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VOLUME 44 • NUMBER 14 • FEBRUARY 26, 2026

44 Years of Award-Winning Journalism

Craig Tennant: From Madison Avenue to the American West SEE PAGES 6-7 FOR MORE “Upstream” by Craig Tennant Scan to Subscribe and Pay

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • February 26, 2026

Doug Moe: Colorado’s colorful one-of-a-kind At the risk of being called a “stiff” for asking such a dumb question, I have one for area sports fans.

Especially those who have been here for 40 or more years.

Who is the most colorful sports figure of our time, in the greater Mile High City, along the Front Range, or in all of Colorado?

I’ve been thinking about it for several days, and I know I’m posing this to others without warning. So, I’ll share some of my thoughts as you decide.

Peyton Manning deserves strong consideration, even though Denver wasn’t the first city where he complemented his considerable football talent with a glib persona.

He brought the Broncos a Super Bowl trophy; he’s still treating Denver like it’s home; and he’s funny, or at least humorous, in virtually everything he does on television.

And how can you not consider Neon Deion, better known in these parts as Coach Prime?

His Colorado Buffaloes football teams may not have lived up to all the hype that overwhelmed CU fans upon his arrival, but he’s always . . . talkative Neon Deion.

What about the Duke of Denver, you say?

John Elway is unquestionably the biggest sports name in Denver, and likely always will be. (Apologies to Nikola Jokic, Todd Helton, Joe Sakic—three private, or at least reserved, superstars—and many other outstanding athletes of local renown.)

John’s in the Hall of Fame; is a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback; has car dealerships and his

own wine label; appears in TV commercials a lot; and has been associated with the Broncos for most of his adult life.

But is he colorful? Funny? Always a good quote?

Many similar things can be said of John’s favorite coach.

Mike Shanahan won 138 games as Broncos head coach, including back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997-98; he’s had his name on the Shanahan’s steakhouse since late 2009; and his son Kyle is head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and has taken them to the Super Bowl twice (though lost both times).

Yet, is Shanny colorful?

Does he make us laugh? Was he ever a good quote?

If you’re expecting to find a Bronco or ex-Bronco to be your “most colorful” standard-bearer, there’s Shannon Sharpe.

“Colorful” is certainly an accurate description for Sharpe, who was always good for lively quotes during his decorated career as a Canton-bound tight end for the Broncos.

And he’s made a post-football career out of making often outrageous comments on television and podcasts.

But can you look past the times when he was in hot water legally or otherwise?

The Rockies have had a few characters in their first 33 years, but I can think of only one who combined sustained performance with a perceptible public sense of humor.

Charlie Blackmon was a prankster, often the mischievous teammate who doused the “star of the game” during a postgame interview. But

what else?

Which brings me to the reason for this whole exercise.

Doug Moe, who died nine days ago, was the head coach of the Denver Nuggets from 1980 to 1990. In the days after his death made the news, virtually every tribute included some form of “Denver’s most colorful sports figure.”

During that decade, Moe’s teams won 432 games, made the NBA Playoffs nine times, and led the league in scoring six times with an all-gas, nobrake offense.

This was before the arrival of the Rockies and Avalanche; the Broncos were just beginning the John Elway Era; and up in Boulder, CU was transitioning from, Chuck Fairbanks to Bill McCartney.

Thus, one could argue that Moe had little competition for the title of “Denver’s Most Colorful Sports Figure” back then.

But to know him was to know that no one since has even come close.

Doug Moe’s postgame interviews were as formal as having a beer in his basement. He called everyone he respected a “stiff,” especially his best players. His loyal, long-suffering wife was “Big Jane.” It was not unusual to see him at the King Soopers on Yosemite, leaving with a bag of groceries.

He was often foul-mouthed during a game, but only because he expected his “stiffs” to care as much as he did.

Win or lose, after the final buzzer he was back to being colorful Doug Moe—the stiff of all stiffs. ________________ Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net.

Black Baseball’s Heyday in 3-D At Denver Press Club Feb. 27 Villager sports columnist Denny Dressman will discuss his new book during a special Black Baseball’s Heyday Black History Month program at the Denver Press Club Friday, February 27.

“Black Baseball’s Heyday in 3-D” looks at the segregated baseball era from 1880 to Jackie Robinson’s Major League debut from three perspectives: the players, art and culture of the era.. The review in the American Library Association’s Booklist publication calls it “highly recommended.”

Vignettes called High-

Lights, a word-play on artist Anthony High’s name, provide High’s thoughts on each

of his more than three dozen pieces in the book.

“I hope that turning the pages of this book will be like walking through an art gallery on a guided tour, viewing paintings that represent different artistic methods and styles,” High says in the book’s Introduction.”

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is $5, and reservations can be made at denverpressclub. org/events. (Press Club members can attend as a benefit of membership.)

Copies will be available for purchase.

February 26, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

STAY SHARP THIS YEAR WITH

True Patriotism There is a phrase in American political life: “Politics stops at the water’s edge.” It suggests that once we cross our borders, whether as political leaders, diplomats, business leaders, tourists, or military personnel, we represent something larger than ourselves.

We carry our flag in our words, our conduct, and our character.

Supporting our country at the water’s edge is not blind loyalty. It is disciplined unity. It is the quiet understanding that disagreements at home do not require disparaging remarks abroad.

The “Ugly American” describes travelers who are loud, dismissive of local customs, or openly critical of our country. Whether you agree or disagree with the current president, criticizing them abroad is not patriotic. The damage of such behavior is not merely personal embarrassment; it can deepen stereotypes, strain relationships, and diminish goodwill.

I certainly understand this as a former officer in the United States Air Force.

From my first days of orientation in the nurse corps, I was taught that I represented the United States wherever I was. While overseas, I was instructed on local customs, languages, and sensitivities and to conduct myself as an ambassador in uniform. I learned that patriotism is not blind loyalty to perfection, but rather affirming my commitment to work within systems to improve my country without diminishing it or disrespecting it.

Currently cruising in the South Pacific, I was mortified when one of my fellow passengers on a land tour left his trash under a bench.

I wanted to confront him, but he was in a crowd. Instead, I picked up his trash and disposed of it. I am still unsettled by this act of disregard and disrespect not only to our host country but also to the reputation of Americans.

By contrast, American figure skater Alysa Liu captured international attention with her artistry and athletic brilliance; she did more than deliver a flawless, joyful performance. She carried the hope and pride of America. Liu’s grace under pressure embodied the best of American ideals: resilience, opportunity, and the pursuit

of excellence. As the anthem played, she stood, hand over heart, demonstrating that supporting our country abroad can be an act of quiet reverence.

In a world of instant commentary and social media outrage, it can be tempting to criticize our country while overseas. Yet wisdom calls for discernment. Honest debate belongs robustly within a democracy’s borders.

Supporting our country at the “water’s edge” means remembering that we are stewards of its reputation.

It means choosing respect over ridicule, dignity over

derision, and unity over division.

Nations are not strengthened by arrogance, nor by self-loathing. They are strengthened by citizens who carry themselves with integrity, who acknowledge their country’s imperfections while defending its principles, and who understand that pride, properly expressed, builds bridges rather than walls. When we travel, compete, negotiate, or serve beyond our shores, we become living ambassadors. The question is not whether we will represent our country but how we will do so.

And… in that choice lies the true measure of patriotism. joneen@narme.org

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C NVERSATIONS ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Scholarships available for high school seniors The Colorado County Clerks Association is accepting submissions for its 2026 scholarship program.

Contest winners will receive $1,500 or $1,000 scholarship awards to cover expenses at universities, colleges, junior community colleges, or technical institutions. To learn about selection criteria and apply, go to clerkandrecorder.org/scholarship.

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Visit: arapahoeco.gov/investing

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What your tax dollars are delivering—in real projects, real services, and real progress.

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

WEEK OF FEB. 23

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • February 26, 2026

The Villager

Office: 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016 • (303) 773-8313 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe

lifting weights. Prior ing a sunny radiance to to COVID I could the event. do 50 push-ups, but Both of our AmeriBack in the saddle again was when required to wear can hockey teams won Gene Autrey’s song and I loved a mask, I just quit gold in overtime. Jack to go to the Saturday afternoon going to the gym.

It’s Hughes left a tooth on matinee and see a Roy Rogers good to be back in the the ice but scored the or Gene Autry cowboy movie.

BY BOB SWEENEY exercise mood and I winning goal in overtime The Lone Ranger and Tonto PUBLISHER hope you all join me for for the American men’s also played well with a box of good health.

It takes a certain team winning 2-1 to win the popcorn. I’m back in the media amount of mental discipline to Gold for the first time since desaddle this week after a family stay healthy with diet and exerfeating the Russians in 1980. vacation in Cabo, Mexico, arcise, but the effort is worth the And there are no better athriving home Sunday night, the results. letes in the world than our womsame time that all the trouble I spent considerable time en in winter or summer games. erupted in Mexico with the drug watching the Olympics, the Here in Colorado our ski cartel battle.

Italians can take a huge bow for areas finally received some badDuring our visit Cabo was their efforts and results. ly needed snow with nearby Elpeaceful and loaded with tourI want to go to Italy and visit dora getting 8 inches. Our state ists, heavy traffic at the very popular tip of the Baja coastline. Milan, a place I’ve never been, is in a very serious drought conbut I’ve been an ardent student dition while the East Coast is Once a fishing hub, now it is drowning in snow and blizzards. laden with hotels from San Jose of the Roman Empire. I have a ring with a real Roman coin of On the east coast, power is out around the coastline to Cabo for millions, and I’m wondering San Lucas. My wife and I have Hadrian mounted on the ring.

Hadrian built his 73-mile wall about global warming and relybeen frequent visitors to the across northern England in 122 ing on wind and solar for future area for the past 25 years, but AD and was one of the most decades. we missed last year due to my successful Roman emperors.

While peace reigned in Italy, suffering a Triple A heart condiAs for the Olympics, my (except for the Canadians) we tion with a five-percent survival favorite Olympic hero is Alysa have an armada of ships ready rate, with my doctors, at the Liu who won a gold medal in to unleash on Iran if peaceful time, proclaiming me to be an figure skating, the first Amerinegotiations fail over Iran’s nu“anomaly.” can winner since Sarah Hughes clear ambitions. My best guess During our stay it was my is that all hell will break lose for pleasure to frequent the Pueblo in 2002. It was the way she handled her win, smiling all Iran very soon. I would prefer Bonito Rose’ gym most days. the way and bringing joy to the that Congress approve a real act I’m happy to report that I’m once again doing push-ups and sport. She was just terrific, add- of war, so we’ll just have to see

Italy Impresses, USA Olympians Are Golden

Coercion or Enlightenment There are two ways to influence others: Coercion or Enlightenment. The tools for coercion range from criticism to outright fear and force. The tools for enlightenment are reason and principle.

No nation, nor any philosophy, has survived for millennia based on coercion. Only those philosophies that rely on enlightenment pass the test of the ages. They do so because individuals, throughout the ages, believe in and understand the principles that are the bedrock

of these enlightenment philosophies.

The power of choice, based on individual free will and reason, can’t be overestimated.

If we are to choose a way of life, then grant us knowledge, understanding and profound insight. Let us approach a deeper understanding through logic and reason, not emotion or passion. The power of our Constitutional Republic resides in its adherence to a universal truth that all men are created equal.

Our nation was founded on

enlightenment and based on principle. That principle is the inalienable rights that accrue to the individual and were granted

by Creator.

In order for those individual rights to exist the government must be controlled by a Constitution. And all people, citizen or not, held to judgment should they not adhere to the rule of law. Justice is blind because she judges all by the same standard, regardless of status.

Our nation is unique in that the Declaration of Independence articulated the reason for its formation. Namely, that individuals are granted rights

where this all goes.

While trouble is brewing in the Middle East, when we left Mexico on Sunday afternoon, the drug cartel was avenging the death of their leader “El Mencho” who was the head of Mexico’s powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. (CJNG).

Cars and business locations in Puerto Vallarta were set on fire and there were 25 roadblocks put up by cartels in 25 regions of Mexico. When we left Cabo, everything was peaceful, but I noticed our United flight left 10 minutes early and streamed home to Denver at 550 mph, arriving 20 minutes early.

A reminder to readers that precinct caucuses are coming up in early March and that is the time to make your voices and votes count. Every vote is important and we want good common-sense candidates elected to office in either party. America has come a long way with a two-party system, and we can’t squander our freedoms given to us by our forefathers.

Mexico has everything the United States has but lacks our Constitution and rule of law.

Good leadership does count at all levels. The ballot box is the place to preserve our freedoms. by a greater being and not by action of man. Therefore, individual rights cannot be taken away by rule of man. And any government or entity that attempts coercion should stand to judgment.

It is refreshing to hear Rubio speak to principle. Let Wisdom light the way.

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.

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County, Colorado. (USPS 431-010) Published weekly by The Villager Publishing Co., Inc. 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016. Available for home or office delivery by U.S. Mail for $78 per year. Single copies available for $2 per issue.

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR/ CO-PUBLISHER Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER 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 The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

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

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QUOTE of the WEEK QUOTE of thedown WEEK Never look on anybody unless you’re helping him up.

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February 26, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

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Craig Tennant: From Madison Avenue to the American West

C

raig Tennant’s artistic career began far from the landscapes that would later define his work. Born in 1946 and raised in New Jersey, Tennant entered the New York advertising world in the late 1960s, starting at Grey Advertising and later becoming assistant art director on the Kool-Aid account.

By 1970, Tennant was illustrating full time at BBD&O, contributing to national advertising campaigns for brands such as Campbell’s Soup and Dodge Chrysler. His commercial illustrations appeared widely in magazines and advertisements for Pepsi, Tareyton, General Electric, and other major companies, helping shape the era’s visual culture.

Over the next two decades, Tennant built a successful freelance illustration career. His artwork appeared in publications including TV Guide, Field & Stream, and Sports Illustrated, and was commissioned by companies such as IBM and Coca-Cola.

In 1980, he was elected to the New York Society of Illustrators and received the organization’s Silver Medal Award the following year.

In the late 1980s, Tennant began shifting away from commercial work. Seeking a quieter and more personal direction, he moved to Colorado in 1992 to focus exclusively on painting the American West. His oil paintings—known for their almost touchable water, lifelike figures and horses, dramatic light, and narrative depth—quickly gained recognition.

Tennant’s paintings are held in major collections including the Anschutz Collection in Denver, as well as the Booth and Eiteljorg museums. He was commissioned by the Park Meadows Shopping Resort architect to create a Colorado landscape, “Travelin’ God’s Country” for the Nordstrom entrance.

His Western imagery has appeared on the covers of publications including Western Lifestyles, Wild West, and The Equine Image, and his work featured multiple times in Southwest Art and Art of the West.

His images have also reached broader audiences through educational publishing and media, including appearances in Crabtree Publishing’s Native

TAKING A SHORTCUT

Tennant’s Awards

• Bronze Metal — OPA Masters Division (2024) • Silver Medal – OPA Masters Division (2018) • Artist of the Year -Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (2012) • Frederic Remington Painting Award -- Prix de West (2009) • Buyer’s Choice Award -- Prix de West Invitational (2008) • People’s Choice Awards -- Coors Western Art Exhibit and Stampede Western Invitational (2000–2004) • Silver Medal – NY Society of Illustrators (1981)

YAHOO!

Nations of North America series and, most recently, three paintings featured in Ken Burns’ 2023 PBS documentary The American Buffalo.

Tennant is a Master Signature Member of Oil Painters of America (OPA). His awards and accolades include: • Bronze Metal — OPA Masters Division (2024) • Silver Medal – OPA Masters Division (2018) • Artist of the Year -- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (2012) • Frederic Remington Painting Award -- Prix de West (2009) • Buyer’s Choice Award -- Prix de West Invitational (2008) • People’s Choice Awards -- Coors Western Art Exhibit and Stampede Western Invitational (2000–2004) • Silver Medal – NY Society of Illustrators (1981) Craig Tennant continues to paint from his Colorado studio, where collectors from across the country acquire his originals through his Private Mailing List and elite shows where he exhibits.

February 26, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

WYOMING REFLECTIONS

THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY

to see upcoming shows, to view his portfolio or to contact craig visit: www.craigtennantart.com

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

fo l l ow F R E DA

BY FREDA MIKLIN SENIOR REPORTER

• 9-time Colorado Press Association award winner • Former Greenwood Village City Council Member • GV resident since 1992 • Mother of five graduates of Cherry Creek High School and college • FMiklin.Villager@gmail.com

Cherry Creek Schools will pay former Superintendent $164,000 per contract Demonstrating transparency, the Cherry Creek School District publicly released information on February 20 regarding its financial obligation to former Superintendent Chris Smith for unused leave, under his contract.

A press release from its chief communications officer disclosed that the school district owes and will pay Smith “$119,857.87 in accrued but unused sick leave and $44,070 in vacation

leave, according to contractual formulas and consistent with the terms of his employment contract,” for a total of $163.927.87.

Smith resigned and retired, effective January 30, after meeting with the school board in an executive session. Anecdotes about a toxic work atmosphere and possible financial irregularities have been circulating for some time, involving both the former superintendent and his

wife, Cherry Creek Schools Director of Human Resources Brenda Smith, who the school board placed on administrative leave February 6. The board has also disclosed that Chris Smith has retained legal counsel.

As we reported last week, acting Superintendent Jennifer Perry, who was the Deputy Superintendent of the district until Smith stepped down, is organizing an Audit Process Committee to develop

a request for proposal to identify and retain a contractor to perform an audit that will result in a systematic review of the policies, processes, and procedures at CCSD, in the coming months.

The members of the Cherry Creek Schools Board of Directors and the dates they were first elected are Anne Egan November 2019, Angela Garland – November 2019, John-Claude Futrell – (ap-

Former CCSD Superintendent Chris Smith

pointed) September 2025, Terry Bates – November 2025, and Mike Hamrick – November 2025.

Steve Carmine is the newest member of the Centennial City Council On February 12, the Centennial City Council agreed unanimously to appoint Steve Carmine to the District 2 council position vacated by Christine Sweetland when she was elected mayor. He was sworn in that evening and will serve the remaining two years of her four-year term, which ends in December 2027.

On February 10, each member of the council reviewed the 11 applications that had been received for the appointment. Then they discussed, in a public meeting, the process they would use to narrow down the list of candidates, choose questions to use in the interviews, and determine a process by which the deliberations would be conducted.

After at least six of the eight sitting city council members identified Lula Guilbert, Mark Hacker, and

Steve Carmine as the candidates they wished to interview, the council moved on to formulating questions designed to elicit candidates’ views on issues facing Centennial, along with ideas for solutions to those challenges, and past experience working with deliberative groups.

On February 12, Guilbert, Hacker, and Carmine appeared separately before the council, in a public meeting, and answered previously agreed-upon questions, while the other two candidates waited in a room where they could not hear what was said. After the interviews were completed, the three candidates waited in the outer room while council members ranked them, privately, and gave those rankings to the city clerk, who tabulated them.

Each of the three candi-

dates were initially ranked first by at least one member of the council, but after open deliberation, the eight council members unanimously agreed to appoint Carmine.

In answering the interview questions, Carmine told the council that his involvement with the City dated back to 1998 when he attended organizational meetings held at Castlewood Library to discuss its possible formation (Centennial was established in 2001). He also shared that he completed the sevenweek Centennial 101 training in 2022, served on the City’s Senior Commission from 2022 to 2024, and currently sits on its Budget Committee as a citizen representative.

Carmine also shared, “Over the past 12 years…

I’ve worked with over 50

state and local government organizations, from the State of Wisconsin to the City of Rochester, and Douglas County…I understand city government…and I understand how the business model works.”

Asked about specific issues in Centennial District 2, he pointed to the Heritage Place Shopping Center at 7445 E. Arapahoe Road as a place that needs attention because it “is not really representative of the City” in its current state.

He also noted that the northern portion of the Midtown project is not really connected to the rest of it and he believed it could face potential development challenges because of that.

Asked about other issues facing the city, Carmine pointed to declining brickand-mortar retail sales and its impact on municipal

New Centennial City Council Member Steve Carmine signs the Oath of Office

sales tax, a key component of Centennial’s budget. He named the closing of the Best Buy store at the Streets of SouthGlenn as an example. To address the problem, Carmine suggested the City talk to commercial property owners to see how it might help them support retail stores. He also suggested working with the South Metro Chamber.

Candidate for governor talks about pedophilia in state government On February 12, 9News reported that state Rep. Scott Bottoms, a candidate for the GOP nomination for Colorado governor, had publicly claimed that, “Pedophilia runs through our House, our Senate, and our Governor’s Office, and we know who the people are.

I’ve been working with the FBI for three years now, outside the State of Colorado, because I do not trust CBI (Colorado Bureau of

Investigation), State Police, or FBI inside the State of Colorado.” The quote is from videotape of Bottoms saying those words that 9News played on TV. After Bottoms reportedly refused requests to respond to questions sent to him, a reporter went to the State Capitol and walked up to Bottoms as he walked out of a meeting, with cameras rolling. When the reporter

asked Bottoms’ about his claims of pedophilia, and pointed out Bottoms had also said he would reveal more about it after he is elected governor, Bottoms conceded the claim about pedophilia but denied having said he would provide more information about it if he’s elected, resulting in the reporter playing another piece of videotape in which Bottoms is heard saying, “We are going to

drop the boom the moment I’m governor…We are going to shut down the pedophile rings that are in the House, in the Senate, and in the Governor’s Office.”

The reporter then asked Bottoms why he wouldn’t bring in law enforcement immediately “if you’re serious about protecting children,” to which Bottoms responded, “There’s a major difference between awareness and justice…

Republican Colorado State Rep. Scott Bottoms Continued on page 9

fo l l ow F R E DA Continued from page 8

The FBI knows about it.

The FBI will bring it out when it’s time. I’m not a prosecutor. I’m not federal law enforcement.”

When Bottoms refused to provide the reporter with evidence of his claims, 9News moved on to other members of the general assembly for their reaction to the situation.

The Villager reached out to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, who is also a candidate for the Republican nomination for Colorado governor, for his reaction to Bottoms’ charges.

He told us that, as a pastor, Rep. Bottoms is a “mandatory reporter,” meaning he is legally required to officially report the type of behavior he has alleged, to law enforcement, and mak-

ing statements about it to the general public does not satisfy that requirement.

Mikesell also told us, “We live in dangerous times, where labeling people without proof is dangerous,” and “Social media sees everything.

These types of claims will hurt the whole state, but especially, down ballot Republicans.” The sheriff continued, “As a member

of law enforcement, I don’t think these charges are credible and I believe Rep. Bottoms is causing himself to be unelectable by making them.”

Republican State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, another candidate for the GOP nomination for Colorado governor, told 9News, regarding Bottoms’ claims, “He’s either made it up, or, he’s been sitting on his

hands for three years while little kids are either getting trafficked or raped. That’s disgusting to me.”

When asked if she had “met anybody in this building (the State Capitol) who believes his allegation is credible,” Kirkmeyer said, “No.” Asked if she thought he made it up, she answered, “I do. I do. I think he’s desperate right now and he’s made it up.”

State Senate President Pro Tem resigns to lead antisemitism foundation On February 10, State Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, announced that February 13 would be her last day as a legislator.

Michaelson Jenet announced that she will soon join the David Merage Foundation for Confronting Antisemitism, a nonprofit started by local residents David and Laura Merage.

The Foundation’s mission is “to end Jewish hate through awareness, allyship, and advocacy,” Its vision is “an

America where all Jewish people thrive and have the freedom to express their identity and beliefs as they choose.”

Jenet, who was first elected to the state House in 2016 and moved to the state Senate in 2023, was beginning the second year of a four-year term to which she was elected in 2024. She explained her move, “It was a heavy decision, and there were a lot of factors — not the least of which is my family has struggled over these

last 10 years that I have been in the legislature and earning well beneath my capabilities. That’s really taken a hit on my family.”

Her annual salary as a state senator was $43,977.00. It is considered a part-time position because the legislative session is from mid-January to midMay, but the duties and responsibilities have evolved to more closely resembling full-time. Jenet, who was born in Israel, worked in the nonprofit sector for a Jewish

organization before joining the general assembly.

Known for her work helping get mental health care for children and teens, Jenet’s signature accomplishments included eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual assault survivors and making Holocaust studies a requirement for Colorado schoolchildren.

Colorado Democrats have set February 26 at 6:00 p.m. for a vacancy election to fill Jenet’s former seat in state Senate District 21. Demo-

Former state Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet

crats will livestream the vacancy selection process on YouTube.

Cherry Creek Schools administrative buildings will come down and tennis courts will be relocated this year Part of Phase 1 of the reconstruction of the threeschool, 85-acre Cherry Creek campus, between Yosemite Street and Dayton Street, and Belleview Avenue and Union Avenue, will see the Office of Educational Services (ESC) and the Office of Fiscal Services (OFS) vacated at the end of February and demolished between March 30 and April 24 of this year.

Both buildings are located near the corner of Yosemite Street and Union Avenue.

The project is being funded by a mill and bond levy increase that Cherry Creek School District voters approved in November

2024.

Neighbors will notice police and fire department officers at the ESC and OFS buildings conducting training exercises during the week of March 16-20, which is Cherry Creek School District’s spring break, just before demolition begins in earnest.

In May 2025, it was announced that the district had signed a long-term lease for 57,000 square feet on three floors of the six-story Metropoint II building at 4610 S. Ulster Street in the Denver Tech Center, where district administration will be permanently relocated.

This phase of the long-

term project will also include relocation of the campus tennis courts to Belleview Fields between March 16 and August 16.

Also planned for the Cherry Creek campus as part of Phase 1 is a new athletic building and the demolition of the high school’s West Building, which was built in 1955.

The demolition of the West Building will be done in conjunction with the ongoing construction of a brand new high school academic

building between Spring 2026 and late 2028, to ensure a fully operational campus throughout construction.

Looking toward the future, a recent press release from Ashley Verville, CCSD Director of Strategic Communication and External Affairs, says, “Phase II of the Cherry Creek High School campus rebuild project will be included in

a possible 2028 bond package and will add two new buildings dedicated to academics and the arts, a new pool as part of the West Building, and an expansion of the Phase 1 athletic building. It will also include additional parking. If a 2028 bond is unsuccessful, the rest of CCHS will not be rebuilt however all buildings included in Phase I will be fully completed.”

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • February 26, 2026

Bryan Perry speaks to CCRW about the American Healthcare Crisis and The Fix Bryan Perry’s Peak Benefits provides employer-sponsored healthcare coverage.

Perry is also president of Five|50 Advisory, a company offering innovative solutions for healthy companies and is a Health Rosetta Associate Advisor offering health insurance options to companies. “The healthcare industry employs armies of consultants whose entire job is to maximize their company’s revenue from your healthcare plan.

Business leaders are frustrat-

ed because they don’t have more tools when they get their annual 6% increase. We think it is wrong that your rate increase is someone else’s profit.

Employers need to be taught how to manage the supply chain. What we are looking for is high quality and we shop for comparison pricing.

Insurance companies cannot manage the supply chain.

They sell us access!”

Keynote speaker Bryan Perry, owner of Peak Benefits

Bryan Perry and CCRW President Nancy Sharpe Kennedy

“Every employee is overcharged for health care spending. Healthcare spends more on lobbying than any other industry.” – Bryan Perry

Colorado Federation of Republican Women President Judith Jergensen, Jason Bailey, Sue Sandstrom Photos by Scottie Iverson

Jenene Stookesberry, Susan Struna, Jan McCusker, Anne Justen, Linda Young and Cindy Webb

Charlynne Boddie shared her prophetic edge ministry from Hollywood, the White House, Europe, the Middle East and Mediterranean “America is so asleep,” said Charlynne Boddie early in her presentation that included harrowing encounters throughout her travels teaching and ministering. “America is where the UK was 30 years ago.”

The sought-after military chaplain has credentials ranging from Hollywood producer, international life coach, author, Ambassador for Israel, Pentagon instructor, lead press officer for the White House for multiple presidents and more. Her message to Douglas County Republican Women (DCRW) was about the #1 threat of Islam to America outlining the eight tiers of influence - punctuated with birthrates declining in the West and increasing in the Muslim East.

BELOW: Candidates (left to right): Chris Weir running for Lone Tree City Council, John Diak running for Town of Parker Council, John Brooks running for governor of Colorado, Teddy Collins running for State Senate District 4, Nate Marsh running for House District 43

Town of Parker Councilwoman Laura Hefta, CU Regent Frank McNulty

DCRW President Sharise Plescia with keynote speaker Charlynne Boddie

ABOVE: Attendees clamored to purchase books

by Charlynne and hear more of her life story

February 26, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

Daniels Fund Giving Passes $1.5 Billion Mark compete in the national finals for the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 prize.

In addition, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood, The Daniels Fund, a the Daniels Fund, along Colorado-based private with four other major Colcharitable foundation, toorado philanthropies, has day announced that it has launched a film project given more than $1.5 biltitled Colorado at 150: A lion throughout its history.

Legacy of Caring. A FuSince its founding in 2000, ture of Purpose. The projthe Fund has provided ect celebrates the state’s grants to nearly 6,000 non- history of generosity by profit partners and higher telling fives stories of lives education scholarships to changed through nonprofit nearly 5,500 students. organizations and other “For more than a quargiving in communities ter century, the Daniels across the state. The films Fund has been positively are available for viewing, impacting American life downloading, and sharing and improving millions of at www.CO150Film.com. lives, one life at a time,” For more than 15 years said Hanna Skandera, the Fund has been a leader President and CEO of the in promoting ethics eduDaniels Fund. “Whether cation, including founding it is helping a child with the annual National Ethics developmental challenges, Case Competition. supporting people strugThe Daniels Fund grants gling with homelessness program focuses on eight and addiction as they seek funding areas originally independent, healthy lives, designated by Bill Daniels or making the dream of at the Fund’s founding: higher education come Aging Amateur Sports true for young people, it Disabilities Drug and Alcois an honor to steward the hol Addiction Early Childmission Bill Daniels estab- hood Education Homeless lished.” and Disadvantaged K-12 In 2025 alone, the DanEducation Reform Youth iels Fund awarded a total Development of $78 million in grants High school graduates and scholarships, including from the Daniels Fund’s $51 million in Colorado. four-state region may apThe Fund focuses most ply for the highly selective of its giving in Colorado, Daniels Scholarship ProNew Mexico, Utah, and gram, which makes college Wyoming, four states that possible for motivated, were pivotal in Bill Danambitious students. In adiels’ life. The Fund also dition, the Boundless Opinvests in select national portunity Scholarship proprojects that align with Bill gram provides funding for Daniels’ values. non-traditional students to Scan credentials to This year, in recognition obtain that lead of America’s 250th anniBook an mobility and to upward versary and Colorado’s Appointment meaningful employment.

150th anniversary, the Fund is supporting sevABOUT THE DANIELS FUND eral signature initiatives, The Daniels Fund was including national partestablished in 2000 with a nerships to strengthen and $1 billion bequest from caexpand civics knowledge ble television pioneer Bill in schools and in family Daniels. A private charitahomes. Most notably, the ble foundation dedicated National Civics Bee, for to positively impacting which the Daniels Fund is American life, the Fund the Founding Partner, has has given $1.5 billion over expanded to all 50 states. its history to improve the Students across Colorado lives of men, women and and the nation have rechildren in Colorado, New cently completed writing Mexico, Utah and Wyoessays to enter the compeming. tition. Each state winner Visit DanielsFund.org to earns the opportunity to learn more.

America 250 & Colorado 150 Celebrations a Major Focus for 2026

Southpark Pickleball Complex Open to the Public South Suburban’s newest outdoor pickleball courts are officially open and ready for play. The Southpark Pickleball Complex, located on the corner of South Broadway and East County Line Road, welcomed the community over the weekend with a celebratory grand opening event on Jan. 31.

Colorado Lottery announces $3.3M Colorado Lotto+ Scan to winner Book an

The Colorado Lottery has Appointment a major $3.3 million Colorado Lotto+ winning ticket to share.

The winning ticket, worth $3,328,106, was sold at King Soopers #86, located at 12167 Sheridan Blvd. in Broomfield, CO. The ticket matched the winning numbers for the Monday, Feb. 2 drawing.

This winner will be the 471st Colorado Lottery player to win $1 million or more for Lotto/Lotto+ and the first Colorado Lotto+ jackpot winner of 2026. Since Lotto+ launched in September 2023, there have been 13 winners of $250,000, and seven Lotto+ jackpot winners in 2025.

Colorado Lotto+ is Colorado’s largest in-state jackpot game. Since the Colorado Lottery’s inception in 1983, every ticket sold has helped generate more than $4.5 billion in proceeds, which have been returned to support parks, trails, open spaces and recreation projects across the state.

South Suburban Park and Recreation District and Highlands Ranch Metro District partnered to build the Southpark Pickleball Complex to efficiently and affordably meet the growing demand for pickleball in the region. The facility features 19 lighted outdoor courts, two shade structures with picnic tables,

parking lots, and restrooms.

The courts are available exclusively for drop-in play until March 1, 2026. Court rentals will open on March 1, 2026, and South Suburban programming, which includes camps/clinics, private lessons, leagues, and tournaments, will start in May 2026.

Importance of General Skin Exam

We Neve

dermatology visit should be thorough and not-rushed.

You want to come prepared with questions so when you Offering Now leave, all of your concerns were addressed and your skin was completely examined.

1. Write down any questions you want to ask - it is easy to forget.

2. Some patients like to circle any spots they are Aislyn Nelson, MD PHD concerned about.

Board-certified Dermatologist 3. Expect to get undressed and wear a gown - it Why we all need a skin is hard to work aroundFor Skin R check Now Offering Microneedling clothing and that can be • Our skin is the largest ora reason something gets gan in our body missed.

• UV radiation which is a 4.

Not every skin exam leads class I carcinogen - in othto a biopsy. If a biopsy is er words, causes cancer. needed, it should be exDue to our elevation - we plained and typically the get about 15% more UV entire procedure takes less than at sea level than 5 minutes.

Luckily, exposure to sun 5.

Most individuals need a does not always equate to skin exam annually, howskin cancer but it can lead to ever, those with a history pigmentation changes, skin of skin cancer should exthinning and accelerated skin pect to be seen every 3-6 aging. months depending on the skin cancer.

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PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • February 26, 2026

Dear Readers, worked better if I’d stuck On the Other Hand: How have with it. Alas, as soon as it felt I began taking my poor to Become Ambidextrous better, right elbow for granted again.

For your reading pleasure I will now present a brief history of my elbows.

You’re probably thinking you’d rather read the history of elbow macaroni and you’re not too keen on that either. But stick with me and you’ll never take your elbows for granted again.

I sure don’t. I’m currently suffering through my third bout of tennis elbow. If you think I must be an accomplished tennis player since I clearly have the elbows for it you’re right.

Not really. I haven’t even seen my tennis racket in years and I’m not sure I’d know what to do with it if I found it. No, I am living proof that you don’t have to play tennis to get tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is just easier to say than lateral epicondylitis, its official name.

And you know how it sounds more glamorous to say you broke your leg water skiing than it does to say you broke it tripping over the coffee table on your way to the couch? I think it also sounds more glamorous to call inflammation of the elbow tendons tennis elbow than it does to call it picking up branches after a big storm elbow.

I suspect that’s how I got this round of tennis elbow. Turns out any activity that involves

repetitive use of the forearm can lead to tennis elbow. That’s why painters, plumbers and cooks are all prone to it and why you should avoid painting, plumbing and cooking.

As a right-hander, I had the good sense to have my first attack of tennis elbow in my left arm. But a few years later I got it in my right elbow. Up until then, I hadn’t given southpaws a thought unless I bumped elbows with one at a dinner table.

But I soon learned that it’s a right-handed world. That’s understandable. Right hands are easier to use. Ninety percent of us think so anyway. That explains why many of the devices we use were designed for right-handed people. Left-handed folks become adept at using their non-dominant hands while the left hands of us righthanders hang at our sides like lazy relatives.

But my right elbow screamed at me every time I used it. Or maybe that was me screaming. Either way, I was forced to do more with my left hand. Eventually I saw my injury as an opportunity to become ambidextrous. I thought if my elbows shared the workload in the future, maybe they’d both stay healthy. It was a good plan but like all good plans it would

I regret that now that I’m on round three of tennis elbow, and for the second time, it’s in my right arm. I’m back to using my left arm whenever possible and aspiring to become ambidextrous.

If you’re right-handed I challenge you to do the same.

Try brushing your teeth with your left hand. It’s messy, but cleaning the toothpaste off the bathroom mirror with your left hand gives you even more practice using it.

Use your left hand to spray aerosols like hair spray, cooking spray and spray paint. It’s not as hard as you’d think if accuracy isn’t too important to you.

Buy yourself a pair of left-handed scissors. I did and I’m proud to say I’ve only stabbed myself in the leg once since I started using them.

Try moving your computer mouse to the left of your keyboard like I did. When I first tried using it, my cursor flitted around the screen like a bumblebee. But I keep trying. And when I get frustrated I can just move it back to the right side of my computer for a while. Or toss it across the room. With either hand.

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

Attention All Colorado Artists!

The 42nd Best of Colorado Show will be May 19th to June 27 at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 West Powers, Littleton.

Submit your entry via Café (www.callforentries.org) between February 21 & March 28. Cash prizes.

Juror is award-winning artist, Jill Soukup.

What are the Six Steps of Probate?

Step 1: Court Appointment of Personal Representative

The Court designates an Executor (called a Personal Representative in Colorado) to oversee the estate of the deceased individual.

The appointed person is required to collect the assets of the deceased individual, settle and pay debts and taxes and distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs, depending on whether a Will exists or not.

Step 2: Validation of the Will

If the deceased person has a valid Will, the Court confirms the legitimacy and checks that it complies with legal standards.

In case there are disputes or objections regarding the validity of the Will, the Court may need to address these matters before moving forward with the probate process.

Step 3: Inventory of Assets

The Personal Representative creates a list/Inventory of the deceased individual’s assets, such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings and other items. This Inventory acts as a documentation of the estate’s worth as of the date of death.

Step 4: Notification of Creditors

The Personal Representative publishes a Notice to Creditors in a legal newspaper in the County where the probate estate was opened, to inform creditors of the opening of the probate estate and establishing a deadline within which creditors must file a Claim. The Personal Representative also serves a pleading entitled: “Information of Appointment” on all beneficiaries or heirs, to advise them about the beginning of the probate case and the appointment of a Personal Representative.

Step 5: Payment of Debts and Taxes

The Personal Representative utilizes the estate’s assets to settle and pay any unpaid debts, taxes or administrative costs.

This process may include selling assets, liquidating investments, or utilizing cash reserves from

the estate.

Step 6: Distribution of the Remainder of Estate

After settling and paying all debts and expenses, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries based on the terms of the Will, or the laws of intestacy which apply if there is no Will. The Court may supervise this procedure to guarantee compliance with both the law and the deceased individual’s desires. Typically, the Personal Representative files and serves a Final Accounting to show the amounts collected during the probate process, the amounts paid for creditor claims, debts, taxes and expenses of administration of the estate and the remaining, final amounts distributed to the beneficiaries or heirs.

What are the four key medical/ estate plan documents you need now?

Many of my clients have asked: “What are the critical estate plan documents to have?”

Merely being married does not give you the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package: 1. Healthcare Power of Attorney; 2. General Financial Power of Attorney; 3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and 4. Will (or a Will with a Trust).

Careful medical/estate planning should include preparation and signing of these documents, to accomplish your goals and protect you, both during your lifetime, and at the time of passing. The Power of Attorney documents allow you to designate those agents whom you authorize to help you on your behalf during your lifetime, and the Will/Trust documents allow you to nominate others to help with your estate after your passing, as well as to identify the beneficiaries and the distributions to them, to accomplish your estate planning goals.

A 30% REDUCTION ON ESTATE PLAN DOCUMENTS IS CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED DUE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS! FOR A FREE TELEPHONE OR VIDEO CONSULTATION, PLEASE CALL: 5675 DTC Bouldevard, Suite 250 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: (303) 758-0999 FAX: (303) 758-1091 E-mail: Donald@PetersonLaw.CO

Website: www.donpetersonlawfirm.com

February 26, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

The Villager is a proud supporter of local school journalism.

It matters!

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$30 Published Quarterly

CCSD Instrument Repair Team Continues to Benefit Students, Save Funds

BY PETER PHILPOTT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For years, Creek has been going to local music shops to repair damaged school instruments. But last year, CCSD established an inhouse repair shop, in hopes of saving district money and providing an easier solution for the district’s band and orchestra directors.

“I’m a big fan of the whole concept of a district investing and paying the salaries of in-house repairmen and providing them a place to repair school instruments,” band director Tim Libby said. “This is such a huge cost saver. And I’m a fan of those guys, because they’re really dedicated to the schools, and they’re willing to go above and beyond when you need their help.”

The shop, run by technicians Alan Davis and Jeff Eisold, is based at Overland. It’s fitted with compressed air, hot water, and all the tools they need to operate.

Davis is happy the shop can open more avenues for new musicians to play, without being encumbered by their instrument.

“Having an in-house repair option for students has many benefits, the largest of which starts with getting good working instruments into the hands of students from day one so they can learn uninhibited,” Davis said. “Learning to play a musical instrument is hard enough and trying to learn on a broken instrument can make the experience bad for a student which often leads to them quitting.”

Previously, Libby would take instruments to Kolacny Music, a local shop. When Kolacny closed permanently in Sept. 2023, CCSD needed a new solution.

CCSD Director of Electives Paul Cribari, with Davis’s advisory, funded the shop within the short window before Kolacny’s inventory had to relocate. He hired the two technicians directly from Kolacny’s workshop, as well as much of the store’s inventory of tools and instruments. Normally, it would cost upwards of $120,000 to outfit a shop. They got all the materials and instruments on clearance for $10,000.

With such a small cost, CCSD could focus on the shop’s extensive benefits. Such as the $185,000 extra saved by in-house

repairs.

“When an instrument is sent into a local shop for repair, the teacher and student are at the mercy of that shop,” Cribari said. “It can take weeks, and even months, to get it back. Additionally, not all shops do the same quality of work. With the quality of work that our techs do, we are able to ensure that every repair is to the highest standards.”

When sophomore Simon Baer needed to use Creek’s English horn for Wind Ensemble’s Fall concert, Davis and Eisold only had a week and a half to finish the job.

“The English horn hadn’t been used for a while, so it had some leaking keys and also had broken cork on the pads,” Baer said. “The repair people tried fixing it, then brought it to the school. It still wasn’t working, so they went back and tried fixing it again, at which point it worked.”

“Their service was outstanding because we brought it to them only a week and a half before our concert,” he said. “Normally it would take them longer than that to get to it, but because we had a concert, they prioritized it and got it done in time.”

Jobs just like Baer’s English horn come up daily, but that doesn’t mean Davis and Eisold’s jobs are boring.

“Rarely in this line of work do I find myself doing the same thing over and over, each day brings new instruments and new problems,” Davis said. “More often than not I’m working on something new every day, on Monday I might be cleaning a marching baritone and by the end of the week I’m taking a saxophone apart.”

But Cribari isn’t done. He wants to turn the shop into a learning experience, to earn students CTE credits alongside the pros.

“Now that the shop is up and running, our hope is that the next phase will involve an education component,” Cribari said. “Qualified repair techs are getting harder and harder to find, and it’s our hope that very soon we will be able to offer training courses for students and adults to learn the basics of instrument repair, inspiring

Technician Alan Davis fixes pad leaks in a flute on Nov. 25.

(Peter Philpott)

a new generation of folks dedicated to learning this trade.”

CCSD is one of four districts in the country that has a service like this. Libby believes Creek should take pride in that.

“We need to support it, because it’s unique, and it’s a huge cost saver for the district, and it’s an awesome service,” he said.

Though work on band instruments is most common, they also work on orchestra instruments daily, too. Eisold brought expertise from a long career as a technician and has acted as a mentor for Da-

vis, who was fresh out of repair school in 2023.

Cribari is proud to have qualified professionals on the job, in the most accessible place for the district.

“We as a district are so lucky to have had the opportunity, the means, and the support of administration to make this happen,” Cribari said. “I also can’t understate the importance of the techs.

Jeff Eisold and Alan Davis are the exact right people for this shop and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Davis (left) and Jeff Eisold (right) pose with the “CCSD Instrument Repair” sign at the entrance to their shop. (Peter Philpott)

above.

LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • February 26, 2026

Looking for a night of flavor, fun, and discovery? Our upcoming event, A Perfect Pairing brings together the community for an evening of unlimited food and drink all in support of Rocky Mountain Village--Easterseals Colorado’s fully accessible camp that provides a safe, barrier-free environment for campers living with disabilities to experience all aspects of camp without the usual limitations.

Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for an evening where curated craft beers meet thoughtfully paired dishes, each designed to elevate the tasting experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply love exploring new flavors, this event is the perfect way to indulge your palate.

Register early to enjoy your discounted admission. The first 50 tickets are sold at $75, then the price moves up to $95.

Secure your spot today — this event tends to fill quickly, and early bird pricing won’t last long.

For more information please visit: aesbid.org/ELP/ESCANPP26

Misc.

NOTICE OF UNREGISTERED CLAIM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a private living man gives Notice of Unregistered Claim of priority equitable right, title, and interest in the ANDRU JORDAN WAKEFIELD – PUBLIC ESTATE, State File No. 105-1991-018616, including all assets, rights, interests, proceeds, derivatives, and transmutations thereof.

Winner in Best Public Notice Section Colorado Press Association Better Newspaper Contest

• 2021

• 2022 • 2023 • 2024

This Notice is published to place all parties on constructive notice and to rebut any presumption of waiver or abandonment. Claim asserted by notice only, without reliance upon statute, and without prejudice.

For information, send SASE to: Wakefield-Andru: Jordan,℅9203 Highway 6 S Ste 124 PMB 224 Houston, Texas.[77083] Published in The Villager First Publication: February 19, 2026 Last Publication: February 26, 2026 Legal # 5010_Unregistered Claimed ________________________

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the City of Cherry Hills Village, Arapahoe County, Colorado, and Case No. 24-08-0542P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show

evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/ fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp

, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877336-2627).

Published in The Villager First Publication: February 26, 2026 Last Publication: March 5, 2026 Legal # 31275 ________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Estate of Christopher Hockley. Deceased. Case Number: 2025PR31185. All persons having claims against the abovementioned estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before May 15, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Rabea Taylor, Attorney for Personal Representative, 24 South Weber Street, Suite 205, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Published in The Villager First Publication: February 26, 2026 Last Publication: March 12, 2026 Legal # 5005_NTC_Hockley ________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Jeffrey Robert Tatman, Deceased Case Number: 2026 PR 030108 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado on or before July 1, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Anna L. Burr, Esq. 2851 South Parker Road, Suite 230 Aurora, Colorado 80014 Published in The Villager First Publication: February 26, 2026 Last Publication: March 5, 2026 Legal # 31278 ________________________

SPECIAL DISTRICTS 00100 CHERRY CREEK VALLEY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT 1865 S. QUEBEC WAY, 2200 S. QUEBEC STREET, AND 1210 S. QUEBEC STREET METER VAULT REHABILITATION CAPITAL PROJECT ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 1. Confidential Proposals for construction of the 1865 S. Quebec Way, 2200 S. Quebec Street, and 1210 S. Quebec Street Meter Vault Rehabilitation Capital Project will be received by the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, 2325 S. Wabash Street, Denver, Colorado 80231, on or before 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at which time the proposals will be opened. A summary of results will be distributed to plan holders shortly thereafter. Any proposal received after the above specified time will be returned to the Bidder unopened.

The site of the work is within the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District.

The work generally consists of: • Three master meter vault rehabilitation projects at three separate sites approximately 1 mile apart from each other.

• Selective demolition and removal and disposal or salvage of existing pipeline pieces and spools, valves, meters, strainers, pipe supports, and accessories from within and around existing 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch pipe size master water meter vaults.

• Installation of new replacement pipe pieces and spools and fittings, gate valves, check valves, meter, strainer, pipe supports, and accessories within and around the master meter vault structures.

• The existing precast concrete vault structures are intended to be reused as-is. To aid in construction the existing vault precast top slabs are envisioned to be removed to provide working access inside the

vaults, and later reinstalled with new rubr-nek sealant.

• Removal and replacement of asphalt pavement, curb and gutter, and concrete sidewalk impacted by the vault and pipeline improvements. Restoration of disturbed turf landscaping and sprinkler irrigation system.

• The vaults and piping affected by the scope of this project can be isolated from the distribution system and dewatered without impacting service to customers; a temporary water supply or bypass pipeline will not be necessary.

2. The Contract Documents, containing the detailed Drawings and Specifications for the construction work, together with the proposed construction Contract, may be obtained from AE2S at no cost by e-mailing a request with the title of the project to Kami.Klein@ae2s. com, or may be downloaded from BidNet Direct.

NOTICE OF CONTRACTOR’S SETTLEMENT ARAPAHOE COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on 27th day of March, 2026, final settlement will be made by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority, for and on account of the contract of Asphalt Specialties for the furnishing and installation of AIP No. 3-08-0029062-2024 and 064-2025, at Centennial Airport, and any person co partnership, association or corporation who has unpaid claim against said Asphalt Specialties for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, supply of laborers, rental machinery, tools, or equipment, team hire, sustenance, provision, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of the subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on March 27, 2026, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority.

3. Bid security in the amount of 5 percent, unqualified, of the total Proposal price, will be required with each Proposal. Character and disposition of such bid security are stated in “Instructions to Bidders” of the Contract Documents. Included with the Contract Documents is a Bid Bond form to be used by Bidders not submitting a cashier’s check or a certified check.

Failure on the part of a claimant to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve said Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority from all and any liability for such claimant’s claim.

4. Further information will be found in “Instructions to Bidders” of the Contract Documents. Each Bidder will be assumed to be familiar with all Contract Documents, including all Drawings and Specifications.

Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority County of Arapahoe State of Colorado

Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District

By Chairman

By Lisa Glenn, Manager Published in The Villager First Publication: February 19, 2026 Last Publication: March 5, 2026 Legal # 31273 ________________________

Published in The Villager First Publication: February 26, 2026 Last Publication: March 5, 2026 Legal # 31277 ________________________

February 26, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

THE AUDIOLOGY METHOD Schedule a hearing test. 7180 - E. Orchard Rd., Ste. 302, Centennial. 720457-5113.

PRESSURE CANNING CLASS FEB., 25, 6-9 pm. Sponsored by CSU Arapahoe County Extension. Register at bit.ly/CSU_Soup ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTING WED., FEB. 25, 3-5 p.m. at Work & Class, 900 E. Hampden Ave., Englewood. Enjoy food, drinks & music.

RSVP lindsey@myenglewoodchamber. org VICTOR MARX FOR GOVERNOR FEB. 28. Nuur Event Center, 13250 E Mississippi Ave., Aurora. Doors Open 5 pm, program 6 pm. Listen to Victor share his vision for Colorado’s future.

Reply to Victor@emails.victor2026.com ARTMA IS CELEBRATING THEIR 25TH ARTMA-VERSARY! SAT., FEB. 28, 6-10 p.m. at Streets of Southglenn. (6707 S Vine St., D, Centennial). This art auction funds childhood cancer research with the Morgan Adams Foundation. Features over 200 works of donated art.

2ND ANNUAL STYLE FOR SAFETY FASHION SHOW SAT., FEB. 28, 5-9 p.m. at 8 Cherry Hills Park Dr., Englewood. Benefiting the National Violence Protection Hotline.

Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/ en_US/ticketing/2ndannual-Style-forsafety-fashionshow.

2026 DENVER REPUBLICAN CAUCUS TUE., MARCH 3, 7:00 p.m. (check in 6:30 p.m.) Watch for details on location.

Elect precinct leaders, choose delegates, etc.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA’S 13TH ANNUAL THEATRE OF DREAMS GALA APRIL 10 5:30 p.m. at the Lanny & Sharon Martin Bldg. at the Denver Art Museum - 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver. Celebrating Colorado’s 150th Anniversary, Central City’s 94th Summer Festival and “The Ballad of Baby Doe.” Early bird pricing thru Jan. 15. Attire: Black Tie- Dress in your finest gold & silver as a tribute to the precious metals that defined Colorado’s Gilded age.

RSVP. COLORADO BALLET ONE GALA THURS., APRIL 16, Denver Center Performing Arts Complex. Jill Anschutz, chair. 5:00 p.m. cocktail reception - Ellie

Caulkins Opera House; 7:00 p.m. dinner, honoring Artistic Director Gil Bogg’s for 20-year anniversary with Colorado Ballet in Seawell Ballroom. 9:00 p.m. performances in Opera House; 10:00 p.m. Dessert, music & dancing.

13TH ANNUAL “A PERFECT PAIRING” APRIL 25 4 p.m. Enjoy unlimited Food & Beer pairings. All proceeds help send children and adults with disabilities to EasterSeals Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Village in Empire, CO. Tickets: aesbid. org/ELP/ESCANPO 26 CENTENNIAL FINE ARTS FESTIVAL MAY 30-31 at the Streets at SouthGlenn. Featuring award-winning regional & national artists. Sponsored by the Centennial Arts & Cultural Foundation. Deadline to submit art is Feb. 28. https://artist.callforentry.org/ festivals SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER MAYORS’ PANEL 2026 Hosted by Business Leaders for Responsible Government. THURSDAY, MARCH 12,3 pmLone Tree Arts Center. Free for members. $35 for non members. Six Regional Mayors share their perspectives in one place. Representing mayors from Greenwood Village, Littleton, Centennial, Englewood, Castle Pines and Lone Tree. RSVP: mcolazzi@best chamber.com 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? DENVER BALLET GUILD LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FEB. 27-MARCH 1 Needed for the 2026 Young Dancers Competition.

Register: Access the 2026 YDC Volunteers NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW At the National Western Stock Show The Grand Champion Market Steer “Boots” sold for $320,000. Buyers were Bank of Colorado and CEO of the National Western, Wes Allison. Reserve Grand Champion Steer sold for $125,000 to Ames Const. Co.; Grand Champion Hog sold for $85,000 to OXY. Reserve Grand Champion Hog sold for $120,000 to Transwest Trucks, Inc. Grand Champion Lamb sold for $55,000 to TRM Foundation, Audra & Sean McNicholas.

BECOME A CONTESTANT IN THE 2026 MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT If you are 60 or older - you qualify as a contestant for the pageant in April 25, 2026. This is not a beauty contest; contestants will compete in a private interview, evening gown, philosophy of life, and talent. The winner will appear at community events, parades and represent Colorado at the national pageant in Atlantic City. Every contestant becomes part of the Colorado Cameo Club, joining an incredible sisterhood that performs throughout the community. Contact Pageant Administrator Rene’ Green at 720-384-6249 or renemcsap@gmail. com www.coloscramerica.com “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.

BUSINESS NEWS OLIVER’S “A TOAST TO THE TASSSEL!” Host a graduation celebration on the full-private terrace. Accommodates 10-15 guests seated or up to 80 guests reception style. RSVP: nicole@ oliversitalian.com AISLYN DERMATOLOGY Dr. Aislyn Nelson MD, PhD dermatologist is located in Lincoln Medical Center, 11960 Lioness Way, Ste. 225, Parker. 719-992-0127. www. aislynderm.com “We Do It All.” SOUTH METRO CHAMBER BUSINESS IN FULL BLOOM ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS SHOW APRIL 24, 6-10 p.m. Nominations open! Nomination close after Feb. 27.

Reservations 303-795-0142.

JOSHUA TREE EXPERTS CERTIFIED ARBORISTS Schedule a Winter Arborist Inspection to develop a tree care plan for the winter time.303-229-8777. www. joshuatreeexperts.com/denver-southco ROGERS & SONS INC. - ELEVATED CLIMATE CONTROL Curated Cooling & A/C Services; Radiant Heating & Snow Melt Integration; Whole-Home Humidification and more.

Private Consultations: 720-408-7411. https://rogershvac.com CARLA’S A CLASSIC DESIGN From unique gifts to festive decor.

Shop small and local at The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Centennial. 303-683-0372 GE TREE SERVICE Trusted & Reliable for 20 years. A Certified 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.

COWBOY MOVING & STORAGE Commercial & Residential Moves - Also, load & hold. Call 303-789-2200.

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 PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION + MORE5 Star Google Reviews. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-9695386.

ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING Upscale dining, engaging events and activities. Call 720-684-5913. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.

SEMION BARBERSHOP FOR ALL -MEN, 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.

FALL PARTIES/EVENTS? BOOK TODAY Rocky Mountain Valet. Visit www. rockymntvalet.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 us - schedule your tour today. 720-315-7778 or visit ParksideVillageRetirement.com

4th Generation Barbers Semion is the modern, affordable barbershop for men, women and children who want a great look – and a great experience in the chair. From the moment you walk through the door, our goal is to make you feel welcome and appreciated. Let the upbeat music and laid-back atmosphere wash away your cares and restore your energy. Our talented and friendly barbers and stylists are ready to deliver the personal style you crave at an exceptional value. www.semionbarbershop.com • Greenwood Village Location: 5910 S. University Blvd • (720) 531-3998

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • February 26, 2026

money sense

The not-so-empty nest: How to help adult kids achieve financial liftoff When your children turn to you for financial support — and a roof over their heads — these tips from Merrill can help you give them the tools they need to move forward on their own.

Most parents have mixed feelings about achieving empty-nest status.

They miss their kids but take great pride in knowing they have set them on the path to financial independence. So when a report comes out documenting an increase in “boomerang kids” — young adults coming home to live with their parents — there is cause for concern.

According to a 2024 Pew Research report, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” 57% of young adults aged 18–24 live with their parents — up from 53% 30 years ago. Among 25- to 29-year-olds, 21% live with a parent, up from 16%. If they are not living with their parents, many get help with rent or mortgage payments: According to a Better Money Habits Bank of America survey, “2024: The State of Gen Z’s Financial Health,” 54% of adult members of Generation Z (18–27 at the time) do not pay for their own housing.

Clearly, for many parents, the empty nest is not so empty. Plus, according to the Pew report, 44% of young adults say they received some sort of financial assistance from their parents during the past year.1 Young adults face many financial pressures: inflation, student debt and high mortgage rates, among them. Fortunately, for many parents, helping the kids is not a burden. In the Pew study, only 36% of parents said doing so had adversely impacted their financial situation somewhat in the last year.1 These not-so-emptynesters are more likely to be focused on finding ways to help their kids stand on their own financially.

“Of course, you want to be there for your children when they need financial help,” says Bank of America’s financial gerontologist, Cynthia Hutchins. “But the most important thing you may be able to give them

is a refresher course in the financial basics.” Consider these ways to help your adult children establish better money habits.

Lend an ear — and some budgeting advice If your adult children are asking for help paying their bills, first ask them what financial pressures they are facing. “It can help to share the financial missteps you may have made when you were younger, as well as the financial lessons you wish you had known,” says Hutchins.

Let your kids see that mistakes can be overcome if they stick to a wellthought-out plan.

Encourage them to create a budget that prioritizes expenses, designating some things as “needs” and others as “wants.” Are your kids overspending?

Suggest that before making any major purchases they ask themselves whether they have met their savings target for the month — say, 20% of their paycheck.

Tell them about the trade-offs you made when you were starting out.

Next, schedule time for them to talk with your financial advisor, who can offer perspective on the value of having a financial plan and ideas on how to pursue their financial goals, like saving for a down payment or going back to school.

Help out — but attach strings To encourage accountability, think about structuring your financial assistance in the form of a loan, Hutchins suggests. Put it in writing and agree on a repayment schedule. While the IRS requires you to charge interest on loans to family members, the minimum required rate is usually well below what traditional lenders charge.2 If your financial support comes in the form of a large gift (a down payment, for instance, or help paying off a student loan), consider positioning

the gift as an early inheritance and adjusting your estate plan to avoid any potential sibling resentment.

Set limits — on yourself and your kids Before you commit to providing financial support, sit down with your advisor to assess your current income and expenses and discuss how you might lend a hand without losing momentum on progress toward your own goals.

When talking with your children, be candid about how much support you can offer and how long it can last. Consider limiting your financial contributions to help with essential expenses (car loan, yes; streaming services, maybe not so much) and only after they have personally covered as much as they can. You may want to give your adult child a deadline for moving out and explain that your life plans (retiring, relocating, etc.) cannot be put on hold indefinitely.

Above all, emphasizes Hutchins, “Never dip into money earmarked for your retirement, or you may end up being the one needing financial support.” Remind the kids they have 40 to 50 years of earning power ahead of them — you do not. They will understand.

For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor Andrew Neal in the Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303.689.8043 or andrew.neal@ml.com.

1

Pew Research, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” January 2024.

2

IRS.gov, May 2024.

Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA.:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Deposits

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May Lose Value Are Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity

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