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VOLUME 44 • NUMBER 23 • APRIL 30, 2026

PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • April 30, 2026

70th Annual Awards On Thursday, April 16, 10 awards were presented by The Aurora Chamber of Commerce at its 70th Annual Awards Banquet, “Peace, Love, & Business,” at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver, 3203 Quebec St. The awards honored individuals and businesses for their commitment to the business community and the community at large.

THE WOMAN AND MAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS go to individuals who advance the community’s civic, cultural, and/or governmental interests and objectives, and inspire others toward that vision. These individuals consistently make contributions through vision, character, unimpeachable good judgment, and unfailing high standards as leaders.

THE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR demonstrates outstanding service by their involvement in the community, their organizational affiliations, and through special service and business growth in the Eastern Metro area.

GGirl’s Closet is The Chamber’s Small Business of the Year for 2025.

THE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD is given to a Chamber business that has contributed to the community and quality of life through its business practices, employees, and community involvement, City of Centennial Mayor Christine Sweetland is The Chamber’s 2025 Woman of the Year.

Founder of the Colorado Freedom Memorial Rick Crandall is The Chamber’s 2025 Man of the Year.

THE CHAMBER LEADERSHIP AWARD goes to an individual who consistently furthers the mission, goals, and objectives of The Chamber through their exhibited leadership and participation.

The recipient sets the example that others strive to follow; an example that brings great credit upon themselves and The Chamber.

Natalie Artibee, Director of Organizational Development with Nelnet is The Chamber Leadership Award recipient for 2025.

THE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD recognizes extensive and inspiring civic participation. The recipient demonstrates the highest level of service and commitment to the community, and an unfailing ability to bring others together for the common good.

Emily Wilkinson, AVP Rehab Operations HCA HealthONE, and Operations Lead, HCA HealthONE Spalding Rehabilitation, is the Community Leadership Award winner for 2025.

THE ARTS + BUSINESS CONNECTION AWARD recognizes an individual or business that demonstrates and promotes the value of integrating the arts as a business tool.

Roberta Bloom, Cultural Services Manager for the City of Aurora (retired), is the recipient of the Arts + Business Connection Award for 2025.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Falck Rocky Mountain is The Chamber’s Business of the Year for 2025.

THE HUMANITARIAN AWARD is presented for exemplary contributions in the human services field by a community member who demonstrates the highest standards of excellence, has tackled difficult issues, fostered collaboration, and has offered creative problem-solving in matters involving medical, philanthropic, educational, social, economic and/or religious interests.

The Salvation Army of Aurora is the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2025.

THE BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service by enhancing the area’s economic base and notably contributing to a better quality of life for residents, employees, and visitors.

Leon Vick, VP of Rodeo, Horse and Livestock Operations with the National Western Stock Show, is The Chamber’s Business Person of the Year for 2025.

THE KEN MELCHER AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR is selected by their peers for demonstrating the finest qualities of representatives of The Chamber and of the community. This Ambassador consistently exhibits high standards of professionalism, exceptional participation in Chamber events, and a welcoming demeanor – all which promote the objectives of The Chamber.

Brian Weiher, Trusted Risk Advisor with Trucordia, is the Ken Melcher Ambassador of the Year for 2025.

April 30, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

Toxic Empathy Toxic empathy is one of those ideas that sounds contradictory. After all, empathy is supposed to be a virtue, an essential human capacity for feeling with others, understanding their pain, and responding with compassion. But, like many good things, empathy can become distorted when untethered from truth and accountability. When empathy is overextended, misapplied, or used as a substitute for responsibility, it can quietly enable harm rather than heal.

At its core, toxic empathy occurs when understanding someone’s pain becomes an excuse to overlook their behavior. It shows up when we say, “They’ve been through a lot,” to justify repeated misbehavior. It emerges when we soften consequences because we feel sorry for someone’s past. In these moments, empathy stops being a bridge to growth and becomes a shield against it.

Consider a young man who lashes out at others because of unresolved trauma.

His pain is real and deserves acknowledgment. But when every harmful outburst is excused and friends, family, or colleagues continually absorb the damage without setting boundaries, something dangerous happens. He is denied the chance to confront himself and seek the help he needs.

Growth requires friction, and toxic empathy removes it.

There is a quiet cruelty in that. By cushioning someone from the consequences of their actions, we may feel kind in the moment, but we are, in effect, participating in their stagnation. We often, unintentionally, communicate that their pain absolves them of responsibility. Over time, this erodes their agency. They begin to see themselves as victims.

A friend of mine wrote a children’s book titled “I Love You Too Much to Let You Be a Brat.” In the book, she describes accountability in such powerful, clear terms that a child can understand their power to regulate behavior. In efforts to address criminal behavior, we excuse those who commit crimes because of what they have been through.

This toxic empathy wears the mask of compassion, but beneath it quietly erodes truth and accountability. It sounds kind. But it lowers the bar for human behavior until harm becomes excusable and growth and change become optional.

Toxic empathy places a heavy burden on those who offer it. The friend who constantly excuses bad behavior becomes emotionally exhausted. The spouse who rationalizes betrayal or neglect slowly loses their sense of self.

The parent who avoids holding a child accountable in the name of understanding may later watch that child struggle to function in a world that does not bend so easily.

Healthy empathy, by contrast, does not abandon accountability; it strengthens it.

It says, “I see your pain, and it matters. But your actions still

carry consequences.” This empathy is not soft; it is courageous. There is a profound difference between supporting someone and enabling them.

Support calls people upward, inviting them to take ownership, reflect, and change.

Enabling keeps them comfortable in patterns that ultimately harm them and others.

In a culture that values validation above all else, it is tempting to avoid anything that feels like judgment. Yet accountability is not the enemy of compassion; it is its partner. Without it, empathy loses its integrity. Real empathy dares to tell the truth, believing individuals are capable of more. In doing so, it offers something far more powerful than comfort; it offers the possibility of transformation. joneen@narme.org

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C NVERSATIONS ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Volunteer at the Arapahoe County Fair July 23–26, 2026 Be part of something truly special as we celebrate the Fair’s 120th anniversary. Volunteers are the heartbeat of every Fair—your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication are what bring this beloved community tradition to life year after year. Visit arapahoecountyfair.com/volunteer to learn more.

Planting Tomatoes | May 16 | 9:30–10 a.m.

When is the right time to plant your tomatoes? How do you plant those “leggy” tomato plants?

Should you take off the blossoms and fruit on the plants before planting? This free class held at the Hudson Gardens Demonstration Garden will answer all these questions and more. Presented by Arapahoe County CSU Extension Colorado Master Gardeners. Register now at hudsongardens.org/event/planting-tomatoes

arapahoeco.gov

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

WEEK OF APRIL 27

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • April 30, 2026

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 The Villager Publishing Co., Inc. 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016. Available for home or office delivery by U.S. Mail for $78 per year. Single copies available for $2 per issue.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID IN GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO.

But when too much of that funding is absorbed by administration, it is fair to As Colorado marks its 150th year of question whether more dollars should statehood and our nation approaches its reach classrooms.

Teachers, not titles, should be the 250th anniversary, it is a good time to priority. reflect on the institutions shaping our This is not a criticism of any one future—especially public education. district. Many, including Cherry Creek, Here in Arapahoe have long records of excellence. Strong County, home to the highly regarded schools drive property values, attract Cherry Creek School families and build community pride.

District, recent leadBut even strong systems can imership turmoil has prove. raised concerns.

Other states have shown that conSuperintendent turn- BY BOB SWEENEY solidating districts can reduce adminover, administrative PUBLISHER istrative costs while preserving educacontroversy and public scrutiny have tional quality. Fewer districts can mean created uncertainty in a district serving shared services, streamlined leadership tens of thousands of students. and more resources reaching students.

But beyond the headlines lies a Imagine a model with fewer districts larger question—one that extends far per county—less duplication and more beyond any single district. direct investment in teaching and learnColorado has roughly 175 school districts, each with its own superintendent, administrative staff and governing board. In counties like Arapahoe, multiple districts operate side by side, each carrying its own layers of management and overhead.

At some point, we must ask: Is this the most efficient way to educate our children?

Education receives one of the largest shares of taxpayer funding.

Too Many Districts, Not Enough Classrooms

ing.

Such change would not be easy.

School districts are tied to community identity, and concerns about local control deserve careful consideration.

But avoiding the conversation comes at a cost.

Taxpayers are asked to invest more.

Teachers are asked to do more. Parents are asked to trust a system that may be more complex than necessary.

We owe them a system that uses resources wisely.

That starts with strong school board leadership—but it must also include a broader look at how the system itself is structured.

Colorado should begin a serious conversation about school district consolidation—not as criticism of the past, but as preparation for the future.

The goal is simple: more money in classrooms, less in bureaucracy.

If we are willing to rethink the structure, we may find that improving education is not only about funding—but about how that funding is organized.

That is a conversation worth having.

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

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QUOTE of the WEEK The most luxurious QUOTE of the WEEK possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity.

– Jackie Robinson

April 30, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

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SPRING CLEANING: SKINCARE EDITION Skincare is one of the most popular items to buy at the store or online.

There are so many products out there that it seems like we are always trying something new. Unfortunately, skincare can expire and there are certain expiration dates that really do matter. So it may be time to go through the bathroom cabinets and throw some things away.

Skincare products you should replace if they are past the expiration date:

• Sunscreen • Vitamin C • Face Moisturizer • Topical medications • Night creams (especially retinol) • Make-up Why expiration dates on skincare products matter Expiration dates on items often seem like a suggestion more than an absolute. As a dermatologist, I recommend my patients follow

expiration dates on products for several reasons: 1. The active ingredients may no longer work 2. Products used over and over, that sit on a counter, have a higher likelihood of becoming contaminated with bacteria/yeast.

3. As products are exposed to air/ water/environment they can change chemical structure and cause irritation on the skin.

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • April 30, 2026

Bo’s letter to daughter an example for others Bo Nix did what I’ve been encouraging everyone to do for years.

A daughter, Riley Belle Nix, was born to the Broncos quarterback and his wife Izzy on February 25—her daddy’s 26th birthday.

Seven weeks later he wrote a long letter to his first-born, published in The Players Tribune, a media platform that publishes first-person stories from professional athletes and produces content ranging from videos to podcasts to written material. It since has appeared in many places and is reprinted in today’s Villager (below).

In his piece, Nix recalled his father losing a coaching job, his own broken ankles—in high school and with the Broncos— missing a possible Super Bowl, and falling short of expectations at Auburn. He reflects on all the adversity he and his family have faced and concludes that setbacks

To Riley from dad

shouldn’t be viewed as always negative.

I applaud him for taking the time to share his thoughts and family history with her.

I’ve written letters to my two granddaughters every Christmas since their births, recalling what we did together during the past year and telling them what it meant to me.

I’ve authored short books about my parents and my family growing up; about my wife’s family; and about our life together.

I’ve also delivered programs and taught classes to older adults, urging them to record family history for future generations—before that history is lost forever.

So, I appreciate—more than most people do—what Bo has done for his baby girl.

It’s a long letter, almost 1,900 words. There’s a lot of football in it, as you would likely expect, but also a surprising number of

references to faith and Jesus. He concludes by telling Riley Belle: “One day, you’re going to face your own setbacks. Things won’t go how you drew them up. Doors will close. When they do, I hope you remember this . . . Losing isn’t the end. Being doubted is the end. Getting hurt isn’t the end.

“Sometimes it’s just a redirect.

A new path, a new beginning.

And sometimes, it’s the only way God can slow you down enough to show you what really matters.”

Nix also wrote: “If I’m being honest, the biggest win of this past season wasn’t a playoff game. It was being slowed down long enough to hold you in my arms and realize that sometimes God’s plan doesn’t look like what you prayed for . . . It looks better.”

I’ve never met Bo Nix, but I’d like to offer him some advice: Don’t stop now. Write a letter each year, on her birthday. Create a chronicle of your life together.

Tell her how her growth mile-

stones—including special, little steps—affected you. It will be a keepsake she’ll treasure forever.

(My letters to my granddaughters are in scrapbooks, accompanied by photos of moments mentioned in the letters. Consider adding photos and building book of your years together.)

Use this to create a family history. Record previous generations and weave in important moments, succinctly, as you did in your first letter with the story about your dad losing his job as a coach at the University of Miami and how that proved to be a positive.

If you have other children in the future, write to them annually, too, and build books for them, as well.

This obviously takes time and effort every year to organize thoughts and compose, but Bo already has shown he can do it. Virtually anyone can. It’s well worth it.

When I wrote my first letters to my granddaughters, they—like Riley Belle—couldn’t yet read.

As infants-in-arms, they had no

idea what I’d done. (I didn’t think then about writing every year, but my son-in-law, after reading the first letter, asked: “Are you going to do this next year, too?”)

In the years that followed, the girls devoured their letters, and even now look forward to them.

And they’re both well into their 20s.

To others, regardless of age, I say: Start now.

There are many ways to relate your and your family’s history.

Choose the way that’s most comfortable to you. You don’t need to be a capable writer, much less a professional. Maybe you don’t write; you make recordings.

Whatever, the worst alternative is to someday say: “Gee, I wish had asked him/ her (grandma, grandpa, mom, dad or other relative) about that before they died.” ________________ Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast.net.

I got to be there. Fully there. Not state titles and impacted more lives It happened in Jordan-Hare Stadium, from conflict. That happened this year, thinking about the next drive or the than he ever could have imagined. It a place so important to me when I was too. Lean in and don’t be afraid. You can Dear Riley, next season. I was able just to hold eventually led him to a calling in full- growing up. I had always dreamed of have different ideas than someone and You won’t remember last season. you and listen to you breathe. I already time ministry. being on that field, leading Auburn still work together. A real discussion with You won’t remember Lutz’s knew your mom was the strongest, What seemed like failure was actual- to a national championship. But what a coach or teammate is not a bad thing. game-winner against the Chiefs, Nik’s most incredible woman — but watch- ly direction. actually ended up happening was no Rooted in respect, it can help you and game-saving stop against the Coming her become your mother and figur- Your grandmother, Gammie, showed dream. I was laying on the field with them reach greater heights and a deeper manders, or J-Mac’s incredible intercep- ing out how to take care of both of us me what strength and purpose look a broken ankle and we were about to understanding. tion and Marvin’s TD catch against the at our most vulnerable moments made like, too. With dad out of college coach- lose to Mississippi State after blowing a These are opportunities to grow.

Bills. me appreciate her in a whole new way. ing, she went back to nursing school 28–3 lead. It was a mess … as low as I’ve shared a lot with you, but the point You won’t remember our crazy come- Your mom helped me get through to help support our family. Four kids at I’ve ever felt in my football career. in all this is that chasing your passion backs, our win streak, or the deafening this injury without losing my mind. home. Studying at rec league games Earlier that year, after being benched comes with both success and disappointroar of our fans at Mile High.

She’s unbreakable. Literally nothing and dance recitals. Graduating with and humiliated against Georgia State ment. Ultimately, through perseverance You won’t remember us being Over- seems to faze her. She always sees honors. Working nights. I still don’t (and before an epic comeback win and building a strong foundation, you dogs. the positive. After we found out my know how she did it. at LSU), your mom — who was my can find peace in your purpose.

You also won’t remember the cam- ankle was broken, her first reaction in At one point, we were on free and girlfriend at the time — knew I was Right now, my purpose feels clearer eras zooming in on me during the AFC the locker room was actually a smile reduced school lunch, but never once struggling. She sent me two songs, still than ever.

Championship Game, sitting in a suite followed by the kind of joke only she did I feel like we were lacking. We had my favorite two songs today: “Reason I’m grateful for my teammates and a with a boot. You won’t remember how could make — “I was wondering what what was most important — a house to Praise” and “I belong to Jesus” by head coach and staff that believe in me. close we were to the Super Bowl, or how was taking you so long.” Then she cap- full of faith. Faith in Jesus. And two of Bethel Music.

I’m grateful for our fans and all of Bronbadly I wanted to be out there with my tured the moment with a picture be- the strongest, hardest-working parents Those songs changed my life. Jesus cos country. I’m grateful for the opportuteammates. cause she understands that to become you could ever ask for.

Christ had changed my life. I had finally nity I’ve been given in Denver.

But one day, when you’re older, you the people we want to be, we have to When you’re surrounded by people learned and understood my identity More than anything, I’m grateful for might hear about it. handle heartbreak as honorably as we who believe in you completely, you was not in the game of football. It perspective.

So I want you to hear it from me, in do our triumphs. Your mom knows that don’t grow up thinking about what couldn’t be. The highs can never sustain Our family’s story isn’t about having my own words. I want you to know how life is bigger than the game of football. you don’t have. You think about your you, and the lows can shatter you. But everything handed to us. It’s about our I’ve leaned on my faith in Jesus and our I’m so grateful that you have a role dreams and what you can achieve, Jesus Christ will never let you down. I can faith, sacrifice, and showing up for each family to keep moving forward. Not just model like your mother. what you can accomplish to make put my faith in the hope and foundation other. People carry a lot of strength in the context of this season, but as a The past couple months have been things better for yourself and others. of him. I can live in that freedom. I can inside them, like your Uncle Caleb’s path man, a husband, an athlete, and now as a reminder of an important lesson You don’t think about losing, you just live with that identity. I am a child of from injury to All-Conference, or Uncle a father. your grandfather taught me about think about winning.

God. Tez’s journey from Woodlawn to the Our season didn’t end the way I reframing wins and losses. (Get ready That’s something I want for you.

When I picked myself up and limped League. thought it would. I broke my ankle — you’re going to hear a LOT about This season certainly wasn’t the only off the field that day, I had a greater That’s the legacy you’re stepping into. one step away from the Super Bowl. wins and losses.) time I’ve had a tough break on the sense that I wasn’t alone. And it wasn’t Not perfection. Not comfort.

It hurt. Bad. Not just physically. It hurt When I was eight years old, your football field, and hopefully I’ll play about me anymore.

But belief. because I love playing the game with grandfather came home one Tuesday in long enough for you to remember a I learned that my value isn’t tied to a As I write this, I am finishing up rehab my teammates. It hurt because we’ve the middle of the day, which he never few of my setbacks. I don’t necessarily depth chart, a draft position, an injury for my ankle — and learning how to built something really special. It hurt did. He sat us all down on the couch want that to happen, but I also know report, or a stat line. I love and thrive on rock you back to sleep at 3 a.m. I’ll be because when you’re that close to some- and looked us in the eye and told us that adversity is inevitable. At some competition. I compete at literally every- back on the field soon. Stronger. Wiser. thing you’ve dreamed about your whole he had just been fired as the OC at the point, you’ll probably hear that I was thing. But I don’t play for approval. I play Hungrier. But if I’m being honest, the life, you don’t want it taken out of your University of Miami. He told us point benched and broken at Auburn. That I for a higher purpose. biggest win of this past season wasn’t a hands. blank. No shame. No hiding. fell just short at Oregon. And that I was That’s what’s different. playoff game.

For a while, I wrestled with that Then he picked up the phone and the last quarterback taken in the first No matter what, I know two things: It was being slowed down long feeling. called your great-grandparents and round. I’ve been doubted. I’ve been I belong to Jesus, and I always have a enough to hold you in my arms and I’m not a very patient person. I like said, “It’s gonna be on the bottom of dismissed. And I have my fair share of reason to praise Him. realize that sometimes God’s plan doesn’t structure. A game plan. An opponent. the TV. Y’all will see it on the ticker.” critics.

As you grow up, it is important that look like what you prayed for….

I don’t sit still well. If I’m not doing Your grandfather had been rising up Those things don’t feel good. Early your foundation is rooted in this same It looks better. something, playing something, moving the college coaching ranks for much of on, they tore me up. I immediately truth. Not in what others say, think, One day, you’re going to face your own toward something, I get restless. my childhood. Miami was his biggest wanted to prove everyone wrong. I or even write about you (which in my setbacks. Things won’t go how you drew After the injury, I had to find a new job yet, and we expected him to be wanted to please everybody. Every profession happens a lot). The outside them up. Doors will close. When they do, rhythm. I was very bored. I couldn’t wait there a while. It was over in less than comment felt personal. Every doubt noise doesn’t determine who you are, I hope you remember this…. for you to arrive. Neither could your two years. felt like disrespect. I developed a chip where you’re going, or the strength of Losing isn’t the end. Being doubted mom, because I was driving her crazy That day he told us: When God closes on my shoulder. your relationships. Being your authentic isn’t the end. Getting hurt isn’t the end. being around the house all day. one door, He opens another.

But I’ve learned that the chip can’t self almost guarantees that some people Sometimes it’s just a redirect. A new Maybe you felt the same, because you He was right. become your identity. It breaks too will question or disagree with you. Plenty path, a new beginning. And sometimes, decided to arrive a week early.

After he was fired, he coached my easily. It’s too fragile. My relationship of that happened last year. Plenty will it’s the only way God can slow you down And after you arrived … well, sud- flag football team. He wrote a book. with Jesus Christ, however, is not. He is happen every year. Even if it ends with a enough to show you what really matters. denly the stillness didn’t feel miserable He stayed home with our family for a my identity.

Super Bowl.

For me, that is you. anymore. whole year. He ended up coaching high I learned exactly what this means Some of your best learning will come I love you more than any win.

It felt like a gift. school football, where he won three during my career at Auburn. from challenges and disagreements — - Dad

April 30, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

TWO SCOOPS

HAPP Y MOTHER’ R’S S DAY Jessica

Mimi

Susan

Avery

Restaurant Reviews and Recipes with Food Columnist Jessica

TWO SCOOPS Recipe Mother’s Day (cinnamon nut or buttermilk) Waffles Recipe: 1 1/3 c. all purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 egg yolks 1 3/4 c. milk 1/2 c. cooking oil (I use coconut) 2 egg whites Combine all dry ingredients.

In another bowl, beat egg yolk slightly. Beat in milk and oil w/the egg yolk. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients all at once. Stir till just combined, but slightly lumpy.

In a small bowl beat egg whites till stiff peaks form. Gently fold beaten egg whites into the flour and egg yolk mixture, leaving a few fluffs of egg whites. DO NOT overmix.

Pour approx. 1 1/4 cups of batter onto lightly greased waffle baker, and bake according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Makes 4-6 waffles.

For Cinnamon Nut, prepare as above except add 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to the flour mixture, and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans before closing the lid to bake.

For Buttermilk, prepare as above except substitute 2 c. buttermilk for milk.

I sometimes combine the two! These waffles are delish, easy, and a recipe that’s been a hit for years. What’s a game changer is the egg whites gently folded into the batter. This yields a much lighter, crispier waffle that isn’t so dense. Enjoy!!

Ya’ll can contact me at jessbcarrington@gmail.com

Four Generations

T

his week I dedicate my “Two Scoops” column to my mom Susan and Mimi (who will be 104 this year!).

I have so many memorable, and delicious recipes that have been passed down from them over the years including the waffle one I share here.

Further in the line of cooks and bakers in the family is my daughter Avery, who has her own cooking page on Instagram: eats_with_avess.

To the ones still blessed to be with us and the ones that have gone before us.

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

DAY S ’ R E H a MOT ill be w t a th

Give gift mmy! yu

• Breakfast • Brunch • Lunch OPEN EVERYDAY 7:30am to 2pm

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4930 S. Yosemite St. Greenwood Village

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026 THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

fo l l ow F R E DA

BY FREDA MIKLIN SENIOR REPORTER

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

Remember 6 honors local Holocaust survivors Babi Yar Park in Denver was the sight of an April 19 Holocaust Remembrance Event by local nonprofit Remember 6, commemorating the loss of six million Jews at the hands of Adolph Hitler and the Nazis in World War II. The park is named for a ravine in Kyiv, Ukraine, that was the site of one of the largest mass shootings of WW II. There, on September 29-30, 1941, the Nazis, aided by collaborators, murdered nearly 34,000 Jewish civilians in a single operation.

It has been 81 years since the Germans surrendered, ending WW II. Denver, like many cities in the U.S. and around the world, once had a sizable community of Holocaust survivors. Today, there are barely a couple dozen, and many of them are too ill to leave their homes. It is becoming more and more challenging to hear their stories, firsthand, making events like the one on April 19 increasingly rare.

At this event, organized by Tracy Kirscher of Remember 6, those who came heard from some survivors who had shared some of their history during past years but contributed something new, particularly their thoughts on the rise of open antisemitism--Barbara Steinmetz, David Zapiler, Osi Sladek, and Asher Ben Basat.

Father Phil Eberhart of Resurrection Anglican Fellowship in Greenwood Village, a strong supporter of Israel, delivered the invocation, declaring, “We remember those who had their lives taken from them…and we commit ourselves to both the memory and to the new fight before us…as we stand together with those around the world.”

This year, speaking for the first time at a Remember 6 event was Hannah Sperber, a 50-year resident of Greenwood Village, whose story was as unique as it was poignant.

Hannah was born in Nuremberg to a Protestant German family in 1936. She described her father as a cruel man who beat his children mercilessly with a garden hose, after making them wait in the basement for him to come and do it.

When their family dog became ill, Hannah shared, her father made his children watch him kill it. He was a Nazi officer who “must have been involved with atrocities,” she said, adding, “What parent would treat a child that way? A normal person doesn’t come up with things like that.” She went on, “My childhood was almost

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

she said, began in Germany in 1933, when ancient tropes “isolating, berating, accusing, beating, and humiliating Jews” were spread, and the world responded with silence. She pointed out that, “Hatred of Jews had existed for millennia, long before the Holocaust, and did not end with the murder of the six million.” She warned, “It is

our collective responsibility to recognize the pattern of hate-based prejudice, and how it takes root.”

Barbara compared the detention centers built to hold immigrants today to the concentration camps used by the Nazis, noting both relied on “stereotypes leading to dehumanization.”

For Barbara, what is most important is individual responsibility. She said, “What

actions do we take, what do we do when we are witness to dehumanization? At Babi Yar, at the shores of the Danube (where, in December 1944, pairs of Hungarian Jews in Budapest were tied together; then one was shot dead, and they were kicked into the icy river, so the dead one would drag the live one down to drown and die slowly), other places where acts of indescribable cruelty

are performed by our fellow human beings.”

Osi Sladek said that he and his wife have made it a point to extend their hand in friendship to non-Jews throughout their lives. He believes the best way to confront antisemitism is to show others that Jewish people are no different than them.

David Zapiler said when he encountered antisemitism as a child, he could not un-

derstand it. It made no sense to him then and it does not, today, for “People to use religion as a reason to hate someone. We all bleed the same and we leave this world the same way.” He said he hopes more people will focus on what they have in common, rather than their differences, as a way to combat antisemitism and other forms of senseless hate. remember6.org

ruled the 75% rule was primaries in Colorado are Republicans can’t agree on what who excessive, to allow them to on June 30 and ballots begin intervene against the request to go in the mail to overseas to block unaffiliated voters voters on May 16. to do about unaffiliated voters from participating in the Complicating the ques-

Karen Z. Brass (daughter of Holocaust survivor David Zauder), David Zapiler, Hannah Sperber, Asher Ben Basat, Osi Sladek, and Barbara Steinmetz

nonexistent. I lived in a fairy tale of my books and my stories, dreaming that someday I would get away and become a princess, instead of a dirty little girl that nobody liked.”

As the war began to go badly for Germany, Hannah’s parents’ home was destroyed by an Allied bomb. The family had to separate to be taken in by different relatives. She thinks the relatives who offered her shelter took pity on her, as a “scrawny child whose parents had convinced her she would never amount to anything.”

As a student in a new school, Hannah was forced to salute the many Nazi soldiers she encountered, and, “When we came to school, instead of Good Morning, we were required to say Heil Hitler. It never felt right to me.”

By chance, or, as Hannah describes it, by the hand of God, she met Henry, who would become her husband years later, in the train station in Nuremberg, as she was returning from school one day.

She found out much later that he was a Holocaust survivor from Poland at the age of 10, and made it to the United States, where he joined the U.S. Army, who sent him back to Germany. When she met him, she only knew he was an American soldier.

When Henry met Hannah’s parents, everyone got along, she told the crowd gathered at Babi Yar Park. No one, including Hannah, thought for a moment that he might be Jewish.

(This reporter knew Henry Sperber from the time I was very young. He was as blond haired and blue-eyed as any German one might imagine).

When the subject finally came up and Henry told Hannah he was Jewish, at first she was shocked, because she believed

Father Phil Eberhart

Tracy Kirscher

there were no more Jewish people, that Hitler had made them all go away, somehow.

“Knowing he was Jewish was fine with me,” she said, “But when he told me about what had happened to his family in the Holocaust, I was devastated. I felt so guilty that I had had no idea what had been going on around me.”

When Henry’s tour of duty in Germany ended, he returned home to Detroit, but left Hannah a necklace with a Jewish mezuzah attached to it. That necklace led her to a local synagogue where sabbath services were being held. There, she said, “For the first time in my life, I felt like I was home.

I didn’t understand the words, but it was so welcoming, I felt connected. I went every Friday night for a year and a half.”

Eventually, when a kind stranger offered to sign for her, promising she could support herself, Hannah came to the United States.

She continued, “I got a job right away, so I wouldn’t be a burden on the government. I wanted to convert to Judaism, even though Henry told me it wasn’t important to him. But it was to me, so I did it. I taught myself how to keep Kosher. I didn’t want to ask anyone because I didn’t want anyone to know I was a convert. Later, I

felt better about it, but I never stopped being embarrassed about my background. Today, my three daughters have given me six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, nine of whom are observant Jews, and four of whom live in Israel, having made Aliyah (emigrated to Israel) this past January. I am elated about that and grateful for the life I have been given.

It means everything to me that I am accepted, even in orthodox circles, as a truly Jewish person. I know now it doesn’t matter where I came from. My story is being used in the Phoenix public school system, and I hope it will make a difference.

My fairy tale came true and I feel blessed to be a member of this wonderful community.”

Barbara Steinmetz was born in Hungary in 1936. Her family left when she was four, as her parents felt the Nazi threat rising. After seeking asylum in France, Spain and Portugal, then being refused by 12 different countries, they finally settled in the Dominican Republic (DR), the only country accepting Jewish refugees. Jews who came there were used for hard labor.

During the four years Barbara spent in the DR, from ages five to nine, she was allowed to live in a Catholic boarding school, on the condition that

Photos by Freda Zapiler Miklin

she and her sister pretend to be Catholic and perform all the religious rituals, because the nuns who ran it didn’t want anyone to know they had taken in Jewish children.

The family made it to the United States from there, and moved from state to state for years, always for a better opportunity. Barbara eventually married and settled in Michigan, where she lived for 50 years and raised her family. Barbara and her husband moved to Boulder in 2005.

After he passed in 2010, she stayed and was active in the community, including advocating for the release of the Israeli hostages after the October 7, 2023 massacre by Hamas terrorists.

Barbara was at an event seeking their release when she became one of 15 victims of a terror attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street mall on June 1, 2025, perpetrated by Mohamed Soliman, who was born in Egypt and came to the US in 2022 from Kuwait, requesting political asylum. Soliman, whose tourist visa had expired, was living in Colorado Springs with his wife and five children. He is currently facing over 70 criminal counts from that incident, including two counts of firstdegree murder and 52 counts of attempted first-degree murder.

According to news reports, he used “a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails” as he attacked those who were demonstrating for the hostages’ release, shouting, “Free Palestine.” Boulder community member Karen Diamond, 82, later died from her injuries sustained in the attack.

The focus of Barbara’s talk at Babi Yar Park was the scourge of antisemitism, which, Continued on page 9

In 2016, the voters of Colorado passed Proposition 108, which allows unaffiliated voters to cast ballots in either, but not both, of the major parties’ primaries.

Since that time, the voting population of our state has evolved to where just over half of all voters are unaffiliated, with the other half roughly split between the two major parties.

Proposition 108 included an opt-out mechanism, to avoid including unaffiliated voters in party primaries, but it requires 75% of the major party’s central committee to vote to do so, a condition a federal judge in Denver ruled was unconstitutionally steep on March

31, 2026.

In the years since 2016, some Republicans have strongly objected to unaffiliated voters casting ballots in their primaries, and the March 31 ruling gave them an avenue to potentially remove those people from their primary process.

On April 20, lawyers appointed by Eric Grossman, recently elected state GOP vice-chair, who is serving as interim party chair, filed a suit in federal court asking that ballots not be mailed for the upcoming GOP primary while their request to keep unaffiliated voters from participating is being considered.

Not all Republican

elected officials, including those who would be directly affected, agree with what Grossman and his attorneys, Colorado National Republican Committeeman Randy Corporon and Californiabased attorney Alexander Haberbush, are trying to do.

On April 23, Colorado’s four sitting Republican Members of Congress, U.S. Reps. Lauren BoebertCongressional District 4, Jeff Crank- Congressional District 5, Jeff Hurd- Congressional District 3, and Gabe Evans- Congressional District 8, along with the National Republican Congressional Committee, asked the federal judge hearing the suit, who is the same judge

June 30 GOP primary, on the basis that making a change at this late date “could cause chaos.”

Hurd is facing a primary challenge from former State Rep. Ron Hanks in the June 30 primary, thus, of the four Members of Congress, he would be most directly impacted by this decision.

He told U.S. District Court Judge Philip Brimmer, who is hearing the case, “Preventing unaffiliated voters from participating in the Republican primary election will cause me irreparable harm that cannot be remedied after the election.”

Timing is a significant problem because the party

tion of how decisions about party policy are being made is the fact that the Colorado GOP Chair elected to a two-year term last year, Brita Horn, resigned under pressure to do so, on April 17, and former Vice-Chair Richard Holtorf, who was the second person to hold that position since 2025, resigned two months earlier, leading to the election of Grossman, who has held his position for a matter of days, as vice-chair. Since there is no state GOP chair, he is serving in that position until the party can elect someone to fill it for the one year remaining in the term to which Horn was elected.

fo l l ow F R E DA N E WS B R I E F S

BY FREDA MIKLIN – SENIOR REPORTER

Villager Exclusive

C

entury Communities’ 90-home development in Greenwood Village’s Orchard Station subarea will be under construction in a matter of days. Grading will begin at The Village at Landmark in May. Century expects to have two model homes completed in about nine months and will begin taking reservations and deposits at their design center in Landmark then. Village at Landmark homes will range from 3,500 to 4,500 square feet and have four to six bedrooms. All homes will have rooftop decks, basements and elevators, with prices expected to start at $1,750,000. _____________________________

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erry Bates, elected to the Cherry Creek School District Board of Directors less than six months ago, resigned during a meeting on April 24 after being found to have made unspecified “racialized remarks” prior to being elected.

CCSD Board President Anne Egan would only say that the reported remarks were “unacceptable and inconsistent with our values,” and that “others had reported concerning interactions” for which details

would not be provided “to protect the privacy of individuals involved.” Look for the remaining CCSD board members to begin the process of recruiting and interviewing a replacement for Bates. _____________________________

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f you live or work in Arapahoe County, sign up for ArapAlert to receive the most up-to-date emergency notifications.

ArapAlert notifies you of • Active dangerous suspects in your area • Drought conditions, high winds, and brush fires • Floods and flash flooding • Hazardous materials incidents • Shelter-in-place orders • Other life-threatening emergencies Signing up is simple and takes just two minutes: https://ace911.org/arap-alert/ _____________________________

A

new music venue that will hold 2,000 people, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, along with Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern, is coming to 15755 E. Arapahoe Road in Centennial.

The 50,000-square foot location is the former home of Celebrity Lanes and Arcade.

Owner JW Roth, who expects to have the concert hall up and running by mid-2027, says he hopes to bring two more similar venues to Boulder and Fort Collins. The City of Centennial has said they “look forward to working with” the owners of the new venue.” _____________________________

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he Metro Denver Vacancy & Rent Report from the Greenwood Villagebased Apartment Association of Metro Denver (AAMD) tells us that the overall vacancy rate in the metro Denver area and average monthly rent remains steady at 7.5% and $1,758. Douglas County apartments are renting at an average of $1,945, compared to $1,635 in Arapahoe County.

According to AAMD, 2,796 new apartment units came on the market between January and March 2026, while 3,210 were rented during that time. _____________________________

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reenwood Village State House Rep. Chad Clifford (D-HD37) is holding a town hall event Friday May 1 from 6:30

pm until 8:00 pm at Greenwood Village City Hall at 6060 S. Quebec Street in the Community Room. Questions about the town hall can be directed to jen@ chadforcolorado.com or 720-786-7625.

According to the Arapahoe County Republicans website, Rep. Clifford will be opposed in his bid for reelection in November by Jill Thompson, whose website is https://gmrmom.com.

R

e/Max Holdings, Inc, and The Real Brokerage, Inc. of Miami said in a joint announcement issued on April 27 that Re/Max, a franchisor of residential real estate brokerage services, is being acquired by The Real Brokerage, Inc. The two companies will operate in combined headquarters in Miami, so expect to see folks leaving the current Re/Max headquarters at 5075 S. Syracuse Street in the DTC later this year. Re/Max, founded by Dave and Gail Liniger, has been a Colorado company for over 50 years. The Linigers also own The Sanctuary in Sedalia, a public event venue with a private golf course used exclusively for charitable golf tournaments. No changes there have been announced.

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • April 30, 2026

INTERESTINGPLACES INTERESTING PLACES Egypt—More Than Just Pyramids Every year, my son Chris and I take an adventure trip as he works toward visiting every country in the world.

He’s almost there, with his wife close behind, documenting their travels (@ authentic_traveling).

Our 2025 journey began Chris, Adenike, and Brian - camel riders in Cairo, where I joined Chris and Adenike for a few do know is unforgettable days. that these masThe Giza Pyramid comsive structures plex, built around 2500 BC, served as tombs is a must-see—along with for Egypt’s rulthe Great Sphinx. One strikers, an extraoring fact: the Great Pyramid dinary achievestood as the tallest man-made ment considerstructure in the world for ing they were nearly 4,000 years. built more than What surprised me most 4,500 years wasn’t their scale, but their ago. setting. These ancient wonBeyond the ders are not isolated deep monuments, in the desert as photographs Cairo’s food often suggest. Instead, they scene is not to Shawarma time sit just beyond the edge of be missed. the city, with modern buildWe sampled pyramids in the background. ings, shops, and traffic close koshary, Egypt’s national How the pyramids were enough to feel almost surreal. built remains one of history’s dish—a seemingly illogical The uncomfortable—but but delicious mix of spaghetgreat mysteries. Theories obligatory—camel ride ti, lentils, rice, chickpeas, range from ingenious anbeside the pyramids gave and tomato sauce. At the facient engineering to more us our Lawrence of Arabia mous Abou Tarek, a bustling imaginative ideas involving multi-story restaurant, we photo opportunity, gently lost civilizations—or even watched the dish assembled swaying above the sand with extraterrestrials. What we

Up close with the Great Sphinx

assembly-line style while crowds filled every floor.

After dinner, we wandered through a city that truly never sleeps, eventually stopping at El Abd Patisserie, where walls of pastries made choosing dessert nearly impossible.

And then there was shawarma—the Middle East’s answer to the American hamburger. Originating in the Levant during the Ottoman Empire, each country claims theirs is best. On one Cairo block, three competing shops each had lines spilling into the street. Watching meat slowly roast on vertical spits before being sliced to order

IN THE EYES OF BRIAN Bio Retinal specialist, writer, Greenwood Village resident email: joonbug@mac.com

was almost as enjoyable as eating it.

Across the street, a fresh juice stand provided the perfect finish. Everything we ate was fresh and satisfying—a welcome change from typical American fast food.

Cairo is a major transit hub between Europe and Africa. Rather than simply changing planes, consider spending a few days exploring this historic and culinary crossroads. Many airlines even offer extended layovers as part of their itineraries.

After Cairo, Chris and I continued west to our main destination—Libya. Despite friends and family insisting we were crazy, it turned out to be one of the most fascinating trips we’ve ever taken.

Stay tuned.

April 30, February 12,2026 2026••THE THEVILLAGER VILLAGER||PAGE PAGE11 7

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Bridging Generations With Paper, Purpose: Sunshine to Seniors Club Writes Letters to Brighten Seniors’ Days VISAKHA DAHAL, STAFF WRITER

Students in the Sunshine to Seniors club, spreading kindness through visits, handwritten letters, and creating a lasting community with the older generation Senior Amy Xia created the Sunshine to Seniors club in 2024 to spread joy and kindness to elderly people who often feel forgotten and alone. The club visits senior citizens and makes handwritten cards to send out to nursing homes.

“It’s horrible because loneliness is affecting the last years of [seniors’] life, and it’s something that could be fixed if we were to spend a little bit of time or effort making cards,” Xia said.

When Xia worked as a certified nursing assistant for seniors, she saw firsthand just how lonely senior citizens would get in retirement homes.

“I had a job to do, unfortunately, so I couldn’t stay and talk to them, but they would get so excited over just an Amazon package,” Xia said.

Loneliness can lead to them developing severe issues during the last few years of their life.

According to the National Institute for Health loneliness in seniors leads to a decline in cognitive problems like depression, anxiety and physical problems like heart conditions and high blood pressure.

Club sponsor and English teacher Matt Gustafson has seen common stereotypes about teenagers such as being rebellious or lazy. But Gustafson believes that students can show people that they are so much more than that stereotype.

“I hope it allows students to connect with people in our community outside of the school for two reasons,” Gustafson said.

“One, to allow our students to show the community who they are beyond the stereotypes… and I hope it allows students to learn.”

Other club members also agree with this sentiment, sharing how the club’s activities provide

empathy and creativity. A club member who wished to remain anonymous said they joined Sunshine to Seniors because they’re “kind of just a fan of elderly people” in a genuine way, saying that seniors are “really sweet.”

Senior citizens often end up in nursing homes against their wishes. “I feel bad that some of them are in nursing homes, because most elderly people don’t really want to be in nursing homes,” They said, adding that simple acts like writing cards and zoom calls to the seniors feel “really sweet” and “cool.”

For, another student that At a Nov. 10, 2025 Sunshine to Seniors meeting, (from left) would also like to remain sophomores Mason Cole, Jisoo Park, Emma Wang, and junior Scarlett anonymous says that their favorite part about the club is Dertz write and illustrate letters for senior citizens in assisted living.

Courtesy Amy Xia “probably writing the cards,” which they described as “really of attention, so Sunshine to Secould be easily fixed with comfun and creative, like hanging niors is finding out where to help. munication and just some comout with everyone and seeing ev- passion on both sides,” she said.

“We are still reaching out to eryone’s different card designs.” a bunch of nursing homes,” Xia That’s where the club comes Students even sharpen their said. “The one we are most conin. drawing skills to include “cute “Sunshine to Seniors is meant nected with is actually in rural Washington County, Colorado.” to bridge people The club is planning on hostand connect them,” ing a virtual meet-and-greet for Xia said. the Washington County nursing The mission is home, as well as collaborating especially important given that lone- with Eco Action, a non- profit liness is a growing organization working to improve the community’s health, environissue for senior citizens. According ment, and overall well-being. As part of this plan, the club aims to to the National assist Eco Action in creating garLibrary of Medidens at senior homes. cine, 40 percent of “Washington County nursing seniors in nursing home is really far away, so we homes report feelcan’t visit them, but they would ing lonely. really love to just talk to us and “I know that know who they’re getting cards they were pretty from,” Xia said. “Eco action has lonely, and I just the gardening part down, and wish there was somebody there little drawings” for the seniors, we have the assisted living part for them,” Xia said. and they also appreciate the fact All across Colorado, there are down, so hopefully we could colthat they can become pen pals laborate on that.” with the seniors, “an opportunity senior homes that don’t get a lot to get to know an elderly person.

It’s just fun.”

As a high schooler, Xia believes teenagers should have kindness throughout our community, despite societal views.

“As the younger generation, we need to care about the seniors in our community,” Xia said.

She added that many of the issues between age groups stem from a lack of understanding.

“There’s a large generational gap and misunderstandings that

“Sunshine to Seniors is meant to bridge people and connect them.

The mission is especially important given that loneliness is a growing issue for senior citizens. According to the National Library of Medicine, 40 percent of seniors in nursing homes report feeling lonely. “I know that they were pretty lonely, and I just wish there was somebody there for them,” Xia said.

above.

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • April 30, 2026

Denver Art Museum Luncheon by Design, a fundraiser event for DIVA exhibition, opening fall 2026 Acclaimed costume designer Bob Mackie’s illustrious 60-year career takes center stage An unforgettable afternoon of glamour awaits as the Denver Art Museum (DAM) marks the return of its beloved annual fundraiser, Luncheon by Design. As a prelude to the highly anticipated DIVA exhibition opening at the DAM this fall, this year’s luncheon celebrated the legendary artistry and enduring cultural impact of fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie. Synonymous with spectacle and sophistication, Bob Mackie’s work has captivated and empowered generations of iconic performers and his archive continues to inspire today’s leading artists— from Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, to Zendaya and Miley Cyrus.

Joe McFate, the longtime Design Director and close collaborator to Bob Mackie, joined Jill D’Alessandro, Director and Curator of the Avenir Institute of Textile Arts at DAM, for a rare behindthe-curtain conversation exploring Bob Mackie’s creative world. Heard were extraordinary stories from more than six decades of designing for legendary performers, along with the inspirations behind dazzling Bob Mackie costumes featured in DIVA worn

by Cher, Tina Turner and P!NK. “Bob Mackie is a legend of the highest order, responsible for dressing some of the most iconic divas of all time,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Director of the DAM.” “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Joe McFate grace Luncheon by Design to give us all the insights and secrets of designing and dressing some of the world’s biggest stars. This was an exciting fashion kick-off that culminated in DIVA, on view this fall.”

“A diva is that superstar that your eyes can’t leave… ever – you just can’t leave her – you are just like, look how beautiful she is!” said Bob Mackie. “It has been remarkable to see audiences around the world inspired by Bob Mackie’s work through the V&A’s acclaimed DIVA exhibition,” said Joe McFate. “I’m delighted to support and help build excitement for its opening in Denver this fall. As the only U.S. stop on the exhibition’s international tour, the Denver Art Museum offers a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the glamour and

artistry of Mr. Mackie’s designs, firsthand.”

Bob Mackie is an internationally renowned costume and fashion designer who has dressed some of the most glamorous entertainment icons in the world. With a career spanning six decades, nine Emmy Award wins, three Academy Award nominations and an induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, his career is nothing short of legendary. Most recently, he received a 2019 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for his work on The Cher Show.

For more than twentysix years, Joe McFate has served as Design Director for Bob Mackie, working closely with Mr. Mackie on every aspect of the brand’s design and development. His talent, creative vision and keen eye for color, scale and elegance have made him an indispensable part of the Bob Mackie Team.

Joe has worked internationally with stars including Cher, Carol Burnett, Tina Turner, P!NK, Diana Ross, Bernadette Peters, Anjelica Huston, Mitzi Gaynor and Liza Minelli.

Following the program, guests enjoyed a special viewing of Conversation Pieces: Stories from the Fashion Archives and were invited to continue the celebration at The Ponti, opened exclusively for luncheon guests.

Funds from this year’s Luncheon by Design support bold exhibitions like DIVA, which opens at the DAM Oct. 4, 2026. DIVA celebrates the radical power, creativity and cultural impact of nearly 100 iconic performers, from the operatic goddesses of the 19th and 20th century like Maria Callas to modernday powerhouses like Cher, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, RuPaul, Prince and Tina Turner.

DIVA will be on view from Oct. 4 through January 31, 2027, in the museum’s Anschutz and Martin & McCormick galleries on level two of the Hamilton Building with a purchased ticket required.

Honorary Chairs of Luncheon

by Design were Joy Dinsdale, Art Ellsworth & Marvin Wilkinson and Cleo Parker Robinson. The event was co-chaired by Bridget Grier, Marcia Romero and Becky Schuab and was supported by an enthusiastic committee. The event was co-presented by Joy Dinsdale and John Brooks, Inc. Additional supporters for this signature event included media partner Modern in Denver.

For museum information, visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000.

April 30, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

money sense

Estate planning for a digital world These tips from Merrill can help you ensure your heirs and executor have access to all the information you have stored online — while protecting your privacy.

Practically every aspect of our lives is inextricably tied to our devices and networks, and the digital assets we have accumulated have become just as critical as anything else we possess. We need to account for these assets in our estate plans, taking all eventualities into account.

What are “digital assets”? The term refers to any electronic record to which an individual has a right or interest.

These can be financial assets, including bill pay sites or virtual currencies; business assets, which might include a domain name or client data; personal assets like photos; and social assets like Facebook or LinkedIn accounts.

It is more than simply a matter of making sure your account information is safely stored and your passwords are secure. You also need a plan for how and when the people you trust can gain access. As you develop that plan, consider the following five tips.

Create a legal framework

Make an inventory of your digital assets “Creating a road map of the assets you own could be the most important thing you can do,” says Korzec. Documenting everything you do online will help ensure your heirs will not miss anything. Jot down the key accounts and assets you own and use, organized by type, including: • Financial: Include bank and brokerage accounts, online payment tools, credit cards, digital wallets and NFTs (nonfungible tokens).

• Business: If you own a business, those digital assets might include tax software, proprietary business software, client data, domain names, patents and more.

• Personal: This long list may cover email accounts, texts, contacts, medical records, photos, digital music, loyalty programs, streaming services, online shopping accounts and even gaming avatars.

Why not just give your heir, executor or fiduciary the passwords for your laptop, smartphone and other devices?

Unfortunately, this strategy can weaken your personal security. “Many people do not fully appreciate that digital assets are different animals from traditional assets such as bank accounts,” says Colin Korzec, head of Trust and Estate Settlement Services at Bank of America Private Bank. “They are often subject to terms of service agreements as well as state and federal laws.” In other words, others will likely need your explicit permission to go into these accounts.

• Social: Some social media sites have settings that let you designate what happens to them if you die.

Nonetheless, be sure to make your wishes known.

As you consider granting access to others, be aware of potential tradeoffs. Your personal email account, for example, might contain a trove of information that could help in settling your estate. Yet you may want to keep some messages private. Balancing those two needs requires a thoughtful approach. You can grant access to some digital accounts while excluding others or choose different people to receive access to different accounts.

One way of keeping your digital assets inventory and passwords safe is to save them on separate password-protected documents. Tools such as a password vault can serve as a secured central storage location, not only for passwords but also for key account information and documents your heirs and executors may need. Alternately, you can write down passwords and store them in a locked safe or a safe deposit box or keep them with your attorney.

Keep passwords separate While the inventory document gives you a place to note usernames, Korzec cautions against including passwords.

“Those passwords may have expired by the time the inventory is accessed,” he says. “Plus, the person with your inventory may not be authorized to access those accounts.”

Whichever way you choose, the executor you name in your will should be granted access to both the inventory and your passwords.

Engage experts when you need to In some cases, it may be worthwhile to call on a digital expert. That third party, for example, can examine a device for any references to a digital wallet or an NFT. “We had one client who had a relatively valuable painting on consignment that no heirs knew about — until a forensic computing expert found a reference to it stored electronically,” says Korzec. “It turns out it was worth a significant amount.”

Revisit your plan from time to time Just as you update your estate planning documents every couple of years or if something major changes, like a marriage or the birth of a grandchild, you will want to periodically take another look at your digital asset inventory.

Keeping track of those assets, Korzec says, “will ensure your loved ones and heirs are not spending an already difficult time scrambling for account access — which is probably not the legacy you intended to leave.”

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

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

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

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

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

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

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Deposits

Are Not Bank Guaranteed Are Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency

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

© 2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved | MAP8431196 | WP-01-26-2414 | 472503PM-0126 | 02/2026

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LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • April 30, 2026 The Villager Newspaper has been awarded the

BE ST Public Notice Section 5 years running by the Colorado Press Association

1st place - 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024 2nd place - 2022 and the

2018 BE ST Public Notice Section by the National Newspaper Association

Miscellaneous PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Case No.:25JV17 Public Notice is given on January 30, 2025 that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Mosaic Tascyna Martinez Lowe be changed to Mosaic Tascyna Martinez.

Case No.:25JV17 Hearing will be held on 04/16/2026 at 10:00 am MST Via WEBEX. Please Contact the Arapahoe County Court Via Phone or in Person at 7375 S. Potomac ST, Centennial CO, 80112 For further information By: Honorable Judge Hurst Clerk of the Court / Deputy Clerk Published in The Villager First Publication: April 2, 2026 Last Publication: April 30, 2026

Legal # 5016_Name Change_25JV17 ________________________ PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Bockarie Sheriff, Deceased Case No.: 2026PR30330 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before August 13, 2026 , or said claims may be forever barred.

Mohamed Sheriff, Personal Representative c/o Baker Law Group, PLLC, 8301 E. Prentice Ave. #405 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Published in The Villager First Publication: April 16, 2026 Last Publication: April 30, 2026 Legal # 5017_Express_NTC_ Sheriff_Case No.: 2026PR30330 ________________________

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of June Louise McFadden, aka June L. McFadden, aka June McFadden Deceased Case No.: 2026PR30311 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before August 23, 2026, or said claims may be forever barred.

Jack G. Banks, II, Personal Representative c/o Baker Law Group, PLLC 8301 E. Prentice Ave. #405 Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 Published in The Villager First Publication: April 23, 2026 Last Publication: May 7, 2026

Legal # 5018_Express_ NTC_McFadden_Case No.: 2026PR30311 ________________________ PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR Public Notice is given on March 18, 2026 that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Arapahoe Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Kurt Finnley Sorlie be changed to Kurt Finnley Wolcott-Sorlie.

By Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk Published in The Villager First Publication: April 30, 2026 Last Publication: May 14, 2026 Legal # 31357 ________________________

SPECIAL DISTRICTS CENTENNIAL AIRPORT NOISE EXPOSURE MAP ACCEPTANCE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT Pursuant to Section 107(a) & (b) [Title 49, United States Code, Section 47506] of the Airport Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979, as amended, notice is hereby given that on April 3, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration has completed its evaluation of, and has formally accepted the Noise Exposure Maps for Centennial Airport, located in Englewood, Colorado that were prepared pursuant to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 150 (14 CFR Part 150).

These maps and supporting documentation are available for public review at the Federal Aviation Administration Denver Airports District Office, 26805 E 68th Ave., Suite 224 Denver, CO 80249; Centennial Airport, 7565 S Peoria St., Englewood, CO 80112; and online at https:// apa150noisestudy.com/documents/.

This notice will be published three times to give constructive knowledge to all interested parties and is intended to fulfill the requirements of Section 47506 of 49 USC and Section 150.21(F)(2) of the Regulation.

CONTACT: John Sweeney, 26805 E 68th Avenue, Denver, CO 80249,

(303) 342–1263.

Published in The Villager First Publication: April 23, 2026 Last Publication: May 7, 2026 Legal # 31347 ________________________ NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that South Metro WISE Authority will make final payment at their offices located at 116 Inverness Drive East #270, Englewood, CO 80112, on or after May 20, 2026 to T. Lowell Construction, Inc. (Contractor) for all work done by said contractor on the WISE Binney Connection Pipeline, all of said construction being within or near the boundaries of Arapahoe County, Colorado.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company, or corporation that has furnished labor materials provisions or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or its Subcontractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done and whose claim therefore has not been paid by the Contractor or

its Subcontractor at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim to South Metro WISE Authority 116 Inverness Drive East #270, Englewood, CO 80112 at or before the time and date hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to final settlement will release the Meridian Metropolitan District, its Board of Directors, officer’s agents and employees of and from any and all liability for such claim.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS South Metro WISE Authority. /s/ Lisa Darling, Executive Director Published in The Villager First Publication: April 30, 2026 Last Publication: May 7, 2026 Legal # 31353 ________________________

COURTS DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 303-645-6600 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: PISTOL REESE SCHMIDT, Child, and concerning, MCKINSEY KAY SCHMIDT, ZACKERY MIKAL HOLLAND, Respondents.

Sylvia B. Geiger, Reg. #49589 Assistant County Attorney 14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 sgeiger@arapahoegov.com Case No: 2025JV390 Division: 34 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENT MOTHER, MCKINSEY KAY SCHMIDT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT MOTHER, MCKINSEY KAY SCHMIDT is set for May 13, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. in Division 34 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you.

In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div34 •Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

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

If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664.

When prompted enter Access code: 2594 408 0614 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).

Dated April 24, 2026.

Sylvia B. Geiger, Esq. #49589 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Aurora, Co 80012 Published in The Villager Published: April 30, 2026 Legal # 31354 ________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: ROYAL NY-KING PHILLIPS, PRINCE MESSIAH PHILLIPS SAFFOLD, PHOENIX LEE PHILLIPS, AND JOSHUA EZEKIEL PHILLIPS-BRIGHT JR., Children, and concerning, MATOYA LOUISE PHILLIPS, ROSHUN MARKELL JONES, ARAM ALEXANDER COOPER, JOHN DOE, AND JOSHUA EZEKIEL BRIGHT,

Respondents.

Madeline Doerr, Reg. #60483 Assistant County Attorney Office of the County Attorney Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 mdoerr@arapahoegov.com Case No: 2025JV30300 Division: 22 NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING RESPONDENT, JOHN DOE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding Respondent, JOHN DOE is set on MAY 18, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in Division 22 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112.

You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected and adopt the prepared treatment plan for you in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code, or to determine that there is no appropriate treatment plan.

The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div22 •Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

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

•If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664.

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

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

Respectfully submitted April 26, 2026.

Madeline Doerr, #60483 Assistant County Attorney 14980 East Alameda Drive, Aurora, CO 80012 Published in The Villager Published: April 30, 2026 Legal # 313 ________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: MELANIE ZOE RASCON, ISAI ALONZO RASCON, MICHAELA DALETT RASCON, AND ARLETT MARIE CASTRO RASCON, Children and concerning, MICHELLE RASCON, JUAN CASTRO-SERRANO, PAUL MERCADO ARAMBULA, MANUEL QUIROZ AND JOHN DOE, Respondents Madeline Doerr, Reg. #60483 Assistant County Attorney Office of the County Attorney Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive, Aurora, CO 80012

mdoerr@arapahoegov.com Case Number: 25JV347 Division: 22 NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING RESPONDENTS, MANUEL QUIROZ AND JOHN DOE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding Respondents, MANUEL QUIROZ and JOHN DOE is set on MAY 11, 2026, at 4:15 p.m. in Division 22 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112.

You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected and adopt the prepared treatment plan for you in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code, or to determine that there is no appropriate treatment plan.

The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •................................................... https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div22 •...................................................

Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

•...................................................

Select your audio setting. If the

audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.

•...................................................

If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664.

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

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

Respectfully submitted April 26, 2026.

Madeline Doerr, #60483 Assistant County Attorney 14980 East Alameda Drive, Aurora, CO 80012 Published in The Villager Published: April 30, 2026 Legal # 31356 ________________________

NOTiCE to CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Merle Steven McClung, aka Merle S. McClung, aka Merle McClung, Deceased Case Number: 2026PR30293 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 25, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Timothy P. Brynteson Personal Representative Annaliese H. Bennett Attorney for the Personal Representative c/o Otis & Bedingfield, LLC 2725 Rocky Mountain Avenue, Suite 300 Loveland, CO 80538 Published in The Villager First Publication: April 23, 2026 Last Publication: May 7, 2026 Legal # 31340

April 30, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15 ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING Upscale dining, engaging events and activities. Call 720-684-5913. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.

CITY OF CENTENNIAL OFFICE MOVIE NIGHTS Applications open for the Neighborhood Engagement Grant, and residents can rescue movie night kits. Apply at Centennialco.gov/movies for use between May 22 and Sept. 4. A $250 refundable deposit is required.

MUSEUM OF OUTDOOR ARTS MADDEN GALLERY “BEYOND THE WESTERN HORIZON” MARCH 19-JULY 31. Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sat. to be announced.

CITY OF CENTENNIAL 20TH ANNUAL STATE OF OUR CITY THURS., APRIL 30, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight. All proceeds benefit the charitable outreach of the Centennial Rotary Foundation. A message from Mayor Christine Sweetland.

AURORA’S 135TH BIRTHDAY PARTY MAY 2, Open House from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway. Enjoy cake, party games & activities at this free event. Info: AuroraMuseum.org WHAT’S “BUGGING” YOUR GARDEN? MAY 9, 10-11 a.m. Free class with Master Gardners Elaine Davis & Jessie Asimus. Register at bit.ly/ CSU_Buggin CHERRY CREEK CHORALE PERFORMANCE MAY 8 & 9 at 7 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village. Special May 8 performance to meet the composer of “From Darkness Into Light.”The Soul’s Journey by Elaine Hagenberg. Tickets: cherrycreekchorale. org 40TH ANNUAL GREATER ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS BANQUET MAY 21, 5-8 p.m. Penn St Kitchen. Voting open!

Vote by 4/30/26. Tickets or donate to the Silent Auction. Lindsey@myenglewoodchamber.org CENTENNIAL FINE ARTS FESTIVAL MAY 30-31 at the Streets at SouthGlenn.

Featuring award-winning regional & national artists. Sponsored by the Centennial Arts & Cultural Foundation. Deadline to submit art is Feb. 28. https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER 2026 GOLF TOURNAMENT JUNE 15 at Meridian Golf Club, 9742 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Open to everyone. Registration closes June 4. info@bestchamber.com or call 303-795-0142.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT YOUTH TRAILBLAZER SUMMER CAMP JUNE 15-19. Helps middle school students develop an understanding of basic business principles & the professional world. Scan the QR code in The Villager March 12 issue, page 14.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA AMERICA 2026 The Festival runs JUNE 27-AUG. 2 in the 550seat opera house in Central City. This is the 70th Anniversary of the Ballad of Baby Doe World Premiere. The season features three MainStage productions - Mozart’s the Marriage of Figaro, the Ballad of Baby Doe and Master Class alongside the return of CCO in concert and the debut of the St. James Chamber series. Tickets: Call 303-292-6700.

Capturing an Era in Art and Words, Written by Villager author Denny Dressman and Art by Anthony High. Pre-Order Now! https://www. mcfarlandbooks.com/product/Black-BaseballsHeyday/

2ND ANNUAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OF THE ROCKIES GOLF TOURNAMENT MON., JULY 13. Info: Call 303-488-0018

BUSINESS NEWS OLIVER’S “A TOAST TO THE TASSEL!” Host a graduation celebration on the full-private terrace. Accommodates 60 guest seated for dinner or up to 85 guests for a cocktail reception. RSVP: nicole@oliveritalian.com

SECOND ANNUAL AMERICA’S MILITARY HEROES GOLF EVENT MON., JULY 27, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course benefiting Semper Fl and America’s Fund. Be a golfer, non-golfer, sponsor a hole or District Challenge. Call 301-404-2706 or militaryheroesgolf@gmail.com WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT Join the Centennial Institute for the 2026 Western Conservative Summit, JULY 30-AUGUST 1, 2026, at Colorado Christian University, as we reflect, recommit, and rearticulate the intellectual foundations of conservatism for the next 250 years of American exceptionalism. The weekend kicks off Thursday evening with the William L. Armstrong Award Dinner, followed by two full days of incredible speakers and workshop sessions. Register now at WesternConservativeSummit.com.

CLUB NEWS OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts 49 years.

American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25. Call Frank 303759-9232 for a free breakfast. Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.

DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-313-9741.

ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-377-7682.

WHAT’S NEW? ARAPAHOE COUNTY HIRING BIPARTISAN ELECTION JUDGES For the June & Nov. elections. Flexicle schedules, variety of positions open, open to citizens from any county. Go to jobs.

ArapahoeCo.gov or call 303-795-4511 SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS Arapahoe County is hiring. Visit jobs.arapahoeco. gov. This is a new site.

“BLACK BASEBALL’S HEYDAY”

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.

ASH & AGAVE RESTAURANT NOW OPEN Inspired by the shores of the Mexican Rivierabringing costal Mexican flavor to the table where smoke, salt, and citrus lead the way. Fresh seafood and fire-kissed meats. Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Lower Level near Neiman Marcs. 720-4643819.

local at The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Centennial. 303-683-0372 GE TREE SERVICE Trusted & Reliable for 20 years. A Certified Arborist, Licensed & Insured, Family Owned & Operated.

Free estimates. Call 303-500-2017. www. coloradotreeremoval.com THE GARDENS GARDEN CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW OWNERSHIP Locally family-owned-and operated. 9542 S. Univ.

Bvld., Highlands Ranch. Open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

THE AUDIOLOGY METHOD Schedule a hearing test. 7180 - E. Orchard Rd., Ste. 302, Centennial. 720-457-5113.

HOST YOUR EVENT AT THE JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT FREE ENTERPRISE CENTER In Greenwood Village. Events @JARockyMountain. org

RODIZIO GRILL “THE BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE” LOCATED IN THE DTC AT 125 & Dry Creek and Downtown Denver, 18th & Wynnkoop

CHERRY HILLS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE 6325 S University. Blvd., Centennial. Call for Tour 720-592-0252

FIRST AMERICAN STATE BANK Locally Owner and operated. 8390 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village.

PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION + MORE5 Star Google Reviews. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-969-5386.

MOVET - PRIMARY CARE VETERINARY SERVICES In Home, In Clinic or Virtual. Locally owned woman owned business. 4912 S. Newport St., Denver. Call 720-507-7387 MovetCare.com NEED AN ATTORNEY? Call Donald Peterson for a free telephone or video consultation. 303-758-0999. Email: Donald@PetersonLaw.Co Located at 5675 DTC Boulevard, Suite 250, Greenwood Village.

SEMION BARBERSHOP FOR ALL MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN 5910 S. Univeristy Blvd., Greenwood Village.

720-531-3998.

THE EYEWEAR COLLECTION Owner Aaron Mozes is a CCHS graduate.

Comprehensive Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Contacts.

5910 S. University. Blvd., Unit D4, Greenwood Village.

BKC KITCHEN & BATH Free consultation & estimate. Visit showroom at 4151 S. Natches Ct., Englewood. 303-761-7477.

FALL PARTIES/EVENTS? BOOK TODAY Rocky Mountain Valet. Visit www.rockymntvalet. com KIMPTON CLARET HOTEL Host your next special event at The Kimpton Claret. www.clarethotel.com OWN YOUR STORAGE OR FLEX WAREHOUSE SPACE Visit MYDREAMSTORAGECO.COM PARKSIDE VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 14501 E. Crestline Drive, Aurora. Lunch is on us schedule your tour today. 720-315-7778 or visit ParksideVillageRetirement.com

Serving Colorado since 1978

AISLYN DERMATOLOGY Dr. Aislyn Nelson MD, PhD dermatologist is located in Lincoln Medical Center, 11960 Lioness Way, Ste. 225, Parker. 719-992-0127. www.aislynderm.com “We Do It All.” JOSHUA TREE EXPERTS CERTIFIED ARBORISTS Schedule a Winter Arborist Inspection to develop a tree care plan for the winter time.303-229-8777. www.joshuatreeexperts.com/denver-south-co

DREAM. DESIGN. DELIVER.

ROGERS & SONS INC. - ELEVATED CLIMATE CONTROL Curated Cooling & A/C Services; Radiant Heating & Snow Melt Integration; Whole-Home Humidification and more. Private Consultations: 720-408-7411. https://rogershvac.com

Revitalize your home in style

CARLA’S A CLASSIC DESIGN From unique gifts to festive decor. Shop small and

b kcki t che nand b at h.com | 3 0 3 .7 61 .7 4 7 7

Free Consultation and Estimate VI SI T OUR SHOWR OOM: 4 1 51 S out h N at che s Ct , E ng l e w ood CO 80 1 1 0

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

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • April 30, 2026

MOTHER’S DAY

Brunch

Celebrate mom with an unforgettable Mother’s Day brunch at Saverina. Treat her to a thoughtfully curated experience featuring your choice of chef-inspired entrées, an antipasto station, indulgent dessert station, bubbly drink specials—all set against the backdrop of live music.

May 10th | 9am–2pm $89/adult, $35/child under 12 Reservations are highly recommended; Book via Opentable or by calling 983.999.0399

Located in the Denver Tech Center