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VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 21 • APRIL 17, 2025 $2 per print copy Since 1982 Or read online at www.villagerpublishing.com

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N E W S

M A T T E R S

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HappilyEverAfter

Straight Out of a Fairytale

A Magical Time at Central City Opera’s Theatre of Dreams Gala

Gala Honorees Heather Kemper Miller, Anne McGonagle

Gala Chairs Christina Dinegar, Theresa Ruhl

See pages 8-9 for more photos President & CEO Central City Opera Scott Finlay Photo by Amanda Tipton Photography

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

6 early signs of hearing loss.

The signs of hearing loss may develop slowly over time and may be difficult to notice. Being aware of the signs can help you to be proactive in taking steps to improve your hearing.

Difficulty following conversations You have difficulty understanding conversations in noisy backgrounds.

Phone conversations are unclear You have trouble following phone conversations in quiet & noisy places.

People seem to be mumbling You frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves.

Difficulty locating sounds You have difficulty locating where sounds are coming from.

Signs of tinnitus You experience ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (called tinnitus).

Turning up the TV too loud Your friends and family say you turn the television up too loud.

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April 17, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

The Secrets to Loving Well One of my favorite things to do when I am traveling is people-watch. I see couples holding hands and being affectionate. I am fascinated by the older couples. This fascination increased as I watched Instagram and Facebook reels where a youthful social media influencer posts interviews with longtime married couples and asks them about the secrets of their loving relationship. A typical “secret” is often described as unconditional and sacrificial love. I wanted to learn more. I explored journals and stories to discover what unconditional or sacrificial love means and what it looks like.

Unconditional love is an unwavering connection between individuals. Unlike love, which is contingent upon certain con-

Serving Arapahoe County for 43 Years Keep up on your city, people, politics & social events

ditions or expectations, unconditional love exists without an “if” or “when.” It is not based on behavior, appearance, or circumstance.

This form of love requires complete acceptance and understanding, even when not reciprocated.

The primary trait of unconditional love is sacrifice. This means putting someone else’s needs, desires, and well-being above your own. It is the kind of love that doesn’t expect anything in return. This sacrificial nature is at the heart of many significant relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic.

Think of a mother waking up every night to care for her newborn, regardless of how little sleep she gets. This act of constant care, often without immediate return, is driven by a deep,

unconditional love. The child cannot offer anything in return except trust and dependency, yet the mother continues to give.

A partner might sacrifice their comfort to support the other during difficult times, whether staying up late to provide emotional support during a rough patch or making significant life changes to prioritize the relationship’s needs. For example, someone might put their career ambitions on hold to care for a partner going through a health crisis. In such moments, there’s no expectation for the other person to offer anything in return but love and gratitude.

While sacrificial love is powerful and transformative, it’s also important to recognize that unconditional love should not be self-destructive. Loving without conditions doesn’t mean putting yourself in harmful or toxic situations. There’s a delicate balance

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dedication to hearing one another.

12. remain flexible.

13. have an attitude of service.

14. create emotional safety.

15. respect each other’s boundaries Loving well may not always be visible in grand gestures, but its beauty lies in the countless small acts of kindness, patience, and understanding. It is a sacrificial love that does not fade when conditions change, or life becomes difficult. It is a love that holds firm through thick and thin. Whether it’s a mother’s tireless devotion to her child, a partner’s quiet support during hardship, or a friend’s ability to love without judgment. Loving well is a force that makes the world kinder, more compassionate, and more hopeful. joneen@ narme.org

C NVERSATIONS ARAPAHOE COUNTY FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR

Cottage Food Safety Learn food safety guidelines, and the specifics of operating a home-based cottage food business from a home kitchen. The next online class is April 25, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

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between offering love freely and maintaining personal boundaries. True love involves caring for others, self-respect, and the courage to avoid unhealthy dynamics.

To become one who loves well sacrificially, one must: 1. accept others as they are, not what you want them to be.

2. help others without an expectation of a reward.

3. listen, empathize, and consider others’ feelings.

4. not take things personally.

5. openly and generously offer gratitude and appreciation to others.

6. demonstrate kindness and respect.

7. share generously.

8. compromise easily.

9. remain humble, authentic, and vulnerable 10. seek to do good.

11. lean into conflict with a

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the 119th annual Arapahoe County Fair July 24–27. It’s the best deal in town for a family-friendly outing. Admission includes ($25): parking, unlimited carnival rides, fireworks, rodeos, main stage concerts, animal shows, and so much more!

Details at arapahoecountyfair.com.

Container Gardening–New! Attend a fun class on creating container gardens, April 26, 12–1 p.m. at Hudson Gardens. Learn the secrets of building stunning pots and planters full of beautiful blooms.

Register now at https://bit.ly/CSUContainer

arapahoeco.gov

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

WEEK OF APRIL 14

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

The Villager

Office: 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016 • (303) 773-8313 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe County, Colorado. (USPS 431-010) Published weekly by

Dr. Albino and Hoffman she nominated both to the Women’s I’ve been a member of The Hall of Fame Denver Lions Club for 45 years. and they were One of the Club’s greatest achievehonored at a rements since being one of 24 Charcent ceremony ter Lions Club chartered in 1917 at the Denver in Dallas, TX. Sheraton Hotel Rotary was with over 900 founded a few invitees to wityears earlier, Ph.D. Elizabeth Hoffman ness the inducDr. Bronwyn Bateman Ph.D. Judith Albino and along with tion of 16 honOptimists and Colorado and Wyoming donors. the new VA hospital, a Hyatt hotel, orees.

It was a great evening and Kiwanis they The Denver Lions, working massive retail developments, and we’ll be running more on the event do outstanding with CU, hired Dr. Bronwyn dozens of University of Colorado

BY BOB SWEENEY with a list of all the honorees. projects for Bateman, a highly respected departments with ongoing cancer PUBLISHER Because of my Lions memberlocal commuOphthalmologist/Surgeon from research and many medical reship and dedication to the project, nities. The Denver Lions Club led UCLA, to come to Denver. She search teams, along with medical working with Dr. Bateman and CU the way to found what is known was named department head and students on the campus. leadership, my wife Gerri and I, today as the University of Colora- began working with Dr. Fulginiti During her career in the dewere her invited guests at the cerdo Anschutz Medical Campus that who was the Dean of the CU Med- velopment of the RMLEI, Dr. emony where her nominees were includes the Susan Anschutz Eye ical Campus. The team parlayed Bateman worked in close relahonored.

Center. The facility was initially moving the aging campus out to tionships with two University of Great projects are produced funded by Colorado and Wyoming Fitzsimmons and Dr. Bateman Colorado Presidents, Ph.D. Judith by great leadership and the trio Lions starting as a major project in Albino and Ph.D. Elizabeth Hoff- of women Albino, Hoffman and the early 1990s. Hellen Keller was supported moving her staff, as the first department, to move to man.

Bateman led the way to the crea guiding light for Lions, and she Fitzsimmons.

It was the beginning Dr. Bateman is now retired, ation of the largest University of dubbed Lions her “Knights of The of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye living in California, and engaged Colorado Anschutz medical camBlind.”

Institute (RMLEI) that still exists with UCLA where she started her pus in Colorado history.

The Denver Lions Club took today in support of the Anschutz stellar career. While in Colorado We were honored to be in atthe lead role in moving the OphCampus. Along with operating she became a supporter of The tendance and see some old friends. thalmology Department from the Lion facility, Dr. Bateman per- Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, The Villager will be working with the CU Medical Campus at the University out to Fitzsimmons to a formed regular eye surgery at Chil- now headquartered in Greenwood Hall of Fame leaders for more details and award winner photos: new $6 million vision center with dren’s Hospital. Today, the campus Village at 6530 S. Yosemite St. funds raised by Dr. Bateman and is vast, the surrounding area has In gratitude of the leadership of www.cogreatwomen.org/donate

Women’s Hall of Fame Honors Two CU Past Presidents

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com 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

The Solution to Inflation is Monetary and Fiscal Policy After observing monetary policy for decades, the one message the Fed Reserve FOMC (the elite committee that sets monetary policy) continually sends is that they don’t know what they are doing.

Or worse, they do know, and they choose to devalue the US Dollar, and with it, cause imbalance in the economy. I’m not trying to be divisive or harsh, however, we need to face a terrible truth: Our economic situation is in extremis.

In truth, the central bank’s monetary policy has cycled, but the trend is to ignore its prime directive, ignore the reason for its formation. They can talk about full employment or monetary elasticity or promoting green banking, but these are diversions from the Fed’s directive: To protect the value of our currency.

The currency, the dollar, is so common we forget that this simple concept, that a piece of paper has value, is the foundation, the bedrock or our entire economy. We take it for granted at our peril.

In fact, the pain we feel today, economically, is that we must dispense with far more dollar bills to buy the same commodity as one year ago, certainly a decade ago. The culprit is devaluation of the US Dollar. The other side of the same coin is called price inflation.

Since the Fed’s inception in 1913, under President Woodrow Wilson, the central bank has managed Monetary Policy (interest rates and money supply). It appears they have ignored the prime directive, established in the Federal Reserve’s founding charter, which is to protect the value of our nation’s currency. Since the Fed’s inception, the purchasing power of the dollar has declined over 95%.

We see the net effect of dollar devaluation in today’s inflation. Everything we buy today requires a larger number of dollars than a year ago. That’s due to dollar devaluation, called price inflation. This latest bout of devaluation started in 2008 when the Federal Reserve started printing US Dollars, called Quantitative Easing (QE) and sold those dollars to the Treasury Department so Treasury could fund federal spending demanded by Congress.

The instigators of dollar printing gave no thought to the moral question: Should they place every citizen into debt to pay for current spending? The $36 Trillion debt ($8 Trillion due to QE) will be payed by every taxpayer, now and future generations. Did you agree to this debt burden? Did your unborn great grandchildren? Did the FOMC not know that excessive dollars in circulation would cause inflation?

Every economic principle that leads to and supports a free and thriving market suggests that a strong national currency is the basis of all economic activity. Business leaders and innovators can’t plan for the future, or make capital decisions today, when the most basic medium of exchange (the US Dollar) is declining in value. They will not invest capital in future projects when monetary policy depletes private capital to satisfy government spending.

That said, we can debate the method by which the central bank should manage its business, but first we need to agree that the free exchange of goods and services is the foundation of individual independence and is a foundational Principle of our nation. Further, that principle is established in our founding documents. It’s not here-

say, it’s written in our Declaration and Constitution. Citizens have “certain inalienable (G-d given) rights to life, liberty and ownership of property.”

If we agree that the premise of our nation is individual freedom to choose, and if we agree that financial freedom is the bedrock of individualism, then we need a strong and stable dollar to facilitate economic freedom. Third, we must look at the single principle of a stable medium of exchange and see if we can agree on the way to stabilize the dollar. That stability is established through judicious and careful control over the supply of money.

Too many dollars chasing too few goods leads, inexorably, to devaluation of every other dollar in circulation. To say it another way, every dollar printed in excess of that needed to support economic activity is inflationary because it devalues the purchasing power of every dollar in circulation.

Therefore, the solution to inflation is to protect the value of the dollar: Drain excess money supply from circulation. But first, in order to accomplish a lower and stable money supply, Congress and all of us must reduce spending.

This concept can be confusing, so view the cycle of economic suicide (QE) as a circle with three nodes, each invigorating the other. These nodes are dependency, federal spending and national debt. Money supply provides the liquidity to allow the flow of transactions.

This is a closed cycle that does not exist in a natural environment. It was artificially created to facilitate central control, or dependency on government largess. It is this cycle to which the Federal Reserve FOMC and Congress have been complicit. A closed system cannot generate profit, it must siphon from an outside system (through taxation and debt) to sus-

tain itself. \There is a far different economic concept. It is an open concept that allows for natural expansion of economic activity. Each free person can choose to participate. Its basis is free exchange of goods and services by willing individuals in a fair market transaction. \The bedrock of this economic system is the individual and his liberty to decide of his own free will. Which requires freedom from outside interference by a central government through rules, regulations, and bureaucrats. \Anarchy is avoided because we all adhere to Law and have a vested interest is living to an ethical code. This open economic system sprang from the freedom recognized in our nation’s founding: The sanctity of the individual, his right to choose free of coercion. It’s called capitalism. And it springs from our Declaration and Constitution, and from our Creator who bestowed Individual freedom in each of us.

Long discussion to get to the point, the solution to our current economic woes is less government spending, less money in circulation, less debt on each citizen meaning less government or a government that is limited by our Constitution.

There have been great civilization throughout the ages. Each was marked by the concept of freedom for the individual. How fortunate we are that we have the roadmap to freedom codified in our founding documents.

“A Republic, if you can keep it” indeed.

Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank. He is a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. He believes there is a direct connection between individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.

swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 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!”

2024 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK QUOTE of the WEEK The greater the

power, the more dangerous the abuse.

– Edmund Burke

April 17, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

N Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and Chick-fil-A Kick Off Partnership with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies Local Chick-fil-A Restaurants Provide Financial Support Towards Junior Achievement’s Premier Experiential Financial Literacy Program Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain (JA) and Chick-fil-A have announced a three-year partnership agreement. Local Chick-fil-A restaurants will become the official “Dining Out” sponsor of both Metro Denver JA Finance Parks, presented by Transamerica, providing $150,000 of funding over the next three years to support the JA Finance Park program.

To celebrate this partnership, local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators and Team Members gathered with JA staff and held ribbon-cutting ceremonies to officially open Chick-fil-A stores at the JA Finance Park locations in Greenwood Village and Thornton. Students from Columbia Middle School in Aurora, who were participating in the JA Finance Park program that day, joined in on the festivities and even got to meet Chick-fil-A’s famous cow mascot.

“We are grateful for Chickfil-A’s support and investment in Junior Achievement,” said Robin Wise, President & CEO of JA-Rocky Mountain. “This partnership will open the doors to opportunity and possibility for the next generation of our community’s leaders. Together, we will make a real, lasting impact on young people’s lives.”

JA-Rocky Mountain is a nonprofit organization that

inspires and prepares the next generation for success in a global economy through financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship programs. JA Finance Park, presented by Transamerica, is JA’s premier financial literacy experiential learning program for middle and high school students, helping them build a foundation for making intelligent and lifelong personal financial decisions.

The program has been recognized by Harvard University’s Global Education Innovation Initiative as a program with innovative curriculum and best practices related to 21st century skills in financial literacy education. Chick-fil-A’s “Dining Out” store will teach students about the costs of food and drink, such as going out to eat and groceries, and how to budget for them based on factors such as their income, family situation, and potential debt they may be in.

Students who participate in the Robert & Judi Newman JA Finance Park simulation become adults for the day and are immersed in a reality-based decision-making process addressing aspects of individual family budgeting, including housing, transportation, food, utilities, healthcare, investments, philanthropy, and banking. Following participation, 90% of students are more confident about creating a realistic budget, and 87% of students feel they have more control over how their future will turn out, according to post-program surveys.

ancy Kenyon, of Greenwood Village, Colorado, was born on March 8, 1930 in Seattle, Washington. She passed away on March 31, 2025, at the age of 95.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Bob, eldest son David, parents Edward and Lois, sister Mary, and brother Jack. She is survived by her son Craig, daughters Kim and Kristina (Daniel), daughter-in-law Rosemary, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Seattle, WA, she had a love for music, playing the violin from an early age. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948, followed by a year at Whitman College in Walla Walla. She moved back home to help with her family and worked as a medical secretary. At the age of 24, she moved to sunny Denver, Colora-

do, where she met her future husband, Bob, in 1954. They married one year later in 1955.

Nancy and Bob raised four children, moving often with their young family from Wyoming to California to Alaska to Colorado.

Nancy, Bob and kids settled in their home in Greenwood Village in 1971. Always musically inclined, Nancy taught herself to play the piano by ear, playing songs and singing with her family often.

While raising her kids, Nancy went back to

college, earning her BA in English from the University of Colorado, Denver, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1982.

She taught English to ESL students in Douglas County for several years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, volunteered at Bethesda Hospital community garden, and was a member of the Great Books Club at Bemis Library. Nancy was an avid reader and gardener, and she loved spending time with her family. She and Bob enjoyed traveling to Santa Fe, becoming fine art enthusiasts.

There will be a small, private outdoor service in late spring.

We will miss her wit and humor, her sense of curiosity and love for learning, her deep intellect and generous spirit, and the magic she created in her beautiful gardens.

fo l l ow F R E DA Colorado will stop issuing new liquor licenses to grocery stores with pharmacies

On November 8, 2022, by a margin of 52% to 48%, Colorado voters said yes to Proposition 125, which allowed grocery stores with pharmacies that were already licensed to sell beer, to also sell fermented malt beverages and wine.

It was widely predicted that the change in policy would cause independent liquor stores to go out of business, and, according to an analysis performed by the Denver Gazette, which they reported on December 3, 2024, “dozens of independently owned liquor stores have closed,” and “as many as 400 additional liquor stores will be forced to close by 2026.”

Trade groups representing grocers have asserted that the 2022 change in how alcoholic beverages are sold benefits consumers because prices are

BY FREDA MIKLIN

presumably lower, though The Villager was unable to locate any published evidence or studies by industry representatives or anyone else showing that prices have gone down.

Colorado has three types of retail liquor licenses.

The one used by King Soopers and Costco, for instance, is the Liquor-Licensed Drugstore (LLD), which allows any licensed drug store to sell alcohol.

King Soopers only sells beer and wine, while Costco also sells hard liquor but not in all locations.

SB25-033, which had bipartisan support, prohibits the state and local licensing authorities from issuing any more new LLDs. It also prohibits transferring ownership of LLDs, except from one independent (non-chain) pharmacy to another. It was signed into law and became effective on April

10, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

Prime sponsors of the bill were Sens. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, along with Reps. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland and Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora.

Upon signing the bill, Gov. Polis expressed reservations about it, saying, “While the pro-free market and pro-consumer evolution over recent years might have been a burden on small, independently run liquor stores, a permanent freeze on the LLD license type puts the state government in the position of picking winners and losers in an anti-competitive manner that prioritizes existing businesses and deprioritizes Colorado consumers. To that end, I hope both sides are willing to work together to find a more lasting compromise putting the consumer first.”

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

fo l l ow F R E DA

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.

BY FREDA MIKLIN 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.

Three new South Suburban Parks & Rec directors will likely be chosen by a tiny fraction of eligible voters According to Jennifer King, the South Suburban Parks & Recreation (SSPRD) designated election official, there are 119,048 eligible voters in the 151,000-person special district, as of March 27, 2025. Eligible voters in SSPRD are residents and property owners in Centennial, Lone Tree, Littleton, Sheridan, Bow Mar, and Columbine Valley, and parts of unincorporated Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties.

In 2022, when the last election for three board directors was held, 1,628 voters (1.4 percent) returned ballots, on which they could vote for up to three candidates. The eight individuals contending for the three positions in 2022 each received an average of 560 votes.

SSPRD directors are elected at large thus eligible voters can cast their ballots for any candidate, regardless of where they live or own property in the district.

By comparison, six months ago, 72% of registered Coloradans cast ballots in the statewide election, down from 78% in 2020.

Voter participation stands out as a continuing hot-button issue in SSPRD, which has a 2025 annual budget of $146.5 million, up from $117 million in 2024.

On May 6, three directors will be elected from nine candidates who have been certified to run. They will join continuing directors Pam Eller, Board Chair, and Ken Lucas, Treasurer.

The Villager participated in a candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe & Douglas Counties (LWV) on April 12 at the South Suburban Sports Complex at 4810 E. County Line Road. All nine candidates for the three board positions appeared and answered questions.

The candidates, alphabetically, are Keith Gardner, Steve Kaverman, Tyler Linnebur, Luke Lorenz, Dan Murphy, Rick Pilgrim, Jennifer Stearns, Elizabeth Watson, and Joe Wilson. Only Gardner is an incumbent, having been appointed to the board in 2023 to serve out the remaining term of Dave Lawful, who passed away unexpectedly while serving.

Asked to state their qualifications for the position, Gardner pointed to having served on the board for the past two years “building partnerships and relationships with people and learning how to take input from residents,” as well as his eight years serving on the Centennial City Council. He is a 27-year

Keith Gardner

Rick Pilgrim

Steve Kaverman

Jennifer Stearns

resident of SSPRD. Kaverman talked about his family being “almost daily users” of SSPRD programs and facilities and his experience as an elected member of the Broomfield City Council and as a tourism industry executive, as well as holding a Master’s degree in organizational management. He has lived in the district for three years.

Linnebur noted he is a C.P.A., whose auditing experience would be valuable in analyzing financial matters, as well as being active in sports and recreation, including as a user of SSPRD parks and trails, pickleball and kickball facilities. He has been a district resident for 3.5 years.

Lorenz described SSPRD as “where I grew up and built a career, and now raise my family,” adding, “I am deeply committed to this community and I believe that strong, accessible, and innovative parks and recreation services are essential to our quality of life.” He shared that he has a Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration and a Master’s degree in educational leadership. Lorenz has been a SSPRD resident for 45 years.

Murphy talked about his family, including six children, adopting “the families that plays together, stays together,” motto for living. He also pointed to having owned his own business for 25 years, gaining a financial background that would help him serve. He is a 25-year resident of SSPRD. Pilgrim noted that he, his children, and now his grandchildren are in SSPRD. He pointed to the fact that he would be “available and accountable” as a director, having recently retired from a 47-year career as a civil engineer.

Pilgrim was the mayor of the

Tyler Linnebur

Elizabeth Watson

Town of Bow Mar for 10 years.

Stearns grew up in Littleton, then relocated to Minnesota, before moving back to Colorado with her family, “either consciously or subconsciously, because we realized how great South Suburban is (including its) green space, 100 miles of trails, award-winning recreational facilities it provides.”

She added, “I bring 10 years of aviation experience, including helping businesses restructure…and a passion for parks and rec.” She has been an SSPRD resident for 28 years.

Watson talked about “transparency, community engagement, and election services,” noting what connected them all is “connecting our community” by “getting information out to the people who support this wonderful district, making sure everyone has a clear idea of how their taxes are being spent and a great way to provide input (and) influence board decisions.” She is a 21-year SSPRD resident.

Wilson, a “sales executive who listens to people,” talked about his involvement with youth sports as a basketball, baseball, and soccer coach for 14 years and pointed to his use of SSPRD facilities “for about 320 days a year” for golf, pickleball, tennis and other activities. He values community engagement, transparency, and financial responsibility, and wants to be a “change agent.”

He will have lived in SSPRD 22 years, as of July.

During the question-and-answer period for community members, the topics of of how to increase voter participation in elections and transparency came up frequently.

To vote in the May 6 election, one must be a registered Colorado voter and reside in

Luke Lorenz

Joe Wilson

the district or own property in it. Then they have until April 29 to fill out an Application for Absentee Ballot and mail it or email it to the district’s designated election official, who will send them a ballot.

After completing it, the voter can either mail it back or drop it off at Goodson Rec Center or the South Suburban Sports Complex. Alternatively, they can vote in person on May 6 between 7 am and 7 pm at the Sports Complex (no other location) where election judges will have the necessary data to verify their eligibility. In 2022, a total of 184 people voted in person.

There are 2,980 voters on SSPRD’s permanent absentee ballot list who will automatically receive a ballot in the mail and are eligible to return it by mail, drop-off, or in person.

At the LWV forum, no one directly addressed the recent resignation of Rob Hanna, who had been SSPRD’s executive director since August 2015. According to information published by SSPRD on its website, on February 4, a special meeting of the board was held virtually with the only agenda item being an announcement by Board Chair Pam Eller that Hanna had resigned effective February 5 for health reasons.

Several people who attended the election forum on April 12 asked board contenders questions about possible issues around human resources and employee retention at SSPRD but did not offer any further explanation about why they had raised that subject. Board candidates generally answered that those topics would be addressed by the next executive director when that person is hired. The board has retained a

Dan Murphy

Photos by Freda Miklin

consultant to conduct a search for candidates.

When The Villager asked all nine candidates to share what specific ideas they had to increase voter participation in SSPRD elections, Keith Gardner suggested that perhaps board members should run by district, rather than at-large.

Steve Kaverman answered that the board “should strive to increase voter participation.”

Tyler Linnebur suggested moving the election to November instead of May, but a community member pointed out that holding special district elections in May is required under current state law.

Joe Wilson said it would cost $3 per voter to mail ballots to all voters, as is done in South Metro Fire District, and he thought that was too much to spend. Elizabeth Watson agreed it would cost $3 per voter to mail ballots to everyone. Jennifer Stearns suggested voting in November, even though it would require a change in state law.

Luke Lorenz had two ideas—creating secure online voting and/or including mail ballots with catalogs that SSPRD already sends out to all district voters. Rick Pilgrim though Luke Lorenz’ ideas were good ones. Dan Murphy said that the board of directors needs to make this issue a priority because “the current process is no good.” He suggested further investigating the cost of mailing ballots to all voters and potentially “piggybacking with other elections.”

State law (CRS §1-13.5111) that requires all regular special district elections be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May currently applies to all districts. According to the Special District Association of Colorado, there are over 2,400 special districts in the state. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to pass a law that could apply to some but not all, though it would likely be complicated to do so.

April 17, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

fo l l ow F R E DA New candidates declare for Colorado Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer Governor On April 11, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet made it official. He is joining Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2026, while former Parker Mayor and short-term U.S. Rep. Greg Lopez has announced that he will join state Rep. Scott Bottoms, state Sen. Mark Baisley, and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell on the list of Republicans hoping to get the 2026 GOP nod to replace term-limited Gov. Jared Polis.

Bennet, who has been in the Senate since 2009 and was last elected to a six-year term in 2022, defeating GOP challenger Joe O’Dea by 15 points, made his official announcement in Denver’s City Park.

He released a statement on his campaign website saying, “Colorado is the best state in the nation, and throughout our history, we have been an example of leadership for the rest of the country. But right now, we face significant challenges.

Too many Coloradans struggle to afford to live here; our state’s budget is in crisis; and, President Trump has waged an all-out assault on our values and economy. I’m running for governor to build a brighter future in Colorado and give people a chance at a better life. The best solutions to our challenges will not come from Washington’s broken politics.

They will come from us. Together, we can make Colorado the best state to live, work, and raise a family in, and provide the leadership and vision our country needs.”

At City Park, Bennet said, “Housing, groceries, and child care cost too much. Health care and mental health care aren’t available to everyone. Our schools and small businesses are struggling. In Colorado and across the country, our economy is not working well enough for most families and our middle class is under real stress.”

Addressing the national scene, Bennet continued, “Many are worried today about the state of our democracy…But our solutions for the future will not come from President Trump’s chaos or from Washington’s broken politics. Firing federal workers will never bring down the price of eggs. Endless fighting over government shutdowns will never help us build more housing. Cutting taxes for people at the very top or starting trade wars with every country on the planet will never fix our education system…Together, we can make this the best state to live, work, and raise a family. We can be an example to the rest of the country on

how to fight Trump and drive a stake through Trumpism, which I am committed to doing every day…Everything we care about now is at stake in our country. Business as usual is simply not enough.”

Early endorsers of Bennet’s campaign include Colorado’s other U.S. Senator, John Hickenlooper, U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, former state Rep. Wilma Webb, Colorado Senate President James Coleman, and Speaker of the Colorado House, Julie McCluskie, along with commissioners representing Larimer, Gunnison, and LaPlata Counties.

In his announcement on YouTube on April 14, Lopez said, “Something is happening in Colorado. Families are struggling. Small businesses are closing…But it doesn’t have to be this way…It feels like we’re losing the Colorado we love. Imagine a Colorado where families don’t have to choose between buying groceries and paying rent, where small businesses aren’t buried by high taxes and endless regulations…where kids get the education they need, free from politics. I’ve seen firsthand how bad policies hurt good people…We need real leadership…people over politics…

The future of Colorado is on the line.”

In 2022, when he last ran for governor, Lopez said, “As governor, I’m going to introduce a conversation about doing away with the popular vote for statewide elected officials and doing an electoral college vote for statewide elected officials,” in which no county would get less than three or more than 11 electoral college votes. At the time, 9News analyzed how that plan would have worked in the prior gubernatorial election in 2018, concluding that it would have resulted in Republican Walker Stapleton beating Gov. Jared Polis 263 electoral votes to 181. Using the traditional one-person-one-vote method, Polis beat Stapleton 55.5% to 44.5%.

crucial moment. I’ll stand up to Donald Trump to protect our rights and freedoms. I’ll fight for working- and middle-class Coloradans, hold big corporations accountable, and safeguard our land, air, and water.”

Her campaign website lists endorsements from U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, former U.S. Reps. Betsey Markey and Yadira Caraveo, former state House Majority Leader Monica Duran, and 21 members of the 2025 general assembly.

Griswold, whose campaign will be chaired by former Lt. Gov. Gail Schoettler, holds a B.A. in politics and Spanish literature from Whitman College and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

In an interview with Denver7, Griswold said that as AG, her top priority would be, “Standing for our freedoms and our rights….Beyond that, I think it’s really important to protect the Colorado way of life…That means protecting our land, our air, our water.”

She added, “As a mom and a woman, I look forward to protecting the right to birth control, IVF, and abortion care. As someone who grew up in rural Colorado on food stamps, fighting for the middle class, fighting for working people.”

Dougherty, describing his motivation for running to Denver7, said, “There are too many scams and frauds out there right now and too many people falling victim. The Attorney General’s office has to play a key role in standing up and fighting for Coloradans.”

In announcing her candidacy on February 27, Duran said, “Like many Coloradans, I’m deeply concerned about the future of our country and know that a new path forward is required in times like these when it can seem as though nothing is sacred. As our next attorney general, I will work to protect consumers, increase affordability, combat corruption and stand up to greed and those who manipulate outcomes at the expense of the people of Colorado.”

Attorney General Also on the Democratic side, Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty has been joined in the race for Colorado Attorney General

by Secretary of State Jena Griswold and former Colorado House Speaker Crisanta Duran.

On Monday, April 7, Griswold kicked off her campaign to replace Phil Weiser, who is term-limited, saying, “I am running for Attorney General because Colorado needs a strong, proven leader in this

Treasurer On April 14, state Sen. Jeff Bridges, who has been in the legislature since 2017, became the fourth Democratic contender for State Treasurer in 2026. Current Treasurer Dave Young is term-limited, making this an open seat.

In his announcement, Bridges said, “As Chair of Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee, I think every day about how to make sure your tax dollars get the best possible return. Instead of parking your tax dollars in Wall Street secu-

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet

Michael Dougherty

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

Crisanta Duran

Greg Lopez

Colorado Sec. of State Jena Griswold

Scott Bottoms

Mark Baisley

Jason Mikesell State Sen. Jeff Bridges

rities and Washington T-bills, as your next Treasurer I’ll put your money to work right here at home where you can see and feel the difference.”

He further explained, “I’ll invest in housing that working Coloradans can actually afford, infrastructure that creates good-paying jobs, and clean energy projects that lower utility bills while fighting global warming,” continuing, “While Washington creates chaos, we’ll use the state’s fiscal resources to protect our land, water, and people regardless of federal dysfunction.”

Bridges’ announcement

also included endorsements from state Senate President James Coleman, Joint Budget Committee Vice-Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, former Senate President Steve Fenberg, Arapahoe County Commissioner and former Senate Assistant Minority Leader Rhonda Fields, and Ambassador Ken Salazar.

Other Democrats who have previously announced their intention to seek the nomination of their party to run for State Treasurer in 2026 are Arvada State Rep. Brianna Titone, Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio and John Mikos, a resident of Monument.

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

All the chapters of Central City Opera’s Theatre of Dreams Gala were magical

HappilyEverAfter

theme at exquisite Lanny & Sharon Martin Building at Denver Art Museum

Gala Chairs Christina Dinegar and Theresa Ruhl

FLEURISH Christina and Leonard Dinegar with son Charles and his fiancée Megan Westbrook Gala Honorees Heather Kemper Miller and Anne McGonagle.

Central City Opera President & CEO Scott Finlay and husband Tom Duggan with Kimberly and Hon. Eric Johnson (Denver District Judge) new CCO Board member

LEFT: Barbara Ferguson, Wendy Wenkstern, Louise Rouse Marnie King, Georgene McGonagle

Pam and Sonny Wiegand (CCO Board CoChair) Enchanting performances

by Analisa Leaming (soprano), Lisa Marie Rogali (mezzosoprano), Michael Kuhn (tenor) and Jason Zacher (bass baritone)

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Erin Nichols, Karen Ritz

Sharon Martin with Bob and Beth Vinton

Teresa Crane (pianist)

ABOVE, LEFT: Alison Moritz (CCO Artistic Director), C J Hartung (CCO Artistic Liaison & Administrator of Training Programs), Meg Ozaki Graves (Sr. Director of Artistic Planning & Partnerships)

Past honorees Newell Grant in full regalia with Pam and Dutch Bansbach

The McGonagle Family – Georgene McGonagle, Conor Frantzen, Erin McGonagle, Anne and Tom McGonagle, Caitlin McGonagle, Ben Dennis, Morgan McGonagle, Zack Preuss

JUNE 28 - AUGUST 3

centralcityopera.org

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE THE KNOCK ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

LEFT: Adam Scurto (CCO Managing Director, External Affairs), Margaret Williams (CCO Managing Director, Internal Affairs) with Scott Finlay Louise Atkinson, Arlene Mohler Johnson, Susan Stiff and Howard Janzen

Tickets on sale now

Heather Kemper Miller’s family – Mariner Kemper, Sheila Kemper Dietrich, Walter Dietrich, Heather, Eliza Roometua, Josh Roometua, Mike Miller

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

Denver Area Panhellenic hosts Annual Awards Luncheon and farewell to outgoing President Kendy Blake Denver Area Panhellenic (DAP) is one of the oldest organizations in Colorado, founded in 1908. It is one of the most outstanding alumnae Panhellenic organizations in the U.S. winning numerous awards and is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The National Panhellenic Conference supports its women’s fraternities by promoting values, education, leadership, friendships, cooperation and citizenship.

Officers “go through the chairs” for a stint of an amazing and dedicated five years of service beginning with secretary, treasurer, vice president, president and then delegate-at-large before going off the board. The beauty and reward is meeting and gaining dozens more sisters with whom to bond for lifelong friendships.

This year’s president Kendy Blake gave an emotional farewell speech about how much Panhellenic has meant to her especially while creating special memories and thanked her own sorority sisters who traditionally plan the annual awards event. Chairs were Erica Wood and Kirsten Olson with committee members Jennifer Fowler, Leslie Murray Keller and Allison Powell. She also acknowledged past winners and all the delegates who represent each sorority.

Sorority life extends beyond college, beyond social and is deepened by the Panhellenic Creed.

Just a few ways DAP served the larger community was by provid-

ing warm clothing for the Coalition for the Homeless, snack bags for Special Olympics, creating blankets and warm welcome bags for Newborns in Need and will continue to help the Food Bank of the Rockies and Grow Local Colorado.

“We started this year’s programming with the mantra: It’s always more fun to say YES!” said Kendy Blake in her message. In addition to superior programming, another DAP priority is raising money for collegiate scholarships.

This year the committee received an impressive applicant pool spanning 26 schools, 17 states and 14 National Panhellenic Conference groups, resulting in 70 applications with the daunting task of choosing two recipients.

Another daunting task is selecting the DAP Woman of the Year by the Alumnae Awards Committee. Winner Leslie Franklin’s Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta) sisters had this to say in her nomination letter: “Leslie’s unwavering dedication to mentorship, leadership, and service has left a lasting legacy. The Tulane graduate was honored as Theta’s Woman of the Year 2025 and the Denver Alumnae Chapter celebrates her contributions to sisterhood, community and lifelong leadership.” This award is weighted 70% sorority and Panhellenic contributions and 30% career and community. She has built a distinguished career in marketing and nonprofit organizations and was named Temple Emanuel’s Volunteer of the Year. She has served on the Denver Alumnae Chapter Kappa Alpha Theta board including as president and was a DAP delegate.

Denver Area Panhellenic Board members: Delegate-at-Large Bonnie Johnson (Zeta Tau Alpha), President Kendy Blake (Alpha Sigma Alpha), Vice President Katie Edmiston (Kappa Kappa Gamma), Treasurer Judy Lacy (Gamma Phi Beta) and Secretary Hayden Smith (Delta Zeta)

She is a designated “Lifelong Theta” member, has served as a college chapter advisor, District Director and most recently serves as Fraternity Vice President on Theta’s Grand Council - just to name a few of her many accomplishments. The Alumnae Achievement Award (begun in 1992) winner was Krista Keough (Kappa Kappa Gamma) and the Emerging Leader Award (added just a few years ago) winner was Marissa Thomas (Sigma Kappa).

Incoming DAP President Katie Edmiston included in her remarks a quote from Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Scottie Iverson is a former Kappa Alpha Theta Woman of the Year, former president of Denver Area Panhellenic and former Denver Area Panhellenic Woman of the Year.

Scholarship Winner Cassie Minnie (Delta Gamma, Alabama alum and current PhD candidate at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus), Collegiate Scholarship Chair Danielle Colagio (Zeta Tau Alpha), Scholarship Winner Arden Jourda (President of Pi Beta Phi at Colorado School of Mines)

Photos by Scottie Iverson

“I believe in the Panhellenic Creed!”

- Kendy Blake, outgoing DAP President

Welcoming President Kendy Blake with the planning committee of her Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters for her President’s Tea at Cherry Hills Village Center

The Alpha Sigma Alpha hug favor at the tea

ABOVE: Alumnae Awards Chair Bonnie Johnson (Zeta Tau Alpha), Denver Area Panhellenic Woman of the Year (a tradition since 1971) Leslie Franklin (Kappa Alpha Theta) and Spirit Award Winner (a surprise announcement since 1994 chosen by the delegates), Laura Lewis (Sigma Kappa) LEFT: Tremendous attendance and support from past Denver Area Panhellenic Presidents at the Annual Awards Luncheon. Front Row: Maureen Rojas (Phi Mu), Joan Cohen (Kappa Kappa Gamma), Ellen Morris (Alpha Sigma Alpha), Leigh Ann Kudloff (Gamma Phi Beta). Back Row: Renee Verspoor (Alpha Phi), Carolyn Hunter (Kappa Kappa Gamma), Kendy Blake (Alpha Sigma Alpha) after passing the reins to Katie Edmiston, Stacey Cummins (Alpha Xi Delta), Bonnie Johnson (Zeta Tau Alpha), Barbara Hofmockel (Alpha Sigma Alpha) and Scottie Iverson (Kappa Alpha Theta)

April 17, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

Where? is Hunter’s NFL Draft question WHERE . . .

That one word, in multiple sentences, dominates the debate among Buffs and Broncos fans regarding what the future holds for CU wunderkind Travis Hunter, as next week’s National Football League draft draws nearer.

WHERE will he go in the draft?

WHERE will he begin his pro career?

WHERE will his new team play him?

Clearly one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is easily the most intriguing, maybe of all time.

As the only player ever to receive both the Bednarik Award, as college football’s top defensive player, and the Biletnikoff Award, as its best offensive player—in the same season—Hunter could star on either side of the ball in the NFL. Or, maybe both.

He possesses an overall skillset unmatched by any other player among the 267 who ultimately will be chosen by the league’s 32 teams next Thursday through Saturday.

But the NFL Draft—first and foremost—is about teams at the front of the pecking order filling their most glaring needs.

Fortifying already strong positions with the proverbial “best player available” usu-

ally falls to the previous season’s more successful—and thus, later-picking clubs— who feel that what’s left at the position they’d most like to improve isn’t worth a first-round choice.

Tennessee, Cleveland, the New York Giants, and New England have the first four picks in Green Bay, site of this year’s draft.

Wide receiver is listed among the needs for three of them, while help in the defensive secondary is on the shopping list for the fourth, the Giants.

So, Travis probably will be gone before the fifth pick is made.

But which of those four will snap him up?

If he’s not the first player chosen, that honor most likely will go to either Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.

The Titans’ top needs are listed as quarterback, wide receiver and edge rusher.

That means they could go for Ward, Hunter or Carter.

For my money, I’d take Hunter or Carter ahead of Ward, who seems to be the top-rated QB for lack of a superior alternative (including Shedeur Sanders, who strangely is not considered nearly Ward’s equal).

Among the Titans’ lower priorities is help in the defen-

sive secondary. They could view Travis as a two-fer.

The last true two-way player in the NFL is the namesake of the top defender award won

by Travis Hunter. The first player taken in the 1949 NFL Draft, Chuck Bednarik played both center and linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles for most of his 14 seasons.

At age 35 Bednarik played 58 of the 60 minutes in the 1960 NFL Championship Game. Philly beat Green Bay 17-13, and Bednarik made the game’s final tackle, stopping Jim Taylor at the eight-yard line and staying on top of him as the final seconds ticked away.

“You can get up now, Jim. The game’s over,” Bednarik is said to have told Taylor when time expired.

As recently as CU’s Pro Day this month, Hunter stated emphatically that he wants to play both ways in the pros— be a modern-day Bednarik, in effect.

And his coach, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, who also played some wide receiver (though only part-time), has said he thinks Hunter’s up to the rigors of two-way play in today’s NFL. But can he be?

According to the University of Colorado’s official team stats, Travis Hunter played 1,460 of CU’s 1,725 snaps from scrimmage in his senior season. He also was on the field for 21 plays by special teams.

During that season, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wide receiver, while also making 25 unassisted tackles and participating in 11 others (almost three stops per game) and intercepting four passes and breaking up 11 others as a cornerback.

So, Sanders asks, “Why not?”

But pro football has evolved since Bednarik starred—even since Sanders last suited up more than 20 years ago. Players are bigger and stronger, and the game is more punishing than ever.

Whether or not Hunter plays both sides of the ball may come down to the team that picks him deciding if it’s willing to double the risk of losing to injury a player who can be a difference-maker wherever he’s positioned. ______________ Denny Dressman’s 17th book, a collaboration with Kansas City artist Anthony High titled Black Baseball’s Heyday – Capturing An Era in Art and Words, will be published in late June. You can write to Denny at denny dressman@comcast.net.

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PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

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A Conservatorship is a legal proceeding, which is started by filing a Petition for the Appointment of a Conservator. The person filing this pleading is the “Petitioner” and is responsible for paying the filing fee, which is currently $199.00.

The person that is alleged to need the protection of a Conservator is the “Respondent” or “Protected Person”.

The Petition is filed in the District or Probate Court in the county where the Respondent lives. A supporting doctor’s letter must be attached to the Petition. If the Respondent is also incapacitated and no one has legal authority to make medical decisions for the Respondent, a Petition for Appointment of a Guardian should be filed at the same time. This saves having to pay another filing fee later on, and the Court will consider the two Petitions together, in a combined case.

A Conservator is a type of fiduciary or trustee who is appointed by the Court for an individual who is unable to manage his or her own financial affairs, due to some type of incapacity. The Petitioner must show the Respondent has assets which will be wasted without proper management. A Conservator is placed in charge of a person’s financial matters, while a Guardian is placed in charge of the care and custody of a person and is responsible for making health care and placement decisions.

The fiduciary duties include that of undivided loyalty to the person whose interests the Conservator protects. The Conservator may not engage in “self-dealing”, which means profiting off the assets controlled. Although a Conservator is entitled to reasonable compensation, family members often serve without pay. In any event, compensation paid to the Conservator must first be authorized and approved by the Court.

As part of the pleadings and documents needed to open a Conservatorship, a name-based criminal history record check from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and a current credit report of the proposed Conservator must be filed with the Court. A Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS)

Check Written Authorization form must also be completed and signed by the proposed Conservator and filed with the Court.

The Conservator has a duty to exercise due care. The Conservator must handle the Conservatorship assets prudently, using reasonable care and caution in investing and managing the assets under the Conservator’s care. If there are sufficient assets to warrant investments, it may be prudent to rely upon a financial advisor to diversify and structure an investment portfolio, balancing risk and return.

Sometimes it may be necessary to liquidate investments or even to sell the Protected Person’s house.

At any time there is a significant change in financial matters, it is advisable to seek Court approval.

This will limit the Conservator’s liability to the Protected Person and those who may inherit his or her estate.

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

Many of my clients have asked what are the critical documents needed. Simply 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.

Selected information in this column has been taken with permission by Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc., from the Colorado Senior Law Handbook, Current Edition (Chapter 25: Conservatorship of Adults, M. Carl Glatstein, Esq), which is a copyrighted publication and may be accessed and downloaded for free at: www.cobar.org/For-the-Public/ Senior-Law-Handbook.

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PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • April 3, 2025

April 17, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

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Transportation Teaches Creative Engineering

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tudents in the Transportation pathway can take several classes that put them hands-on with real automobiles and aircraft, giving them the opportunity to learn professional mechanical, servicing, and maintenance skills.

“I like being able to work on something that I think about all the time,” Creek junior Khy Lefevre said. “A lot of what I do Photo by Quinn Rudnick is related to cars, so being able to Students in a CCIC aviation class work on an engine component. have a class where that’s all you “You just get so many new frienddo, I think that’s pretty nice.” ships and connections,” he said. “To The automobile program comes be able to work on your dream with in three separate classes, from begin- friends is unreal.” ning to advanced. Automotive Technology I and II focus on terminology, Health & Wellness Establishes diagnosis, and basics of electronics, Medical Basics braking systems, and suspensions.

The Health and Wellness PathIII is far more advanced, where stuway is separated into different coursdents study speed, modifying a car es including Advanced Studies in to maximize performance. All offer Health Care, Behavioral Health, CerASE certification, enough to enter tified Nurse Aide (CNA), Physical & the workforce, along with CTE and Occupational Therapy, and PharmaSTEM credits. cy Technician. These courses support Eaglecrest junior Nour Students in a CCIC aviation class work on an engine component. students who plan Photo by Peter Philpott Mathlouthi says the hands-on work on pursuing a separates it from traditional educareer in physical cation. “You’re able to get up and or occupational move around and be able to have the therapy, behavioral feeling of accomplishment when you health, nursing, or fix something,” she said. “A lot of pharmaceuticals. people could get into it even if you The Certified don’t know much about cars.”

Nursing AssisAutomotive program director tant, which is A plane that Brian Manley believes his program arguably the most CCIC students is very good for any student’s future. popular program, work on in “If you’re interested in cars and au prepares students the aviation tomotive, this can really become for entry-level courses stands a lucrative career pathway,” he said. nursing roles and in the yard “Even if you just want to save monthe National Nurse next to other Practicing standard medical procedure, students in a CCIC ey and fix your own car, you can do automobiles, Aide Assessment nursing program work on cleaning requirements with each other. that.” planes, and Program (NNAAP) Photo by Peter Philpott Aviation isn’t as centric on one scraps. exam. Training As students take these courses “[The information learned] is apPhoto by program. Each half, Aviation Mainincludes nursing Peter Philpott at CCIC, they’re able to experience plicable in every stage of life even if tenance and Aviation Flight, has its fundamentals, medical scenarios that typical med you don’t go into healthcare,” CNA own set of classes. Maintenance has patient care, communication, safety, students and even practiced doctors teacher Chrystal Thomas said.

“It courses that teach basics in math and ethics, and regulations. Students gain would see.

Because of this, their teaches [students] communication physics, and an airframes pathway hands-on experience through clinipreparation for careers later in life skills, humility, humanity, respect, including communications, hydraucal rotations in local long-term care continues to grow. and general human connection.” lics, aircraft coverings, and fuel. facilities.

Flight teaches about the real world of The behavioral health technician navigation, weather, and radio, precourse covers behavioral health prinparing for FAA examination. ciples, therapeutic communication, Smoky Hill junior Jason Jaster and skills needed to become a Beloves the aviation class for how difhavioral Health Technician. Students ferent it is to everyday school. “I regain experience in psychiatric care, ally like this program because I feel psychoeducational therapy, and hulike it gives us the creative freedom man behavior. to do a lot of things that I would defi“I’ve learned a lot and there’s nitely never get to experience at my skills that have definitely helped home high school,” he said. “I love me in my own life,” junior Eileen learning about airplanes and fixing Zheng said. “When my friends talk them, and it’s really fun.” about certain situations, I know how Lefevre says that the qualificato actually help them and I have the above. specific skills to do it.” tions are not all he got out of CCIC.

PAGE 14| THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

LEGALS

Because Because the the public public has has aa right right to to know know 1st place - 2018, 2nd place - 2023 1st place - 2018, 2nd place - 2023

1st place - 2018 1st place - 2018

COURTS COURTS DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, COUNTY ARAPAHOE, STATE OFOF COLORADO STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street 7325 S. Potomac Centennial, ColoradoStreet 80112 Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO COLORADO Petitioner, Petitioner, In the Interest of: In the Interest of: GRACE COSTELLO, GRACE COSTELLO, Child, Child, and concerning, and concerning, PARIS COSTELLO (DEPARIS COSTELLO (DECEASED), MICHAEL JOHN CEASED), MICHAEL JOHN AND RICKY THOMPSON, AND RICKY THOMPSON, Respondents, Respondents,

and, and, BESSIE COSTELLO AND BESSIE COSTELLO AND DINO YONKO AKA BINO DINO YONKO AKA BINO YONKO, YONKO, Special Respondents.

Special Respondents.

Erinn Walz, Esq. #43200 ErinnofWalz, Esq. #43200 Office the Arapahoe County Office of the Arapahoe County Attorney Attorneyfor the People Attorney Attorney County for the People Arapahoe Department Arapahoe County Department of Human Services of Human 14980 EastServices Alameda Drive, 14980 East Alameda Drive, Aurora, CO 80012 Aurora, CO 80012 ewalz@arapahoegov.com ewalz@arapahoegov.com (303) 636-1821 (303) 636-1821 Case No: 25JV42 Case No: 25JV42 Division: 22 Division: 22

NOTICE OF DEFAULT NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING HEARING CONCERNING RESPONDENT, RESPONDENT, RICKY THOMPSON RICKY THOMPSON PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding RICKY THOMPSON RICKY THOMPSON is regarding set on APRIL 21, 2025 at is set on in APRIL 21, 22 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

Division at the 4:30 p.m. in Division 22 Court, at the Arapahoe County District Arapahoe County District 7325 South Potomac Street,Court, 7325 South Potomac80112.

Street, Centennial, Colorado Centennial, Colorado 80112.

You have the right to be repYou have theattorney right to be represented by an during resented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot theseanproceedings; yoube cannot afford attorney, oneif will afford an attorney, one will be

appointed to represent you. In appointed tofail represent you. the event you to appear forIn thehearing event you fail date to appear said at the and for saidindicated, hearing at date andthe time thethe Petitioner, time indicated, theofPetitioner, the People of the State ColoPeople the State rado, will of request that of theColoCourt rado, request that the Court enter a will default judgment against enter default judgment against you andaadjudicate the child you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected and dependent and neglected and adopt the prepared treatment adopt treatment plan for the youprepared in accordance with plan for youChildren’s in accordance with the Colorado Code, Colorado Children’s Code, orthe to determine that there is no or to determine that there appropriate treatment plan. is no appropriate treatment plan.

The Arapahoe County District TheisArapahoe County District Court holding hearings via CourtWebEx is holding hearings via Cisco Meetings to allow WebExand/or Meetings to allow forCisco audiovisual audio parfor audiovisual and/ormay audio ticipation.

Participants useparticipation.

Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart any computer, tablet or smart

phone equipped with a camera phone equipped a camera and microphone forwith audiovisual and microphone for should audiovisual participation.

Parties use participation.

Parties should use the following link: the following link: •https://judicial.webex.com/ •https://judicial.webex.com/ meet/D18-ARAP-Div22 meet/D18-ARAP-Div22 •Enter your name and email ad•Enter namewho andyou email address (so your we know are). dress you are).

You will (so thenwe beknow in thewho virtual You will then be in the virtual courtroom. courtroom.

•Select your audio setting. If your audio setting.or If the•Select audio on your computer the audio on your or tablet does not work,computer please use tablet does audio not work, please use the alternate option of callthe audio below. option of calling in alternate to the number ingyou in to below.

•If dothe notnumber have a device yousupport do not ahave a device that•Ifwill video connecthatyou willmay support a video connection, still participate by tion, only you by may still participate audio calling 720-650- by audioWhen only by calling 720-6507664. prompted enter 7664. When prompted enter

Access code: 2594 887 9073 Access 2594 887 9073 then presscode: #, # (no attendee ID press #, # (no attendee ID is then needed). is needed).

If you elect to appear in person, you elect appear in person, youIf must be attothe Courthouse be at the a you half must hour before theCourthouse hearing is a half hour scheduled to before begin. the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Dated: April 14, 2025.

Dated: April 14, 2025.

Erinn Walz, Reg. #43200 Erinn Walz, Reg. #43200 Assistant County Attorney Assistant Attorney Attorney forCounty Petitioner Attorney for Petitioner Published in The Villager PublishedApril in The Published: 17,Villager 2025 Published: April 17, 2025 Legal # 11835 Legal # 11835 ___________________________ ___________________________

SPECIAL SPECIALDISTRICTS DISTRICTS ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT APA EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING APA EQUIPMENT STORAGE CENTENNIAL AIRPORTBUILDING CENTENNIAL AIRPORT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO Sealed bids for the “APA Equipment Storage Building” project, at CenSealed bids forEnglewood, the “APA Equipment Storage Building” project, at Centennial Airport, Colorado, will be received by the Arapahoe tennialPublic Airport, Englewood, Colorado, will bePeoria received by the Arapahoe County Airport Authority, 7565 South Street, Englewood, County 80112, Publicuntil Airport Authority, 7565 South Peoria Englewood, Colorado 10:00 a.m., local time, on May 28, Street, 2025, and then Colorado 80112, a.m., local time, on May 28, 2025, and then opened, read alouduntil and10:00 canvassed. opened, read aloud and canvassed.

The work involved includes construction of a new pre-engineered metal The work includes construction of a new pre-engineered metal building andinvolved associated civil sitework improvements.

Major work items building and associated civil sitework improvements.

Major work itemsand include vertical structure erection, architectural, structural, mechanical, include vertical structure erection, architectural, mechanical, electrical: civil sitework elements including asphaltstructural, paving, concrete pave-and electrical: civil sitework elements including asphalt paving, concrete pavement, and storm drain utility improvements. ment, and storm drain utility improvements.

A complete set of Plans and Bidding Requirements and Contract DocuA complete of Plans Bidding and Contract Documents may beset obtained onand or after AprilRequirements 18, 2025, on Rocky Mountain ments may be obtained on or after April 18, 2025, on Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System: E-Purchasing System: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado. https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado.

All bidders are advised to examine the site to become familiar with all site All biddersThe areproject advised examine the site become familiar with all site conditions. willtobe discussed and to shown to interested bidders project willApril be discussed and shown to interested atconditions.

10:00 a.m.,The local time on 25, 2025, at the Arapahoe Countybidders Pub10:00 a.m., local time 25, Street, 2025, at the Arapahoe County PublicatAirport Authority, 7565onS.April Peoria Englewood, Colorado 80112. lic Airport Authority, 7565 S. Peoria Street, Englewood, Colorado 80112.

Each bid must be accompanied by a Certified Check or Cashier’s Check bid must be accompanied a Certified Check or Cashier’s Check in Each the amount of not less than five by percent (5%) of the total bid, made payin the amount of not County less thanPublic five percent of the total bid, able to the Arapahoe Airport(5%) Authority, or by Bidmade Bondpayin able to the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority, or by Bid Bond in like amount executed by a Surety Company. like amount executed by a Surety Company.

The Bidder must supply all information required by the Bidding RequireThe Bidder must supply all information requiredCounty by the Bidding Requirements and Contract Documents.

The Arapahoe Public Airport ments and Contract The Arapahoe County Authority reserves theDocuments. right to waive any informality in or toPublic reject Airport any or the right to waive any informality or to reject any or allAuthority portions ofreserves the various bid items or reject any and allinbids and make all portions of the various bid items or reject any and all bids and make the award deemed in the best interest of the Airport Authority. No proposal thebe award deemed bestofinterest the Airport Authority.

No proposal may withdrawn forina the period 30 daysoffrom the opening thereof. may be withdrawn for a period of 30 days from the opening thereof.

Any questions must be submitted to Patrick Lai, Jacobs, via email to Any questions must be. Questions submitted to Jacobs, email to patrick.lai@jacobs.com arePatrick due byLai, 10:00 a.m.,via May 5, 2025. patrick.lai@jacobs.com . Questions dueaccepted. by 10:00 a.m., May 5, 2025.

Questions received after this time will are not be Questions received after this time will not be accepted.

Published in The Villager Published in The Villager First Publication: April 10, 2025 First Publication: April 2025 Last Publication: April 17,10, 2025 Last Publication: April 17, 2025 Legal # 11832 Legal # 11832 ___________________________ NOTICE___________________________ OF CANCELLATION OF ELECTION NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF ELECTION AND AND OF RESULTS CERTIFIED STATEMENT CERTIFIED STATEMENT OFDISTRICT RESULTS GOODMAN METROPOLITAN GOODMAN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to § 1-13.5-513(6), C.R.S., that, NOTICE IS business HEREBYon GIVEN, § 1-13.5-513(6), C.R.S., at the close of Marchpursuant 4, 2025, to there were not more candi-that, at the close of business on March 4, 2025, there were not more of candidates than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits intent than offices to be for filled, candidates filing District affidavits(the of intent todates be write-in candidates, theincluding Goodman Metropolitan to be write-in candidates, for the for Goodman Metropolitan District “District”).

Therefore, the election the District to be held on May 6,(the 2025 Therefore, the election for the District to be held on May 6, 2025 is “District”). hereby cancelled. is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates for the District are declared elected by The following candidates for the District are declared elected by acclamation: acclamation: Timothy Swartos ..........................................................Until May 2027 Timothy Swartos ..........................................................Until May 2027 Michael Tebben ............................................................Until May 2027 Michael Tebben............................................................Until May 2027

Andre Takacs ...............................................................Until May 2029 Andre Takacs ...............................................................Until May 2029 Kimberly Armitage .......................................................Until May 2029 Kimberly Armitage May 2029 The following office.......................................................Until remains vacant: The following office remains vacant: VACANT ......................................................................Until May 2029 VACANT ......................................................................Until May 2029 /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie /s/ Ashley Election B. FrisbieOfficial Designated Designated Election Contact Person for theOfficial District: Contact Person Esq. for the District: Clint C. Waldron, Clint C. Waldron, Esq. WHITE BEAR ANKELE TANAKA & WALDRON WHITE BEAR Attorneys at LawANKELE TANAKA & WALDRON Attorneys at Law Avenue, Suite 2000 2154 E. Commons 2154 E. Commons Centennial, ColoradoAvenue, 80122 Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122 (303) 858-1800 (303) 858-1800 Published in The Villager PublishedApril in The Published: 17,Villager 2025 Published: April 17, 2025 Legal # 11836 Legal # 11836 ___________________________ NOTICE___________________________ OF CANCELLATION OF ELECTION NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF ELECTION AND AND OF RESULTS CERTIFIED STATEMENT CERTIFIED STATEMENT OFDISTRICT RESULTS GOODMAN METROPOLITAN GOODMAN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to § 1-13.5-513(6), C.R.S., that, NOTICE IS business HEREBYon GIVEN, § 1-13.5-513(6), C.R.S., at the close of Marchpursuant 4, 2025, to there were not more candi-that, at the close of business on March 4, 2025, there were not more of candidates than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits intent than offices to be for filled, candidates filing District affidavits(the of intent todates be write-in candidates, theincluding Goodman Metropolitan to be write-in candidates, for the for Goodman Metropolitan District “District”).

Therefore, the election the District to be held on May 6,(the 2025 Therefore, the election for the District to be held on May 6, 2025 is “District”). hereby cancelled. is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates for the District are declared elected by The following candidates for the District are declared elected by acclamation: acclamation: Timothy Swartos ..............................................................Until May 2027 Timothy Swartos ..............................................................Until May 2027 Michael Tebben ................................................................Until May 2027 Michael Tebben ................................................................Until May 2027 Andre Takacs ...................................................................Until May 2029 Andre Takacs ...................................................................Until May 2029 Kimberly Armitage ...........................................................Until May 2029 Kimberly Armitage May 2029 The...........................................................Until following office remains vacant: The following office remains vacant: May 2029 VACANT ..........................................................................Until VACANT ..........................................................................Until May 2029 /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie /s/ Ashley Election B. FrisbieOfficial Designated Designated Election Contact Person for theOfficial District: Contact Person Esq. for the District: Clint C. Waldron, Clint C. Waldron, Esq. WHITE BEAR ANKELE TANAKA & WALDRON WHITE BEAR Attorneys at LawANKELE TANAKA & WALDRON Attorneys at Law Avenue, Suite 2000 2154 E. Commons 2154 E. Commons Centennial, ColoradoAvenue, 80122 Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122 (303) 858-1800 (303) 858-1800 Published in The Villager PublishedApril in The Published: 17,Villager 2025 Published: April 17, 2025 Legal # 11837 Legal # 11837 ___________________________ ___________________________ NOTICE OF MAIL BALLOT ELECTION NOTICEMETROPOLITAN OF MAIL BALLOT ELECTION COPPERLEAF DISTRICT NO. 2 COPPERLEAF METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2 ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the TO WHOM ITMETROPOLITAN MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the COPPERLEAF DISTRICT NO. 2, of ARAPAHOE County, COPPERLEAF METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2, of ARAPAHOE County, Colorado.

Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a mail ballot election will be held on the NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a mail ballot election will be held on the

6th day of May, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Mail 6th day May, 2025, between hours ofelectors 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 Mail ballots areofrequired to be mailed the to eligible between 22 p.m. and 15 ballots required Day to be mailed to eligible electors between 22 andAt15 days priorare to Election (between April 14, 2025 and April 21, 2025). days prior tothe Election Day (between 2025 and(2) April 21, 2025). said election, electors of the DistrictApril shall14, vote for two Directors whoAt said election, electors of term the District for two (2)who Directors who will each serve athe four (4)-year and forshall threevote (3) Directors will each will each a four (4)-year term and for three (3) Directors who will each serve a twoserve (2)-year term. serve a two (2)-year term.

The names of persons nominated as Director for a four (4)-Year Term: The names of persons nominated as Director for a four (4)-Year Term: Michael R. Rohde Michael Rohde Joseph P. R. Cervone Joseph P. Cervone Jacque Stephan Scott Sr. Jacque Stephan Scott Sr. The names of persons nominated as Director for a two (2)-Year Term: The names of persons Christian Alannominated Gilligan as Director for a two (2)-Year Term: Christian Deep SinghAlan Gilligan Deep Milam.

Singh Lauren Lauren Milam.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an eligible elector of said district, for NOTICE GIVEN an eligible elector of said district, the purposeISofFURTHER said election, is a that person registered to vote and who is afor the purpose of said election, a person registered to votepartner, and who is a resident of the District, or who, oriswhose spouse or civil union owns resident of or thepersonal District, or who, orwithin whosethe spouse or civil union said partner, owns taxable real property District, whether person taxable real the or personal thewho District, whether person resides within District orproperty not, or awithin person is obligated to said pay taxes resides within the or not, or aproperty person who is obligated to shall pay taxes under a contract to District purchase taxable within the District be under a contract toofpurchase taxable for property within of thequalifying District shall considered an owner taxable property the purpose as anbe considered an owner of taxable property for the purpose of qualifying as an eligible elector. eligible elector.

Eligible electors of the COPPERLEAF METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2 Eligible of ballot, the COPPERLEAF METROPOLITAN NO. 2 may applyelectors for a mail drop off a voted ballot, beginningDISTRICT April 14, 2025, apply for a mail ballot, drop off afollowing voted ballot, beginning April 14, 2025, ormay request a replacement ballot at the location or by contacting: or request a replacement ballot at the following location or by contacting: Sarah Shepherd, the District Designated Election Official Sarah Shepherd, the District Designated Election Official (DEO) (DEO)address: P.O. Box 359, Littleton, Colorado 80160 Mailing Mailing Address: address: P.O. Littleton, 80160 Physical 1100Box W. 359, Littleton Blvd.Colorado #101, Littleton, Physical CO 80120 Address: 1100 W. Littleton Blvd. #101, Littleton, CO 80120303-482-1002; Email: info@ccrider.us.

Telephone: Telephone: 303-482-1002; Email: info@ccrider.us.

The Office of the Designated Election Official is open on the following days: The Office of the Designated Election is p.m. openfrom on the following days: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.Official to 3:00 April 14, 2025Monday through Friday from 10:00p.m. a.m.ontoElection 3:00 p.m. from April 14, 2025May 5, 2025, and 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 Day, Tuesday May 6, MayBallots 5, 2025, andbe 7:00 a.m. toby 7:00 May 6, 2025. must received 7:00p.m. p.m.ononElection ElectionDay, Day,Tuesday May 6, 2025.

2025.

Ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, May 6, 2025.

Please call or email ahead to ensure staff is prepared to accommodate your Please call orcall email aheadintoadvance ensure staff is prepared to accommodate your needs.

Please or email for replacement ballot requests duremail inDay. advance for replacement ballot requests duringneeds. office Please hours orcall onor Election ing office hours or on Election Day. Voters delivering ballots to the Designated Election Official’s Office Voters ballots to the Designated Election Official’s Office may dropdelivering ballots in the 24-hour ballot deposit box, located at the back may drop in the 24-hour deposit box, located the back entrance of ballots the building, located ballot at 1100 W. Littleton Blvd., at Littleton, entrance CO 80120. of the building, located at 1100 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO 80120.

If any changes occur to the drop off hours and locations, those changes will any changes to the drop offhttps://copperleafmetropolitandistrict2. hours and locations, those changes will beIf posted on theoccur district’s website: be posted on the district’s website: https://copperleafmetropolitandistrict2. specialdistrict.net/. specialdistrict.net/.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an application for a mail-in ballot shall be NOTICE IS Designated FURTHER GIVEN an application a mail-in ballot filed with the Electionthat Official or county for election offices noshall laterbe filedthe with the of Designated Election Official than close business on April 29, 2025.or county election offices no later than the close of business on April 29, 2025.

COPPERLEAF METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2 COPPERLEAF DISTRICT NO. 2 By: ___/s/, SarahMETROPOLITAN Shepherd, Designated Election Official By: ___/s/, Sarah Shepherd, Designated Election Official Published in The Villager PublishedApril in The Published: 17,Villager 2025 Published: April 17, 2025 Legal # 11838 Legal # 11838 __________________________. __________________________.

is a proud supporter of local business news and happenings. Submit your news briefs or articles to Susan@villagerpublishing.com

April 17, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

Classified Advertising Colorado Classified Advertising Statewide Network

ASPEN ACADEMY TO HOST YOUTH & FAMILY VOLUNTEER EXPO WED., APRIL 17 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. at 5859 S. University. Blvd., Greenwood Village. Designed for ages 5 and up and their families. A free event to explore a wide range of local volunteer options and to connect with local volunteer agencies.

Aspen Academy Founder and President, Kristina Scala offers this free event that is open to the public. Advance registration at www.aspenacademy.org/volunteerexpo.

Local non-profits seeking young people and their families for volunteering opportunities can contact admissions@ aspenacademy.org STARTING OR GROWING A VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS? APRIL 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CentrePoint Plaza, 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora.

Info: 719-310-7262 or email CHundley@ mtcarmelcenter.org Bootss to Business Report with the U.S.Small Business Administration.

AURORA REPUBLICAN FORUM APRIL 19, 10 a.m. Speaker: State Chairman Brita Horn. $5 coffee & donuts at Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora 2nd Floor, End of the Hallway.

SOUTH SUBURBAN PARKS & RECREATION EGG SCRAMBLE APRIL 19, 8:30-11 a.m. at the Sports Dome, 6959 S. Peoria St., Centennial.

Children 12 and under are invited to meet the Easter Bunny, race for eggs. Sponsored by the City of Centennial and free to attend.

Arive early. No registration is required.

One parent or guardian per participant is permitted. Bring a basket without artificial grass or straw.

DENVER SOUTH 2025 ANNUAL EVENT WED. APRIL 23, 10:30-1:00 p.m. Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Speaker: Keith Ferrazzi, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Never Eat Alone” and Team Coach. Reservations: 303-792-9447.

ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA - RALLY FOR KIDS APRIL 25, 12-2 p.m. Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Apeaker Tonier Cain, a trauma survivor, author, filmmaker, and international recognized speaker specializing in trauma-informed care.

RSVP: 303-328-2350 or georgia_reiss@ adv4children.org ARAPAHOE COUNTY CONTAINER GARDENING NEW! APRIL 26. 12 noon-1 p.m. at Hudson Gardens. Register: https://bil.ly/ CSUContainer DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT SAT., APRIL 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at City Hall Parking Lot (2450 E. Quincy Ave.,) The Cherry Hills Police Dept. and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide the public another opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

The service is free and anonymous, no

questions asked. Questions: Contact the Police Dept. at 303-761-8711.

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EVENT FOR CENTENNIAL RESIDENTS SAT., APRIL 26. 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Centennial Civic Center. No commercial loads will be accepted. The event is strictly for residential use; follow all posted directional signs; expect possible delays; volunteers will be available to assist; delete all personal information before dropping off a computer. In exchange for this recycling service, consider bringing non-perishable food items or a monetary donation benefiting The Salvation Army in Centennial.

SOUTH SUBURBAN PARKS & RECREATION ANNAL ROSE PRUNING WORKSHOP APRIL 26 , 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at 5804 S. Bemis St. - the War Memorial Rose Garden.

Free, but must RSVP. BGrubb@ssprd.org FRIENDS OF NURSING AWARDS LUNCHEON SATURDAY, APRIL 26 . Friends of Nursing will award $170,000 in scholarships to 36 exemplary nursing students at Cherry Hills Country Club, 4125 S. University. Blvd., Cherry Hills Village.

These students attend Colorado Schools of Nursing and plan to remain in Colorado benefiting our Colorado communities. For ticket info: call 720-891-3412. Long-time friend, Rick Crandall, will Emcee and Friends of Nursing will celebrate the 100th Birthday of Past President and current Publicity Chair, LaFawn Biddle.

DENVER HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2-4 p.m. Babi Yar Park in Denver, 1045 E.Yale Ave., Denver.

WHAT’S NEW? - ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING EVENTS Upscale dining, engaging events and activities, indoor pool, pet friendly. Call 720-684-5913 to schedule a tour and enjoy lunch on the Village. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.

MEET MARIA SCRIVAN - AUTHOR OF ‘NATIONAL ENOUGH’ MAY 1, 6-7 p.m. at Arapahoe Libraries.

Hosted on the zoom platform. “New York Times” bestseller author tells about her struggles with not fitting in and other topics. RSVP: Scan the QR code in their advertisement on page 2 of The Villager APRIL 3 issue.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY “CHALK LINES & VINES” MAY 3 & 4. Art Festival at the Fairgrounds (Indoors). Tickets: Scan QR Code in Arapahoe County advertisement in The Villager.

SOUTH SUBURBAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION MAY 6, 7 am - 7 pm for machine voting: South Suburban Sports Complex, 4810 E. County Line Road, Littleton. The fivemember Board of Directors is elected at

large, on a non-partisan basis. Voters will vote for three candidates. Thirteen individuals have filed as candidates.

Applications for absentee-ballots are available and may be obtained online or at the Administration Office, 4810 E. County Line Road, Littleton until 4 pm on Tuesday, April 29. A ballot drop off box is located at Goodson Recreation Center and the South Suburban Sports Complex. Questions: elections@ssprd.org or call 303-483-7011.

SOUTH METRO CHAMBER TO SHOWCASE CHAMBER NONPROFITS MAY 7, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Lone Tree Arts Center. Nonprofits will pitch to a panel of Sharks. A portion of proceeds will benefit all participating nonprofits. Presenters: Adoption Options, The Right Step, Grace Counseling and Women’s Adventure Club.

Exhibitors: Make Mental Health Matter, Warrior Bonfire Program, Tall Tales Ranch and Bridge House. Open to members and the public. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cocktails available for purchase. Tickets: 303-795-0142 or info@bestchamber.com GREATER ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 39TH ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS BANQUET MAY 14, 5-8 p.m. Holiday Inn Lakewood.

Tickets: Lindsey@myenglewoodchamber. org GRADUATIONS: ST. MARY’S GRADUATION -MAY 17, 10-NOON. KENT DENVER GRADUATION - JUNE 2, 9-NOON. SPRING CLEAN-UP MAY 17, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for Cherry Hills Village residents. Held at 2101 W. Quincy Ave., Sheridan. (The Public Works facility in Sheridan). Shredding and electronics recycling. Questions: Cherry Hills Village residents can visit the Citiy’s website a https://www.cherryhillsvillage.com/197/ Spring-Clean-Up or call 303-783-2744.

SAVE THE DATE - MIZEL INSTITUTE 2025 HONOREES THURSDAY, MAY 22 . Honoring Bonnie & David Mandarich. 2024 honoree was Peyton Manning.

HONOR FALLEN HEROES AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE SAT., MAY 24, 10 a.m. - noon in Lakewood. The ceremony features a visual display and biographies of fallen heroes, reading of their names, wreath ceremony, musical elements and a remembrance gift for Gold Star families. Loretta Smith is director of the Tribute for more than 50 Gold Star families expected to attend.

The Tribute is at a new venue this year, The Event Center at Colorado Christian University, 8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood. Free parking located on campus at the Event Center only. To remember a hero call Loretta at 303-912-9980. Public invited. No RSVP required for community members.

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• Companionship and care • Administrative and concierge

(805) 421-7881 : MooreElderCare.com

COLORADO FREEDOM MEMORIAL 12TH ANNUAL COLORADO REMEMBERS CEREMONY MAY 24 for all WW2 Veterans to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII. All WWII Veterans will be recognized and honored with a special gift, according to CFM Founder &CEO, Rick Crandall.

Reservation: Call 303-248-3990. The Colorado Freedom Memorial is located at Aurora’s Memorial Park at 756 Telluride St. BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE HOSTS ANNUAL HOPE CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARS MONDAY, JUNE 9. Shotgun start at 10 a.m.. Opens at 8 am. at Colorado Golf Club, 8000 Preservation Trail, Parker. Info: call 720-524-2061 or visit www.bhghcoloado. org 119TH ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR JULY 24-27. Details arapahoecountyfair. com OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts 49 years. American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25.

Call Frank 303-7s5s9-9232 for a free breakfast. Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.

EXPAND YOUR LOVE OF BRIDGE New games specifically for Novice and

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

Letters deadline 10 am Monday. Please limit to 300 words.

Intermediate players. Tech Center Bridge is located at 6161 S. Wabash Way, Greenwood Village. Call 303-915-1229. 1st & 3rd Thursdays 12:30-3:45 p.m. Cost is $8.

Need a partner? Check the online list bredgewebs.com/techcenterbridge Also ask about Denver Metro Bridge at 5250 Leetsdale Dr., Denver. 303-757-4774.

DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale.

Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-3139741.

ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-3777682.

WHAT’S NEW? 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.

WHAT’S NEW? DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE LAUNCHES EAST WING PROJECT A $20 million gift from the Sturm Family Foundation will rejuvenate the historic theater, lobby and plaza. Construction begins in April 2025 causing the Infinity Theater to close starting April 8 to late July.

The rest of the Museum will remain open.

Now open is Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia.

Submit your letters by email to:

gerri@villagerpublishing.com 303-773-8313

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • April 17, 2025

Parkside Village Retirement Community

Parkside Village Retire Well.

Retire Here.

Discover an independent lifestyle that elevates senior living with unparalleled choice! With a wide range of floorplans to choose from, you can customize your living space to suit your personal preferences.

Plus, with our Signature Freedom Dining program, your choice also extends to the plate. We believe that the dream retirement lifestyle is different for everybody, which is why our lifestyle is tailored to you.

All-Inclusive Amenities  Live-In Managers!  Month-to-Month Rent  24-Hour Concierge & Valet Services  24-Hour Emergency Alert System  Weekly Housekeeping  Robust Social Calendar  And Many More!

Call today to plan your visit!

720-315-7778 14501 E. Crestline Drive  Aurora, CO 80015 ParksideVillageRetirement.com

MEET MARIA SCRIVAN, AUTHOR OF ‘NAT ENOUGH’ Arapahoe Libraries invites you to meet New York Times bestselling author Maria Scrivan. Hear about Maria’s own struggles with not fitting in, her love of cartooning at an early age and her strategies for moving through doubt and fear. Then, see her creative process in action!

Thursday, May 1, 6-7 pm This event will be hosted on the Zoom platform.

For teens, tweens and adults. To reserve your spot, scan the QR code or visit arapahoelibraries.org/events