Centennial Airport and FBO Partners Conduct Earth Day FOD Walk to Promote Safety and Sustainability
In honor of Earth Day, Centennial Airport partnered with Modern Aviation and Signature Aviation to conduct a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk alongside Runway 10/28, highlighting a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and airfield safety.
A FOD Walk is a coordinated effort where participants systematically walk the airfield to collect and remove debris that could pose hazards to aircraft operations. This practice plays a critical role in airport safety programs and also supports broader environmental stewardship goals by reducing waste and promoting cleaner airfield operations.
“Events like these demonstrate how even routine safety practices can support environmental responsibility,” said Michael Fronapfel, Centennial Airport CEO. “Together with our partners, we’re proud to lead by example as leaders of sustainability in aviation.”
Centennial Airport encourages other aviation organizations to take part in initiatives that combine operational safety with en vironmental awareness. The FOD Walk reflects a collec tive effort to not only protect passengers and aircraft but also preserve the planet for future generations.
Indian Agent Writes of Reservation Challenges
The history of American Indians is compelling and tragic in many ways. However, it was a clash between an ancient civilization and the discovery of a new land by Europeans seeking religious freedom while escaping the historic feudalism of monarchies. It is hard to believe that this great nation was populated by many Indian tribes, undiscovered for centuries until Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, aside from some early Viking explorers who revealed that the world wasn’t flat and that a new nation would eventually be born across the vast oceans.
in 1862), buffalo herds near the Greeley colony stretched as far as the eye could see. Historic figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody, now buried on Lookout Mountain, earned his name by supplying buffalo meat to the railroad crews. The buffalo herds were scattered and diminished for their hides in just a few years.
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
The Indian wars moved westward following the Eastern Indian battle, with the French, English, and colonists fighting over land and who would come to rule this continent. The Indians fought valiantly on many fronts, and the gold rush to Sutter’s Mill, along with the Louisiana Purchase by President Thomas Jefferson, accelerated the expansion westward, leading to the annihilation of Indian culture, the loss of their lands, and the slaughter of their major food source—the buffalo.
As described in the Looking Back pages of the historic Weekly Register-Call (founded
The Meeker Herald, a pioneer newspaper founded in 1885, obtained Indian Agent Nathan Meeker’s letters from the White River Museum that preserve life on the White River Indian Reservation. In the March 27 issue of The Meeker Herald-Times, reprinted N.C. Meeker, Indian Agent’s last annual report sent to The Commissioner of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. This was his second and final report, written on Aug. 16, 1879. Meeker arrived at the agency site in May 1878 and found it necessary to move the agency 15 miles down the White River to Powell Park, where open meadow lands were available.
He relates through his report how he and a small number of Indians began farming the sod-laden land previously used by the Indians for grazing their horses. He details that only 30 Indians, out of 200 “able-bodied” men, worked. With about 900 Indians in the only a “quarter” were remaining on the reservation. Re-
garding education, he relates, “They care nothing for it and refuse to send their children to school…they have traditions, habits and methods of thinking to which they firmly adhere.” Meeker continues, “…their needs are so few that they do not wish to adopt civilized habits.” He laments, “This general statement shows how difficult, if not hopeless, the task of civilizing these Utes is.” He concludes, “Whether five, 10, or 20 years will be required to bring them to even a low state of civilization, I do not presume to predict.”
He details how the Indians like to ramble “hither and thither” over vast land…they are compelled to roam. Further, he outlines his economic thoughts: “To permit any class of human beings to do as they please, and at the same time to be supplied with food inevitably leads to demoralization.”
Meeker relates that the reservation comprises about 12 million acres, with an elevation of about 6,000 feet, making it suitable for raising crops. They planted apple, peach, and plum trees. He concludes his lengthy report on a positive note, “If these Indians will only half improve their opportunities, they may become rich and happy.”
The Indians roamed far and wide, with many traveling to North Park beyond today’s Moffat Tunnel and the town of Walden. Some traveled through Central City, but the main trail led through North
Ayn Rand’s Case against Tariffs
There is a trade imbalance with China. And the Chinese government subsidizes manufacturing so they can undercut our domestic production prices. That means that we can buy products at lower prices. A trade deficit actually means that we have an advantage.
Tariffs are paid by the consumer. In this case by American citizens who consume Chinese goods. It is a tax. In what alternate universe does hurting citizens, by increasing the cost, help citizens?
The latest justification for the President’s tariff wars is that tariffs will bring manufacturing back to the US. Wishful thinking is not rational thinking… Consider why manufactur-
ing went offshore in the first place: Our own government agencies created a negative environment for private enterprise that business owners were forced to seek other modes of production. Communist China created a bubble of capitalism and incentivized production there. How incredibly ironic.
Our own government’s action created the need for offshore manufacturing: - progressive taxation, - excessive regulation by bureaucrats, - exorbitant spending by Congress causing crushing debt
Why would anyone think that more government interference (Tariff’s) would solve the problem? This irrational thinking is what got
into trouble in the first place.
The road to increasing domestic production and manufacturing jobs is simple: Go back to limited government, to the Rule of Law. And that rule is the Constitution.
Only by limiting our own government can we create the freedom from authoritarian rule for a true free market system to work. Free enterprise can’t defend our nation from foreign aggression, but it can create jobs and profits far better than any federal agency. Free markets are crushed under excessive government burdens like taxation and regulation.
Sustainable profitability is the free market’s super power. Capitalism is fully capable of creating opportunity. And that opportunity is sustained by the most incredible outcome of fair trade: profitability, which creates a sustainable business mod-
Park into Wyoming and Montana by horseback.
Some would say Meeker was scholarly and hard-working, with good intentions to model the Indians to be like white men. However, he concludes,” The great majority (of the Indians) look upon the white man’s ways with indifference and contempt.”
The Meeker Massacre was the last major incident of the Indian Wars in 1879. The Sand Creek Massacre occurred on Nov. 29, 1865.
Custer’s Last Stand at the Little Bighorn took place on June 25-26, 1876, in the Montana Territory, on the Crow reservation.
My mother was born in Buford on the White River in 1906, a few miles from the Indian reservation on the White River. Her father and mother were from Leadville, and her father was constructing a building at that location in present-day Rio Blanco County. My grandparents, both Irish immigrants, were married in Meeker in 1887. They homesteaded not far from the Milk Creek Battleground and the last Indian War. They raised five boys who all became cowboys and successful ranchers. I’m the son of Henry, the second-oldest boy.
el. Government agencies don’t create profit, they take from the citizens via taxation.
Rather than tax citizens through tariff’s, President Trump should continue his efforts (DOGE) to limit the federal government. The private sector doesn’t need nor want more government help. We want to be left alone to live our lives and build our businesses.
I recommend the analysis of Ayn Rand’s concept in the following American Thinker article.
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.
EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com
The
John Hartley Fuller
May 2, 1934 - April 11, 2025
John lived a long and happy life, but it wasn’t easy. Born during the Great Depression, his childhood years were full of change and uncertainty. The family lost its farm, moved many times, and didn’t have much money. But through it all, “Johnny” kept a positive attitude – a trait that continued throughout his life.
Born May 2, 1934, in Del Norte, Colo., to Stanley and Dorothy Fuller, John had a brother, Kenneth, who was 11 years older and a sister, Marynell, who was 10 years younger. They remained a close family throughout their lives.
John had good memories of his early school years. He was active in Boy Scouts, enjoyed going to the latest cowboy movie at the local theater with friends (if he could scrounge up the nickel it cost), and working in the “filling station” with his dad. He had some good mentors and teachers in high school, who encouraged him to go to college, but he was unsure. He considered staying at home, working at the filling station, and buying a car, something he always wanted. But a conversation with his father, who had an 8th grade education, changed that. His father told him, “the car will only last for a short time, but an education will last forever.” And so John began his higher education journey – one that would change not only his life, but thousands of others.
He attended Colorado School of Mines, but the academics were tough. He transferred to Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., for a year and he did well, but left after receiving an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland. John was excited. He dreamed of being a naval pilot. But his dream was quickly derailed because of medical issues. He returned home after a year feeling as though he let people down. But he persevered with that positive attitude.
He returned to Adams State and paid for college by selling newspa-
per advertising. He enjoyed it and considered doing that as a career, but ultimately decided that teaching would be more stable. He graduated in 1957 from Adams State and later received his Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Colorado. His first job was teaching high school math and science in Hagerman, Idaho -- and he loved it. He taught, coached, and even drove a school bus. He returned to Colorado to teach at Fowler High School, where he met a nursing student named Janet Buck.
They soon started dating. John knew that Jan was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. They were married in June 19, 1960, in Fowler. John says it was the “happiest day of my life.” They soon started their family. Jim was born in 1961 in Idaho, followed by John in 1964 and Jeanne in 1967, both born in Denver. John switched from teaching to counseling and took a position at newly opened Cherry Creek High School in suburban Denver in 1964. He worked there until retirement in 1994. He enjoyed getting to know the students working with them on their future plans.
He was also a dad who enjoyed spending time with his kids. He helped them with schoolwork and played ball in the back yard with them after work. Jan and John attended hundreds of the kids’ ballgames, track meets, and band/ choir performances from grade school through high school (and even in college). Those events were very special to John and he always made sure the kids knew he was proud of them.
He took a sabbatical leave in the
late 1970s to visit colleges across the country and was away from home for long stretches. It was hard on the family, but he recorded his journey on mini-cassette tapes and sent them home each week, which the kids enjoyed. He visited hundreds of colleges – big and small – that year. When he returned to Cherry Creek, he started The Post Graduate Planning Center, where students could learn about colleges and get help in applying. The Center was the only one of its kind in the U.S. and became a model for other high schools.
He also took special pride in helping Jim, John, and Jeanne select the college that was right for them. He was very proud that each of them graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
But John didn’t stop there. He and Jan saved their money and invested carefully their entire lives, so they could set up college funds for not only their kids, but for each of eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. John also set up college scholarships for high schoolers from their neighborhood. He established scholarships for students from his hometown of Del Norte and the surrounding area to attend his alma mater, Adams State College. And he started scholarships for employees and their kids who worked at Someren Glen Senior Living Community, where he and Jan lived in their later years. It was a lot of work coordinating it all, but John loved it.
In retirement, he began working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, where he advocated for kids in the foster care system. He and Jan also finished their travels to all 50 states, enjoyed spending time at their mountain cabin, and attended many local sporting events. His lifelong love for woodworking continued. Over the years, John built several pieces of furniture for their home, the cabin, and for their children.
He also enjoyed serving on professional associations related to education, including serving on the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, The College Board, American College Testing (ACT), among
many others. He was especially proud of his work with the Keeping Your Options Open (KOO) program, where he presented information about the college admissions and financial aid to other high school counselors across the state. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. His list of awards in higher education is long and varied.
John believed in a positive attitude and in the importance of education. Those attributes served him well and changed thousands of lives along the way.
John passed peacefully in his sleep, holding hands with his daughter, on April 11, 2025, at the age of 90. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Dorothy; his brother Kenneth; and his wife Jan. He is survived by his sister, Marynell; (Doug) Larson of Ft. Collins, Colo; his three children Jim (Brenda) Fuller of Pella, Iowa; John (Sherry) Fuller of Johnston, Iowa; and Jeanne (Stephen) Clifton of Longmont, Colorado; his eight grandchildren: Tyler Fuller, Aaron Fuller, Allison Clifton, Elizabeth Clifton, Drew Fuller, Alexis Fuller, Sadie Fuller, and Kamden Fuller; and his two great grandchildren: Madison Fuller and Mackenzie Fuller.
There will be a Celebration of Life service for John at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary on Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities: American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Environmental Defense Fund
Dates of interest
• Born: May 2, 1934 in Del Norte, Colorado
• Graduated from Adams State University (Bachelor of Arts) 1957; University of Northern Colorado (Master of Arts) 1961
• Married Janet Fuller, June 19, 1960 – married 63 years
• Career as high school math and science teacher, counselor: 37 years
• Died: April 11, 2025 at the age of 90.
Wesley Guzman and Larry DiPasquale, Epicurean Catering/E5, with Michelle Gruber and Jay Davidson, First American State Bank, and Paul Aylmer, Epicurean Catering/E5
BY IZZY KRAUSS AND PETER PHILPOTT
Cherry Creek Innovation Campus provides career learning for students in the Cherry Creek School District. These are two of CCIC’s programs.
Culinary Introduces Future Life Skills
Culinary Management, one course within the Hospitality pathway, offers studies in lodging and culinary arts, along with credentials and experience in food service and hospitality within the CCICafe, the facility’s own food counter, serving dishes made in the Prostart I-III classes.
“It’s pretty cool that we come together and just make meals for each other every day,” Creek junior and Prostart I student Ivory Brown said. “The students are very fun to be around. They’re very open minded. They’re very creative in different ways.”
Brown said the class is helpful even for those who aren’t planning a future in the food industry. “I can definitely see cooking being in my future…as a hobby,” she said. “Because if I do want to live on my own, having a good cooking background will help me get through life.”
And even though many might choose it as a hobby over a career, Prostart I teacher Christina Runyan is happy to be the first teacher in that process.
It’s pretty cool that we come together and just make meals for each other every day,” Creek junior and Prostart I student Ivory Brown said. “The students are very fun to be around. They’re very open minded. They’re very creative in different ways.
“I love that I get to teach the intro class, because I feel like students are always learning something new and helping students figure out whether they want to do this for a career,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and you get to eat every day and just learn all of the different cooking basics that you can use later in life.”
Infrastructure Provides Career Learning Opportunities
The Infrastructure Engineering program at CCIC supports students in exploring different
areas of building trades by teaching them how to operate cranes and/or forklifts, pour concrete, and frame buildings, as well as skills they may need in the field. The program is split up into multiple classes; Construction 1 covers topics like structural framing, tools, applied math, blueprint reading, and industry safety.
“There’s a lot I can take away from this class, aside from the actual work I learned skills like teamwork and general building skills,” Elevation senior Lev Kennedy said.
Construction 2 goes more in-depth, while also allowing students to work with Associat-
Culinary and Infrastructure Fuse Skills With Real Life
ed General Contractors of Denver, for a year-long home-
build project. The students work to build a three bed, three bathroom house for Habitat for Humanity. After building the gives them practical experience with carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.
The Villager is a proud supporter of local school journalism. It matters! above.
“It’s so hands-on, and the teachers really show you the nitty gritty of things,” Kennedy said. “[The teachers] give us our tasks but they show you indepth how it would work in the real world and real world appli-
Students in a CCIC construction class practice how to use a saw in an infrastructure class.
Photo by Peter Philpott
A student in a CCIC culinary classes makes fried rice. In that class, students create the recipes they’re given and get to take them home afterwards.
Photo by Peter Philpott
A student in one of CCIC’s infrastructure classes measures material.
Photo by Quinn Rudnick
BY FREDA MIKLIN
follow FREDA
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 are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college. I am a 9-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.
Gov. Polis signs four new gun safety laws—one draws loud protests from GOP
In the April 10 issue of The Villager, we reported on four new laws related to gun safety that had been passed by the general assembly and sent to Gov. Polis for further action.
That day, the governor signed two of them into law---SB25-003 Semiautomatic Firearms & Rapid-Fire Devices and SB25-059 Supports for State Response to Mass Shootings.
SB25-003, which is scheduled to take effect August 1, 2026, has drawn widespread criticism from Colorado Republican legislators, both local and national.
Eight days before Gov. Polis signed the bill, the state’s Republican U.S. Members of Congress, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Gabe Evans, and Jeff Hurd, sent him a letter urging him to veto it. They wrote, in part, that the bill, “blatantly infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” who “have the right to keep and bear arms.”
The new law also reportedly resulted in an unusual request by state House Republicans to the United States Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to opine on the constitutionality of the statute. Though there was not a copy of the entire letter publicly posted, The Denver Post reported that it requested “immediate intervention” from Bondi’s 2nd Amendment Task Force, saying, in part, “Because of the unconstitutionality as well as the imminent risk posed to Coloradans by eliminating their right to firearms as a means for self-defense, it is our belief that the passage of SB25003 constitutes an emergency for our state and calls for federal intervention.”
Only courts’ opinions on questions of constitutionality carry any legal weight. Typically, when a person or group believe that a statute violates the Constitution, they seek redress by filing a lawsuit in an appropriate court asking that the law be declared unconstitutional. Once a court rules in the lawsuit,, that judicial opinion can be appealed by either side to higher level courts potentially all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court..
In signing the bill, Gov. Polis issued a statement that said, “I am focused on improving public safety and making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the country. This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense. I am confident that this bill contributes to improving public safety in our state by helping to ensure an educated and trained gun owner community, including gun safety and safe storage. This law is not a ban, and I have been clear that I oppose banning types of firearms. Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership.”
According to his official state website, “The Governor and his office
“I am focused on improving public safety and making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the country. This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense. I am confident that this bill contributes to improving public safety in our state by helping to ensure an educated and trained gun owner community, including gun safety and safe storage,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This law is not a ban, and I have been clear that I oppose banning types of firearms. Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership.”
– Governor Jared Polis
worked with the sponsors, advocates, and Coloradans to improve the bill throughout the legislative session. As passed, this bill provides for lawful purchasers to undertake a gun safety education course prior to continuing to be able to purchase the gun of their choice starting in August 2026.”
While opponents to this legislation have described it as severely limiting Coloradans’ ability to exercise their right to own firearms, the bill does not make it illegal to buy or own the types of firearms to which it applies. It requires anyone who wishes to purchase or sell a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun that has a detachable magazine or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine to obtain a “firearms safety course eligibility card” from their local sheriff and complete a state-approved firearm education course, along with a hunter education course certified by the division of parks and wildlife. It also requires the division of parks and wildlife to maintain records of those who have completed these courses, something that some gun owners have opposed. There are exceptions to the requirements of the bill for transactions involving law enforcement agencies and peace officers, the department of corrections, armored vehicle businesses, military forces, gunsmiths, educational programs, and transfers that occurs by operation of law or because of the death of a person.
SB25-059 Supports for State Response to Mass Shootings, also signed by the governor on April 10, effective August 2025, directs the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice to apply for and accept and expend federal or other available grant money to improve the state’s response to mass shootings, including grant money to support services for victims of mass shootings.
HB25-1133 Requirement for Sale of Ammunition, signed into law on April 18, 2025 and effective July 1, 2026, requires a vendor to control access to ammunition in a face-to-face retail transaction and states that no ammunition may be sold to a person under 21, with certain exceptions. The bill adds requirements for shipping ammunition and mandates that a person over the age of 21 sign for receipt of a shipment that is sent to a purchaser. The bill includes exceptions for sales to 18-20-year-olds at shooting ranges, who are active military or veterans, who have a hunter education certification, and who are covered by protection orders. It also exempts those who were already 18 years old on January 28, 2025.
HB25-1238 Requirements for Gun Shows was signed by Gov. Polis on April 18 and is effective January 1, 2026. It requires gun show promoters to “prepare a security plan and submit the security plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the gun show.”
It also requires gun show promoters
Robyn Carnes kicks off re-election campaign in Centennial
Out of five seats on the city council, including the mayor’s office, up for election in the City of Centennial on November 4, 2025, the only incumbent in the race is District One City Council Member Robyn Carnes, running for a second four-year term.
“The Governor and his office worked with the sponsors, advocates, and Coloradans to improve the bill throughout the legislative session. As passed, this bill provides for lawful purchasers to undertake a gun safety education course prior to continuing to be able to purchase the gun of their choice starting in August 2026.”
– Office of Governor Jared Polis
to have liability insurance and implement security measures for the show including prohibiting anyone under 18 years old from entering the gun show unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian. Under this law, gun show promoters are also responsible for verifying that all firearms sold at the gun show are delivered to purchasers in compliance with the required 3-day waiting period.
The law also requires vendors at gun shows to have and display copies of their federal firearms license and state firearms dealer permit. Guns and ammunition must be displayed in a secure manner such that visitors to the show cannot access them without assistance from the vendor. Additionally, any firearm sold at a gun show must be accompanied by information describing secure storage and lost or stolen firearm reporting requirements under Colorado law. Other related bills still making their way through the legislative process involve a procedure to check serial numbers on firearms to determine if they’ve been identified as having been involved in any illegal activities or lost or stolen, changing the penalty for theft of a firearm to disassociate it from its monetary value as is done with other stolen items, and adding adjudicated car thieves to the list of previous offenders not legally permitted to possess a gun.
On April 17, Carnes held her first campaign event at Parry’s Pizza & Taphouse in the Streets at Southglenn. The gathering drew around 75 people, including many local notables. Showing up to lend their support were fellow City Council Members Richard Holt, Tammy Maurer, Mike Sutherland, and Don Sheehan. Sheehan is one of three announced candidates for Centennial mayor. Also in the crowd were Greenwood Village Mayor George Lantz, newly elected Republican Party State Chair Brita Horn, former Arapahoe County Commissioner Nancy Sharpe Kennedy, Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly, Little ton Public Schools Board Member Andrew Graham, former Centennial City Coun cil Member Kathy Turley, and Centennial City Council can didate Ryan Dwiggins.
Greeting the crowd, the candidate said, “I am running for re-election…and I am running, not left, not right, I am running forward for what is right for Centennial,” adding, “I have been part of Centennial’s tapestry for well over 20 years. I have two boys and I’m married to Jay, in law enforcement.”
Carnes continued, “I’m a business consultant. I go in and help organizations be better...I am also in real estate…The other thing I’ve been doing over the past year is, I have been subbing in our public schools…I wanted to keep a pulse on what’s going on in our public schools… There are good things happening in LPS (Littleton Public Schools) and we’re going to keep pushing forward for that…I have served on a number of commissions and committees in our community. I just had a new appointment. House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese (R-El Paso County) appointed me to the 18th Judicial Performance Commission, which is amaz ing, because it has to do with overseeing judges, which we want to make sure they’re doing a good job.”
The candidate explained, “What does city council do? We’re all about streets and safety…Every street runs to a home or school or place of worship or business. So, we’re really about people and pathways. We’re going to focus on issues versus just party affiliation. Eighty percent of the ordinances that get passed are nonpartisan or bipartisan…Our communities have to be safe. We need to
empower law enforcement to be able to do their job. To have the resources we need, we have to make sure businesses are thriving without red tape. Our housing needs to reflect our neighborhoods and our voices must be heard. We are not a one-size-fitsall community and we’re not going to be controlled by government. Carnes went on, “So, why am I running? Local elections matter…Your neighborhood impacts your city and your county and your state and your nation, and our nation is absolutely impacting this world… We need trusted leaders…We need to make sure we stay balanced…I want to keep serving…We can no longer rely on government… We have to be better neighbors. When the money is running out from government, we have to step up and fill the gaps as neighbors. We have to serve each other…Home rule is under threat. We’re not going to be dictated to by our state.”
As of this writing, Carnes has one opponent in this race, Jered Scurlock.
Jay, Robyn, Cameron, and Cooper Carnes
Photos by Freda Miklin
Kathy and Tim Turley
Don Sheehan
Darren Weekly
Five new members join Denver International Airport Community Advisory Committee
Denver International Airport (DEN) announced the addition of five new members on the DEN Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is an ad hoc volunteer committee that carries forth the airport’s vision of providing excellence in service and support to the public. Brent Neiser of Arapahoe County; CarloMaria Ciampoli of Boulder County; Robbie Wyler of Broomfield County; Laura Rubio of Douglas County; and Adam Gotlieb of Douglas County will join the committee, effective immediately.
members to advance DEN’s global reach and reputation as a leader in the aviation industry and to help us enhance the DEN customer experience. I am thankful for this committee’s commitment to giving a voice to their respective communities so that we ensure community feedback is at the forefront of our decisions.”
“I am pleased to welcome Brent, CarloMaria, Robbie, Laura, and Adam to DEN’s Community Advisory Committee,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “This committee was formed to capture the insight, guidance and advice of Front Range community
The CAC consists of 16 members, meets at DEN four times a year and consists of community members representing each county in the Denver metro and Boulder market areas. Representatives reflect diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, experience, and perspective regarding issues such as travel, customer experience, business, construction, environmental transportation, accessibility and tourism.
SHOP FOR HOPE Support the Alzheimer’s Association While You Shop
Rockies’ poor start calls for big changes
Those four measly victories the Rockies managed in their first 21 games of this baseball season raise some interesting questions about the status of professional baseball in Denver.
Let’s begin with CEO Dick Monfort’s lament in March that virtually unrestrained player salaries were ruining Major League Baseball.
He’s right in one respect. It’s a different ballgame in the 21st century.
Back in the mid-1970s— the time when what is generally considered to be among the greatest teams of all time, the Big Red Machine, was at its peak—it didn’t take hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of player payroll to field a championship team.
In the latest Pete Rose book, CHARLIE HUSTLE by Keith O’Brien, the author recalls the feelings of Denver’s Bob Howsam, architect of those great Cincinnati Reds teams, as he saw salaries escalating to what he thought was an unsustainable level: more than $200,000 each per season! for Rose, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez.
That’s the rough equivalent of $1.3 million today for one player, which is less than double the current Major League minimum. (Kris Bryant, the highest-paid Rockie now, is No. 20 on USA Today’s list of the best-paid players in the Majors at $28 million per
year.)
In December 2023 the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a $700 million contract. Last offseason the New York Mets signed free agent Juan Soto for 15 years at $765 million. And earlier this month Toronto locked up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a 14-year extension worth $500 million.
“It’s an unregulated industry,” said Monfort, acknowledging that only MLB is without a salary cap among the top four pro team sports.
But, while cornering the market on superstars with previously unimaginable longterm contracts goes a long way toward winning, there is ample evidence that other factors are involved, too.
In last year’s baseball postseason, seven of the nine teams with the highest payrolls made the playoffs. But teams whose payrolls ranked between 17th and 28th—including four who spent less than Monfort’s Rockies—also made it. Two of them won their divisions in regular season.
The issue in Denver, agrees a growing chorus, is that Rockies ownership has not made winning a priority within its organizational culture. That’s often been reflected in salary-driven decisions that resulted in talented players going elsewhere.
An exception is the $182
million Colorado spent on Bryant. Since Colorado’s splash in free agency in 2022, he has been active for slightly fewer than 60 games per season. And he’s on the injured list again.
It’s unfortunate that he’s had a bad back and other disabling injuries. Were he whole, he might have been that face of the franchise and anchor in the lineup that the Rockies envisioned when they offered him that big contract.
But he isn’t, which is another matter.
For my money, it’s past time the Rockies do what the Broncos did with Russell Wilson: Admit it’s not working out as planned and eat the rest of the contract, rather than continuing to waste a roster spot on someone who isn’t going to help the team succeed.
The change announced last week, that Hensley Muelens has been replaced as batting coach by Clint Hurdle, once Colorado’s manager and the team’s only field leader to take the Rockies to the World Series, is worth a try. But it’s not going to be transformative.
A friend asked my reaction to this move.
My reply: Bud Black is still the manager.
From everything I know, Bud is a quality baseball man and a good guy. During his first few years here, my impression was that he was a good manager, too, one who, in particular, knew pitchers and pitching.
But as the losses have mounted in recent years, I’ve grown tired of his patience with sub-par performance and rookie mistakes. It that regard, he’s part of that organizational-culture problem I referred to.
Dick Monfort, who is loyal to a fault with almost everyone in the Rockies organization, has rebuffed all previous calls for him to sell the team to someone with deep pockets and a matching commitment to trying to win it all.
His disillusionment with skyrocketing salaries paid by clubs with billionaire owners and huge TV contracts, though, is real. He may be reconsidering. And that could bring real, needed change.
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
Navigating Social Security as It Downsizes
Dear Savvy Senior,
My local Social Security office was recently shut down because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by the Department of Government Efficiency. All this disruption makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My question is, how are we supposed to get help with our Social Security questions or problems now that our office is permanently closed? What can you tell me?
Anxious Aaron
Dear Aaron,
I’ve been getting a lot of questions on this very topic. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing massive budget cuts and layoffs under President Donald Trump’s administration, which is leading to dozens of office closures and a lot of angst across the country.
Led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), many Social
Security experts believe these deep staff cuts could cause interruptions in monthly benefit payments, an increase in improper payments, delays in the processing of new benefit applications and disability claims, and longer wait times for Social Security help.
There are 73 million Americans who currently receive Social Security benefits, including seniors, children and people with disabilities. Many rely on these benefits for the bulk of their income, so any disruption or errors in payments or other service delays could cause a lot of problems for beneficiaries.
Advocacy groups are urging concerned Americans to contact their members of Congress and demand protections for the program. To find your elected members contact information, go to Congress.gov/members/findyour-member
With that said, here’s how you can best navigate the SSA as they downsize.
Use SSA.gov
Most Social Security business today can be conducted online. To get started, just go to SSA. gov/onlineservices where you can create a personal online “my Social Security” account so you can view your latest statement and earnings history, apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and much more.
Their website also has a wealth of information and answers to frequently asked questions that you can access at SSA gov/faqs
Phone Assistance
powers of attorney are very flexible and inexpensive. A power of attorney can give an agent the legal authority to manage the finances and act on behalf of the principal, who is the person granting the authority. However, if an individual is already incapacitated, or subject to undue influence, it may be too late to rely upon powers of attorney.
specific assets of everything you own. Unlike conservatorships, trusts are private and generally only require court involvement if there are problems. Since there are often complex legal and tax matters involved, it is generally advisable to have an attorney work with you in the drafting and administration of the trust.
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).
If you can’t conduct your Social Security business online or you need some extra help, you can also get phone assistance by calling your nearby field office (see SSA.gov/locator for contact information) or by calling the SSA national number at 800-7721213 (TTY 800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. This number has many automated service options you can use without waiting, but if you do need to speak to a representative, wait times are typically shorter early in the morning (between 8 and 10am) or later in the afternoon (between 4 and 7pm). You may also experience shorter wait times later in the week (Wednesday to Friday) and later in the month.
If you need to visit your nearby SSA office, it’s best to call and make an appointment first as walk-ins have much longer wait times. To make an appointment call 800-772-1213 or contact your local SSA office.
Be Patience
For limited purposes, a joint bank account may also be a simple alternative. With joint bank accounts, either party named on the title to the account may write checks, regardless of what the funds are used for. However, joint bank accounts, just like powers of attorney, may be abused. Additionally, when adding someone else’s name to your account as a joint tenant, that person is entitled to ownership of everything in the account upon your death, regardless of what your will says.
With both financial powers of attorney and joint bank accounts, there is no court involvement and therefore no court oversight. Studies have consistently found that financial abuse of the elderly happens under the guise of a power of attorney. Unfortunately, most of this exploitation happens at the hands of family members.
One other alternative to conservatorship is the use of trusts. When creating a trust, you may designate who will be your trustee. You may even be your own trustee while you have the capacity and ability to manage your own assets. Upon your incapacity, a successor trustee can take over managing your assets. Trusts are very flexible and can be used to hold
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.
Also remember to practice patience and plan ahead. With all the SSA staff cuts, delays and longer wait time will be inevitable. And if you’re planning to start drawing your Social Security benefits in the near future, it’s best to apply as early as possible as the SSA recently announced that new applicants who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency’s “my Social Security” online service, will be required to visit an SSA field office in person to complete the verification process. And that could take some additional time. This change will also apply to unverified existing recipients who want to change their direct deposit information. You can apply for benefits up to four months before you expect to receive them. Applying as early as possible can help ensure they’re available when needed. A 30% REDUCTION ON ESTATE PLAN DOCUMENTS IS CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED DUE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS! FOR A FREE TELEPHONE OR VIDEO CONSULTATION, PLEASE CALL: 5675 DTC Boulevard, Suite 250 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Six Classic Examples Of Elder Fraud — and How To Help Prevent Them
Use these tips from Bank of America to help protect your loved ones from the financial threats that increasingly target older Americans.
Suppose you have a parent or grandparent who lives alone. They hire someone to replace the roof on their aging house, providing half the money up front. And that is the last they see of the roofer. Can you be sure they would let you know what happened? Elder fraud is on the rise, but it remains a vastly underreported crime. Older people are often reluctant to report being duped, perhaps out of fear of appearing foolish or losing their independence.
The elderly are uniquely vulnerable to attempts to cheat them. Luckily, providing an appropriate degree of vigilance can help protect those you love. Here are six examples of elder fraud along with strategies you can use to help.
1. Pros who are not legit: Con artists working with older clients often advertise “foolproof” investments. In California, a thief marketed inexpensive will preparation services. After gaining clients’ trust, he talked them into investing with him by promising 12% annual returns. He made off with $11 million before he was caught. What you can do: Remind family members that legitimate businesses will happily wait while they check references. When unsure, it is wise to ask for a second opinion from someone they trust.
2. Unscrupulous billing practices: After natural disasters, scam artists often go door to door, telling homeowners that their properties have been damaged and offering to make repairs at a discount. They may only pretend to do the work and then demand payment. Similarly, auto mechanics may charge for work they never did.
What you can do: Help older relatives keep their properties and cars in good repair and urge them not to hire anyone who cannot provide clear identification and references.
3. Internet and phone fraud: These scam artists play on people’s trusting nature and desire to help others. A caller may ask for a donation to a worthysounding cause. Another congratulates you for winning $1 million — and to claim the prize you must provide your Social Security number to confirm your identity and pay a collection fee.
What you can do: Remind older relatives not to give personal information out over the phone, suggests Debra Greenberg, director and product management executive, Investment Solutions Group at Bank of America. Other best practices: “Before making a pledge to a charity, ask to receive something in writing,” Greenberg says. Ignore internet offers with obscure origins and prizes that require a fee to collect.
4. Not-so-free lunches: Older Americans are often targeted by salespeople offering a free meal in return for listening to a sales pitch. When the pitch becomes a very hard sell, they can find themselves being pulled into a dubious purchase before the “free” meal is over.
What you can do: Make sure that family members know not to sign a contract, make an agreement or pay any money unless a trusted friend or family member is involved.
5. “Friends” with ulterior motives: Good friends are priceless, but con artists posing as friends can cost you dearly. Someone who lives nearby may offer to assist with chores and errands — and soon may begin “helping” with financial transactions, gaining access to accounts.
What you can do: Try to get your retired parents or grandparents to talk openly about their finances and offer to review checking accounts for signs of trouble. If you see a lot of checks made out to cash or to someone you do not know, consider that a red flag.
Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
Other clues that something is not right include strange signatures on financial or legal documents, sudden, unexplained changes to powers of attorney, wills or trusts, checks bouncing, bills going unpaid and suspicious ATM activity.
One way for family members to get an early warning is through the Merrill Trusted Contact Person Form, notes Cynthia Hutchins, director of Financial Gerontology at Bank of America. “It authorizes an advisor to reach out to a family member or trusted family friend if they spot unusual financial activity,” she says.
6. Family fraud: Perhaps the most distressing form of fraud involves family members. Problems may start innocently, when a son or daughter gains control of a parent’s accounts to help pay bills. After a while, the line between the finances of the parent and the child may become blurred, and the temptation to dip into the funds becomes irresistible.
What you can do: If one sibling helps with a parent’s finances, build transparency into the process, with other family members staying involved through regular conversations. You might also ask your financial advisor to set up a family meeting to discuss financial concerns.
In all of these cases, the best offense is usually a good defense. Criminals look for the path of least resistance. If you make it clear you will not be fooled, chances are they will move on.
For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor Andrew Neal in the Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303.689.8043 or andrew.neal@ml.com.
This material does not take into account a client’s particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor.
Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”)
Bank of America, N.A. makes available The H.S.A. for Life® Health Savings Account.
Bank of America is a marketing name for the Retirement Services business of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp”). Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America N.A., member FDIC. Please consult your tax or legal advisor regarding specific use of Health Savings Accounts. Investments can lose money. Neither Bank of America nor any of its affiliates provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Brokerage services are provided by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Banking products such as checking accounts and certificates of deposit are FDIC insured to the maximum allowed by law and are offered through Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA.:
Because the public has a right to know
1st place - 2018, 2nd place - 2023
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
1st place - 2018
Vacancy 2-year term (2025-2027)
CENTENNIAL AIRPORT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that during a regular meeting which begins at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Board of Commissioners of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority will hold a Public Hearing at which all interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard concerning an Application Under Centennial Airport’s Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities from the following two applicants:
• 1A Aviation, LLC to conduct Specialized Commercial Aeronautical Activities, specifically Flight Simulator Rental as described under Part 3 Section (11).
• RVR Aviation, LLC to conduct Air Charter as described under Part 3 Section (5).
The hearing will be conducted as a Virtual Public Meeting via GoTo Meeting, in order to view the board meeting or participate in the public hearing visit the following link and follow the instructions to join the meeting: https:// centennialairport.com/virtual-boardroom.
Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority
Published in The Villager
Published: April 24, 2025 Legal # 11839 CENTENNIAL AIRPORT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that during a regular meeting which begins at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Board of Commissioners of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority will hold a Public Hearing at which all interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard concerning an Application Under Centennial Airport’s Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities from Manifest (d/b/a SkyRoads Aviation) to conduct Air Charter as described under Part 3 Section (5).
The hearing will be conducted as a Virtual Public Meeting via GoTo Meeting, in order to view the board meeting or participate in the public hearing visit the following link and follow the instructions to join the meeting: https:// centennialairport.com/virtual-boardroom.
Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority
Published in The Villager Published: April 24, 2025 Legal # 11840
NOTICE OF CANCELATION OF ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Chapparal Metropolitan District Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third
DISTRICT COURT
ARAPAHOE COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 649-6355
Case Number: 24 JV 30220
NOTICE TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY AND SUPPORT PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, IN THE INTEREST OF MYA SHURIE PEREZ, Child, Upon Petition of the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services and RACHAEL JOELYNN PEREZ, PETITIONER,
offices to be filled, including
filing
intent to be writein candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513 (1), C.R.S.
The following candidates are hereby declared elected:
Contact Person for the District:
Sue Blair, Designated Election Official Community Resource Services 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303.381.4960 (voice) 303. 381.4961 (fax) HYPERLINK “mailto:sblair@crsofcolorado.com” sblair@crsofcolorado.com
Published in The Villager Published: April 24, 2025 Legal # 11841
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the East Virginia Village Metropolitan District, Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:
...........................................Jendayi J. Harris.............. Next Regular
tion, May 2027
Election, May 2029
Election, May 2029
/s/Peggy Ripko (Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: Peggy Ripko
Telephone Number of the District:303-987-0835
Address of the District:141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80228 District Facsimile Number:303-987-2032
District Email:pripko@sdmsi.com
Published in The Villager Published: April 24, 2025 Legal # 11842
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION AND CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL HARRISON OAKS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 1-13.5-513(6) and 32-1-104(1), C.R.S., by the Harrison Oaks Metropolitan District (the “District”) of Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the regular election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby canceled and the following candidates are hereby declared elected:
Vacancy 4-year term (2025-2029)
Vacancy 4-year term (2025-2029)
Contact Person for the District: Lisa K. Mayers, District Counsel
District Address:c/o Spencer Fane LLP 1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000 Denver, Colorado 80203
District Telephone Number: (303) 839 - 3800
HARRISON OAKS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/Katie Miller, Designated Election Official
Published in The Villager
Published: April 24, 2025 Legal # 11843
NOTICE OF CANCELATION OF ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Hillcrest Water and Sanitation District, Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for
The following candidates are hereby declared elected: Kenneth A. Guckenberger
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 nonperishable 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
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 five-member 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 303-4837011.
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
CENTENNIAL STATE OF OUR CITY
MAY 8, 11-1 p.m. Join Mayor Stephanie Piko for her final State 0f Our City address. Wings Over The Rockies Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport. Hosted by Rotary Club and City of Centennial. Reserations: awittern@centennialco. gov
CHERRY CREEK REPUBLICAN WOMEN GENERAL MEETING/ LUNCHEON
MAY 13, 11:00 a.m. at Double Tree by Hilton DTC, 7801 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. Free parking on West side/lower level. Cost: $36. Speaker: State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer. RSVP” 303-475-9148.
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
Curated
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
SPOTLIGHT
Aurora City Councilmember for Ward VI, Francoise Bergan, was elected to the Fitzsimons Innovation Community Board of Directors.
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 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. 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, 720-313-9741.
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-377-7682.
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.
CARLA’S A CLASSIC DESIGNCHEERS TO 30 YEARS!
Anniversary Appreciation Open House Friday, MAY 9 and Saturday, MAY 10, 10 AM - 4 PM. Party like it’s 1995! Enjoy Champagne Toast and refreshments, drawings, special 30% - 50% OFF discount section and more! Carla’s exquisite showroom filled with furniture, décor and gifts - especially for Mother’s Day. The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 South Gaylord Street
through high fashion. The interior is spacious and luxurious
The performance is stellar, and the only obstacle is finding convenient charging stations. With the electric mileage having 90 miles left, I inquired of my neighbor, who has an electric car, and a fast-charging system, if I might recharge the RZ for additional driving time. In checking we found that the plug-in connections on the front right bumper did not match his equipment. Another challenge for electric vehicles is to have a uniform charging system and to supply a con-
This is a quality vehicle that performs well and can win a beauty contest. The drive distance just needs to be extended for longer trips.
The 14” information center controls and large digital gauge
roof, Bi-Led lights, and dark premium metallic alloy wheels.
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
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.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, why not book a free hearing test* with HearingLife?
