’s a level of excitement. And he did what really good coaches do. He put his stamp on the program. He was able to recruit to the culture that he wanted here.”
Lubick was well-liked in Fort Collins when he served as Leon Fuller’s offensive coordinator during the 198284 seasons, despite winning only 12 games. So much so, a decade later his choice was cheered when he returned as head coach.
The situation at CSU immediately before Lubick was very similar to what greeted Mora Jr.
In the 11 seasons before Sonny arrived, the Rams won only 47 times and had eight losing seasons. That included back-to-back seasons of 1-11 and 1-10 in 1987-88.
In Lubick’s first season, CSU improved to 5-6. In his second year, he coached the Rams to a 10-2 record—the first of 10 straight winning seasons—and was named the national coach of the year by Sports Illustrated magazine. In 15 years, he won 108 and lost 74.
Booster Pat Stryker donated $30 million to the football program, in large measure with the requirement that the field be named in Sonny’s honor. And in 2009, Lubick was inducted into the Colora-
do Sports Hall of Fame.
Mora Jr.’s departure caused quite a stir at UConn and, somewhat surprisingly, among some in college football circles nationally.
“I don’t know why he would do such a thing,” legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban said on the Pat McAfee Show.
But Auriemma and Hurley were not surprised. Nor do they begrudge his decision.
“As far as Jim leaving, I don’t think that’s a real big shocker,” Auriemma said. “I think Jim has tremendous ties to the west, and his family is out there.
“So, it’s disappointing for our fan base and for us here. But understandable, I think, given the job that he did here.”
Added Hurley, who declined a six-year, $70 million contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers following his second straight national collegiate championship to stay at UConn for $50 million:
“It’s emotional, and there are a lot of factors. You’re torn, because you love the place. I know Jim Mora loves UConn and his players. There’s a real emotional connection—you could see it on the sidelines with the way they competed and the seasons they had.
“But then there are other things. Family considerations. Where you’re from. Conferences. There are a lot of things in play when you have to make these choices.”
Born in Los Angeles, Mora Jr. lived in Boulder from seven through 12 when his dad was a CU Buffs assistant coach.
Also, CSU is moving to a new iteration of the Pac 12 Conference in 2026. Mora Jr. was UCLA’s head coach 2012-2017, compiling a 46-30 record and taking the Bruins to bowl games his first four seasons as head coach.
Whenever a new coach is introduced, he’s heralded as the long-term answer to that school’s future success and promises (as Mora did on Monday) to deliver. Only time will tell if this is true in his case.
But his time at UConn is cause for hope.
“Coach is as good as it gets in terms of a leader of an organization,” Hurley endorsed. “He changed the culture and the hope that he brought back to the university, the state, and the fan base with football . . . He’s an awesome coach, and he did a lot for UConn. I wish him well.”
Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net
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Margaret Rose Howell Cunningham passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025 in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by family.
Margaret was born on August 21, 1938 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Leon Howell and Maude Love Howell. She was proud of her Oklahoma roots, and her Bartlesville friends were important to her throughout her life. Margaret attended summer camp in the Colorado mountains and spent a summer at CU Boulder. These experiences were the initial foundation of her love affair with Colorado.
After high school graduation from College High in Bartlesville, Margaret attended Lindenwood College for one year and then transferred to the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a BA in History with a minor in French. Margaret was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and an avid OU Sooners football fan. In June of 1959, Margaret married her college sweetheart, Jim Cunningham. As newlyweds, they served as tour guides on European grand tours over two successive summers. Upon Jim’s law school graduation, Margaret and Jim moved to Denver where Jim took a job with the law firm of Dawson, Nagel, Sherman and Howard.
Once in Denver, Margaret taught briefly in the Denver Public school system but soon turned her attention
to her growing family. Margaret was an enthusiastic supporter of her kids’ activities, and she never missed a game, swim meet, dance, or musical performance. Margaret made sure that the house was always full of family, friends, and fun. The parties and celebrations at the Cunningham house were frequent (and often legendary) as Margaret loved to entertain.
All who knew Margaret were well aware of her commitment to the many organizations that she was involved with over the years. In the 1970s, Margaret began volunteering at KRMA Channel 6 (PBS) — chairing fundraising events including the Channel 6 Auction and Art Auction. She was an on-screen host for Channel 6 events for many years. Her work at Channel 6 led to Margaret being appointed to the National PBS Board of Directors where she served two four-year
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.
terms. She was very proud to have testified in front of Congress on the rewrite of the Federal Communications Act.
In addition to Margaret’s involvement with KRMA TV and PBS, Margaret served the Colorado community on numerous boards including the Rose Hospital Foundation board, the Colorado Supreme Court Judicial Advisory Council, the University of Colorado Health Center for Bioethics Advisory Board, the Colorado Supreme Court gender bias task force, the Samaritan Institute, the Opera Colorado board of directors, the Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation, the Sewell Rehabilitation board, the planning and zoning board of Cherry Hills, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science donor advisory board, the Fine Arts Foundation, and the Boy Scouts of America executive board to name a few.
Margaret also chaired fundraising galas for numerous organizations including the Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library, the Denver Zoo, the summer Debutante Ball, and the Fine Arts Foundation. Her hard work and leadership resulted in millions upon millions of dollars raised for these organizations.
Later in life, Margaret successfully sold the Worth Collection clothing line. As one of the best
dressed women in Denver, this was fitting, and she embraced the business.
Margaret loved to ski, play tennis and golf, but her great love was travel. Margaret stood on all seven continents and loved an adventure. Her travels took her everywhere from the Taj Mahal to the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, the savannahs of Africa, Rose City in Petra, the pyramids of Egypt, the penguins of Antarctica, and the streets of Samarkand. To her family, her travel schedule sounded exhausting, but to Margaret it was how she embraced life. She always said, “I never want to have to say, I wish I had.” She didn’t have to.
Margaret (known as “Rosie” to her grandchildren) is survived by her daughter, Amy Love Cunningham McCaskill and her husband, Matthew of Wilmington, North Carolina, her son, Christopher Howell Cunningham, and his wife Laura Bowers of Charlotte, North Carolina, and her four grandchildren: Crawford Howell Cunningham of Leavenworth, Washington, Edward James Cunningham of Seattle, Washington, Mary Catherine “Macy” Cunningham of Mazama, Washington, and Leo Christopher Cunningham of Seattle, Washington.
A celebration of Margaret’s life will be planned in early 2026 with details to follow.
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
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 CONCERNING PROPOSED BUDGET OF BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of Bennett Fire Protection District for the ensuing year of 2026; that a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the District at 355 4th Street, Bennett, Colorado, where the same is open for public inspection; and that such proposed budget will be considered at a public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held at 355 4th Street, Bennett, Colorado on December 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, inspect the budget and file or register any objections thereto.
BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
By: /s/ Royce D. Pindell Secretary
Published in The Villager
Published: December 4, 2025 Legal # 31182
INVITATION FOR BIDS
GOLDSMITH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
Sealed Bids for construction of the Belleview Avenue Median Landscape Project, addressed to Goldsmith Metropolitan District 8351 E. Belleview Avenue, Denver, CO 80237 will be received at the office of Goldsmith Metropolitan District, (Owner), until 1:00 p.m., local time, on the 8th day of January 2026. Any Bids received after the specified time will not be considered.
Bids will then be privately opened and read.
Bids are invited for the following: Belleview Avenue Median Landscape Project – Near 8351 E. Belleview Avenue, Denver, CO 80237. This project generally includes the purchase and installation of the following: removal and replacement of existing trees; soil preparation; mulch; construction of concrete landscape border; installation of boulders, shrubs, and ornamental grasses; installation of irrigation system; traffic and sediment control; and other.
Each Bid must be submitted on the prescribed Bid Form and accompanied by Bid security as prescribed in the Instructions to Bidders.
A Mandatory pre-bid and site visit will be at 1:00 pm on December 12th, 2025. Please bring your own personal protective equipment (COVID, hardhats, etc.) as it will not be provided (meet at 8351 E. Belleview Avenue, Denver, CO 80237).
The Successful Bidder will be required to furnish the additional bond(s) and insurance prescribed in the Bidding Documents.
For information concerning the proposed work and bid packages, contact Goldsmith Metropolitan District, telephone: (303) 773-1700. Goldsmith Metropolitan District
By: Rebecca Tejada, General Manager
Published in The Villager
Published: December 4, 2025 Legal # 31183
NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2026 BUDGET AND NOTICE CONCERNING 2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT CHAPPARAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget for the ensuing year of 2026 has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Chapparal Metropolitan District and that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a public hearing during a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the District to be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89490908816?pwd=asmaiA29FblZdD7cjJQ5 2usCsnSoa8.1 Meeting ID: 894 9090 8816 Passcode: 794743 One tap mobile +17207072699,,89490908816# US (Denver)
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an amendment to the 2025 budget of the District, if necessary, may also be considered at a public hearing held during the above-referenced regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
Copies of the proposed 2026 budget and, if necessary, the proposed amendment of the 2025 budgets are on file in the office of the District located at Community Resource Services of Colorado, LLC, 7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 100E, Greenwood Village, Colorado and are available for public inspection.
Any interested elector of the District may file or register any objections to the proposed 2026 budget and the proposed amendment of the 2025 budget at any time prior to the final
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.
COLORADO BALLET
CELEBRATES THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NUTCRACKER
NOV. 29-DEC. 28. Ellie Caulkins Opera House. colorado ballet.org
DENVER REPUBLICAN
FIRST FRIDAY BREAKFAST
FRI., DEC. 5, 7:30 a.m. Speaker Rep. Ryan Gonzalez at Morning Story Restaurant, 560 S. Holly St., Denver
15TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET
DEC. 6, 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hay rides, food trucks, mobile bar, kids crafts vendors. Zumas 90 acre horse ranch in Littleton. Scan the ad in the Dec. 4 Villager, page 8.
TOMMYKNOCKER HOLIDAY BAZAAR
DEC. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & DEC. 7 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Exclusive gifts from more than 30 local artisans. Set in Central City’s Historic Teller House. Cookie decorating, visit from Santa, coloring contest & more. Visit CentralCity.com/ events for details. Sponsored by Main Street Central City.
HAWK TALK & EAGLE WALK
SAT., DEC. 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Discover the powerful predators of the sky with the City of Aurora & the High Line Canal Conservancy. Location: Morrison Native Center. RSVP: 720767-2452.
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 twotime Friends of Nursing Scholarship Recipient, Sean Simpson, giving an update on his nursing career following his graduation. For ticket information, call 720-891-3412.
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.
CHERY CREEK
REPUBLICAN WOMEN
GENERAL MEETING/ LUNCHEON
TUE., DEC. 9, 11:00 a.m. Program: Induction of 2026-2027 CCRW officers and Holiday Entertainment: Young Heart Trio; Oldies: Country & Dance Songs. Pre-registration required by Tue., Dec. 2. Double Tree by Hilton, DTC, 780` E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. Free parking on West side, lower level. Cost is $38. www.cherrycreekrepublicanwomen. org or call 303-475-9148 for reservations.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
HOLIDAY - THEMED FUN DAY
SAT., DEC. 13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at AC Event Center. Santa visit, Holiday Shopping Village, Live Holiday Music, Mechanical Reindeer Ride, Petting Farm, Snowball Toss. Tickets $10 in advance/$12 day of event. Kids 2 & under free. $25 for Yeti Set Go 5 K Fun Run; includes free visit to the Village admission & fun run T-shirt. Donate a new, unwrapped gift for one free admission per household. Does not apply to 5K Run. Fun Run tickets at Arapahoecountyeventcenter.com
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 Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village. Hearty appetizers and drinks provided.
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
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 720377-7682.
WHAT’S NEW?
12TH ANNUAL THE VILLAGE TOY DRIVE
Donate New Toys (Ages 0-18). Drop off at First American State Bank, 8390 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village. Deadline for donations are Wed., Dec. 17. Volunteers of America Colorado needs 6,000 toys this Holiday Season.
“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/
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.
