5-16-24 Villager

VOLUME 42 • NUMBER 25 • MAY 16, 2024

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Andrea Kehmeier is new Ms. Colorado Senior

See pages 6-7 for story and photos SUBSCRIBE TO THE VILLAGER TODAY - CALL 303-773-8313

s t a r g n o C CLASS 2024 of

LET

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CATER YOUR GRADUATION PART Y! FOR A QUOTE OR TO BOOK: LITTLEMANICECREAMCAN.COM/CATERING

PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

Congratulations, Graduates!

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May 16, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

2024 AFRL honors military members of the year The Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Defense Council held its 48th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon on Friday, May 10, 2024 - to honor military serving in the Metro area.

Awards were given to 11 military members from each branch of service, including Reserve and Guard components, and a civilian from the community.

“This luncheon is our way of recognizing members of the armed forces - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard throughout Northern Colorado including the Denver-Aurora area,” said Chamber President and CEO Naomi Colwell. “They make a significant contribution to our community and to our nation.”

This year’s keynote speaker was former U.S. Navy Seal, Captain Michael P. Argo, who served for three decades to include fighting in combat, and as Commander and Commanding

Award

Winner

Sponsor

Coast Guard

Petty Officer Third Class Riley Swigert

Ideas, Commitment, Results (ICR)

Navy Active Duty

Petty Officer First Class Zachary Dawson

Aurora Credit Union Alliance

Army National Guard

Staff Sergeant Michael Ramirez

Denver Springs

Air National Guard

Senior Airman James Alavarado

Philip Morris International

Navy Reserve

Petty Officer First Class Lindsay Pitts

Citywide Banks

Army Active Duty

Staff Sergeant Siana Collier

Denver International Airport

Air Force Active Duty

Technical Sergeant Stormy Guitierrez

Wagner Equipment

Space Force

Sergeant Octavio Castruita

Amazon

Air Force Reserve

Technical Sergeant Alejandro Sanchez

Community College of Aurora

Marine Corps Active Duty

Sergeant Sophia Moran

City of Aurora – Mayor and City Council

Marine Corps Reserve

Corporal Edgard Gonzalez (not pictured)

Leidos

Bob Cardenas Award

Paula Sarlls (not pictured)

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

Officer of four separate commands, worked on three Joint Commands, and deployed to Europe, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, South Korea, Southwest Asia, and Center Asia.

Argo served on Seal Team Two, Seal Delivery Team Two, and Special Boat Team Twenty. He also was the Navy Reserve Center Commander on Buckley from 2002 to 2004.

Rick Crandall, executive director of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, was the Master of Ceremonies for the 19th consecutive year, and CSU Global was the title sponsor for the event.

“This event would not be possible without the tremendous support we receive each year from our community,” said Jim Puscian, chair of the Chamber’s Defense Council. “This is an opportunity for the civilian community to say thank you to the men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice.”

The Award Winners, left to right, and their sponsors (listed at left):

Gone are the days Finding time to connect with adult children can be challenging when everyone goes a million miles an hour. Meaningful interactions can easily take a back seat to demanding careers, personal commitments, raising children, and the constant buzz of technology. However, fostering strong relationships with adult children and grandchildren is essential for maintaining family ties and creating lasting memories. When I was growing up, we had lingering Sunday family dinners with the entire family. After dinner, we played cards or games and enjoyed hours of stories. Those days are gone. Many of our adult children live scattered around the country. Even if they live close by, they are too busy to linger.

Family ties and time together are valuable, even with all these societal changes. It is essential to try to check in regularly with our adult children. Phone calls, video chats, and regularly scheduled virtual family get-togethers are fun and keep the familial bonds knit together. My husband has been texting the older grandchildren with fun facts, this day in history, or a family history tidbit without any expectation of a response. They love it and miss it when he skips a few days.

One of the strategies we are trying out is “barnstorming”. For us, barnstorming means scheduling a time in the middle of the week, letting your child know you will be over at dinner time with a pizza (or any other simple food items (it’s not about the food) to eat together, and helping them with dinner. We also plan to tell them that it is not about how the house looks, what the kids are Continued on page 10

Your Input is Vital to Sustain Essential Services in Arapahoe County Arapahoe County is facing a budget shortfall.

Funds are limited and it will not be possible to sustain essential services without new funding.

Services that would be impacted include: Public Safety & School Security Road Quality & Pedestrian Safety Affordable Housing Programs Homelessness Prevention & Response

Sustain Essential Services Provide your input at:

ACbudget.com

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

Still, ROTC units are Graduation time has active on most college arrived at American campuses, trainschools. We celebrate ing officers for graduations from service in the middle schools, high military branchschools, colleges, es of the Army, and universities. It Air Force, Navy, is a time of accomMarine Corps, plishments, lengthy friendships, athletic BY BOB SWEENEY and New Space Force. Volunteersuccesses and failing Reserve officers have ures, and many hours of played a significant role classrooms, homework, in America’s military definal exams, early morning classes, and late-night fense.

Many high school gradcram sessions. America’s uates choose to seek highprowess can be traced er education and overlook partly to mandatory edthe campus turmoil that ucation for all students from early ages through high school.

Today, education takes the largest portion of property tax revenues to fund our public school districts.

Some colleges and universities are funded privately and by state legislators granting state aid to school districts and higher education institutions.

All schools in America are operated by private citizens in elections or has spread to almost evappointments by elected ery campus in the land in officials. minor or major proporThis is a challenging tions. As the war rages on time to graduate from in Israel over Gaza and high school and college.

Hamas, the demonstraThe nation has been tions are apt to continue shocked and rocked by the recent student demon- onward into summer at the Democrat and Repubstrations, primarily at the lican conventions, with college and university levels. So far, the Nation- the Republicans in Milwaukee and Democrats in al Guard has not been Chicago. called onto any college There is considerable campuses. The nation witcivil unrest across the nanessed the tragic deaths tion regarding illegal imfrom the Kent State incident during the Vietnam migration, with millions War. There were violent of migrants entering the demonstrations over the borders.

Vietnam War, and the Add the Russian invaselective service was sion of Ukraine, Middle drafting soldiers, includEast turmoil, and campus ing many college graduhostilities, and it is going ates. Many students fled to be a turbulent summer. to Canada to avoid the So, we bid farewell to draft. The war ultimately our graduates, releasing was lost, along with over them into the real world 50,000 American lives. to learn the hard lessons Today, there is no man- of life and living in troudatory military service. bled times.

If there is any solace in current events, conflict and warfare have plagued the United States since its infancy as 13 colonies fighting the Revolutionary War, defeating the British and founding a nation.

One war on American soil was not enough. The nation endured a Civil War with over 700,000 American casualties. The war reached Colorado at Raton Pass in 1862 with the Battle of Glorieta Pass when the Confederates came looking for Colorado gold. The Colorado militia, led by Major John M. Chivington, fought a heroic fight against the Confederate forces, destroying their supply wagons and sending the rebels back southward without any Central City gold.

I remember a famous passage in American literature from my college days about two of America’s greatest writers, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. During the Civil War era, abolitionists protested to free the enslaved people. The story goes that Ralph Waldo Emerson was in jail for protesting, and Henry David Thoreau came to see him. Thoreau is said to have asked his longtime friend, “Henry, what are you doing here in jail?”

The reply by Emerson to Thoreau was reportedly,” Well Henry, what are you doing out there?” The bottom line, protests have been a part of U.S. history.

President Abraham Lincoln penned his eloquent Gettysburg Address before he spoke at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, now known as Gettysburg National Cemetery.

This is what he penned:

The GETTYSBURG ADDRESS, delivered at Gettysburg, PA. on November 19, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on the continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.

We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. “But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which, they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

As we watch the turmoil of history unfold before our eyes and ears, let us remember these immortal words of President Lincoln.

- Robert F. Sweeney/ Publisher

Ogren repeats as 5A diving champ

second with a 523.90 score, and Andrew Garrison of Highlands Ranch was third with 509.60.

Another Dive5280 teammate, Alex Kreidler of Two Roads Charter, diving for Ralston Valley, finished fourth

with a 495.05 score.

Dive5280 also swept the top three places in Class 4A: Carson Harrington (Evergreen) 601.50, Carson Christiansen (Wheat Ridge) 535.80, and Britt Hooper (Green Mountain) 533.15.

BY DENNY DRESSMAN

Luke Ogren successfully defended his Colorado Class 5A High School Diving Championship last weekend.

The Cherry Creek junior fin-

ished with a score of 615.65 to claim his second straight state title.

Alex Robertson from Chapparal, Ogren’s teammate with the Dive5280 Club, finished

The Villager

Office: 6972 S. Vine St., Suite 363, Centennial, CO 80122 • (303) 773-8313 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe County, Colorado. (USPS 431-010) Published weekly by the Villager Publishing Co., Inc. 6972 S. Vine St., Suite 363, Centennial, CO 80122. Available for home or office delivery by U.S. Mail for $62 per year. Single copies available for $1 per issue.

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Classified Advertising, noon Monday.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING Sharon Sweeney sharon@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Gerri 303-773-8313 EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

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

2024 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK We the of people the QUOTE theareWEEK rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.

– Abraham Lincoln

May 16, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

Aurora, Colorado in the national spotlight!

Council members share insight with Cherry Creek Republican Women Three fiery, seasoned, conservative, passionate entrepreneurs presented their history, ideas and commitment to Aurora.

They are making waves (in a good way) and setting the gold standard for city councils.

Danielle Jurinsky, Stephanie Hancock and Steve Sundberg shared how they are successfully fighting crime, illegal

immigration and making Aurora one of Colorado’s most business-friendly cities. Other cities are taking note. In addition, Jurinsky and Hancock served in the military and Jurinsky has even been on FOXNews of late.

Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 6 John Fabbricatore visits with Frances Butler Photos by Scottie Iverson

CCRW President Dorothy Gotlieb, Aurora City Council Members Danielle Jurinsky, Steve Sundberg and Stephanie Hancock with former council member Marsha Berzins

Candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives District 3 Michaela Neal, Tom Conroy, Andrea Hyatt

Central City Opera Guild hosts Spring Membership event at Grant Humphries

Guild news, Teacher of the Year Awards and entertainment at the historic mansion in Denver

CCO Guild President Katie Grassby, CCO Director of Historic Properties and Central City Citizen of the Year Eric Chinn with CCO Director of Education and Community Engagement Meg Ozaki-Grave

George Ann Victor (second from left) with granddaughter Madeline Neckers, daughter Kim Neckers and CCO President/CEO and Scott Finlay Special performers at the event from newly formed Central City Lyric Theatre Singers: Two seated on fainting sofa: Sarah Cain, Kristin Gornstein.aOthers in back row: Brandon Tyler Padgett, Sabina Balsamo, Alaina de Bellevue and Eric Botto Photos by Scottie Iverson

George Ann Victor Teacher of the Year Awardee Donella Iverson (music teacher at Aurora Central) with CCO Associate Director of Education and Community Engagement Danielle Guzman (Ruby May Poland Teacher of the Year Awardee Armando Contreras gave his acceptance remarks via video)

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

Forever Fabulous! Andrea Kehmeier of Conifer is new Ms. Colorado Senior

She retired from the workforce about two years ago and when she had finished most of her “home projects,” she thought about how she wanted to use my time. She knew she needed a challenge. Then she read a delightful article about the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant that piqued her interest. It described how the organization honored seniors everywhere, how much fun the contestants had, and how they forged enduring friendships. Although she had no pageant experience and was completely out of her comfort zone, she contacted René Green, our Colorado State Pageant Administrator. René was so kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic that Andrea couldn’t help herself. She decided to enter the 2024 pageant! The surprised and thrilled winner is still letting it all soak in. To rest up for the schedule of her numerous appearances and performances, her husband treated her to vacation immediately after the pageant. “I am honored to represent Colorado at the Ms. Senior America National Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Pageant Week begins on Sunday, September 29, 2024, and ends with the crowning of our 2024 National Queen on Thursday, October 3, 2024,” she said.

Our Colorado Queen will have a cheering section at the national competition (including her daughter) as she’s originally from the Northeast. But, she made quite clear – Colorado is home! She adopted our beautiful state 15 years ago.

Andrea Kehmeier is crowned by Ms. Colorado Senior 2023 Joanie Ryan

“Participating successfully in the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant required an enormous amount of self-reflection to integrate everything I’ve learned, everything I’ve accomplished, in life so far. To win the title of Queen for 2024 certainly validated me personally and should afford endless opportunities to serve my state and my fellow Coloradoans!”

- Andrea Kehmeier Ms. Colorado Senior America 2024

30th Pageant held at The Mizel Arts and Cultural Center – Wolf Theater The road to royalty and beyond…

JUDGING CRITERIA Interview 30% (not seen by the audience) Evening gown 20% Philosophy of life 20% Talent 30% Andrea Kehmeier’s Philosophy of Life presentation: “To truly live my philosophy, I apply my core values to everything I do.

I acquire knowledge and share it with others. Actively appreciate the value and sheer beauty in diversity I demonstrate kindness, practice forgiveness, and express gratitude. I face adversity Ms. Colorado Senior 2023 with grace, courage, and humor (if appropriate). And every day, I affirm Joanie Ryan of Aurora the prodigious power of Love.”

Other entertainment between The Ms. Senior America Pageant segments of the competition is the world’s first and foremost pagincluded “Sisters” by Esmeralda eant to emphasize and give honor to Hetrick (Miss Senior America women who have reached the “Age of 2019 and 2020) and our own Elegance.” Since 1981, women who Michelle Rahn (Ms. Senior have reached the age of 60 are eligible America 2004). The third umbrella to compete in Colorado. For further was a reminder of the late Gayle information and next Spring’s pageant: Novak (Ms. Colorado Senior René Green: renemcsap@gmail.com or 2018 and Ms. Senior America 720-384-6249.

2018).

2024 Pageant Co-Emcee (who was Ms. Pennsylvania Senior as well as Ms. Senior America 2019 and 2020) Esmeralda Ybarra Hetrick with 1st Runner Up Natalie Oliver-Atherton, Queen Andrea Kehmeier, 2nd Runner Up Marla Downer, Colorado State Pageant Administrator René Green (NSAA board member who was recently given the title Honorary Ms. Co-Emcee, Ms. Colorado Senior 2008 and Senior America) Photos by Scottie Iverson outstanding community leader, musician/ vocalist Linda Holloway performed with the Cameo Club Tambouriners and directed the patriotic opening of “America the Beautiful” by the Cameo Club Choir LEFT: Distinguished judges: active in the pageant world in several arenas since age 17 Linda Hood, Grammy-nominated artist Jimmy Nichols, Jr., Ms. Tennessee Senior 2019 and 2020 Susan England, awardwinning artist-lead singer of CULTURAS Dee Burleson, music/theater performer and director Debra Gallegos BELOW: The talented class of ten finalists: Michele Hampton (Castle Rock), Victoria Goodspeed (Aurora), Denise Bruschi (Denver), Barbara Solivais (Evans), Natalie Oliver-Atherton (Centennial), 2024 Queen Andrea Kehmeier (Conifer), Marla Downer (Aurora), Terri Mongait (Sedalia), Ann Agee (Aurora), Marvel Pierson (Aurora)

1st Runner Up Natalie Oliver-Atherton sang “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”

2nd Runner Up Marla Downer sang “Man, I Feel Like A Woman”

The Cameo Club is open to all former contestants in the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant and boasts a sisterhood of lifelong friendships. The Bella Donne Dancers and Backup Dancers performed to “One.”

Queen Andrea Kehmeier sang a quirky Victorian parlor song – the humorous and fun “Johnny Sands” and spent the week prior sewing ruffles on her pantaloons that she lifted her dress to reveal as a finale

Queen Joanie relinquished her crown but received the exquisite Ruby Crown presented to the outgoing titleholder

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

The City of Centennial is vibrant and open for business South Metro Denver Chamber President and CEO Jeff Keener (center) found Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully (left) and Centennial City Council Member Christine Sweetland.

Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport provided a great setting for the 2024 Centennial State of our City luncheon on May 7 that drew over 250 people. The Rotary Club of Centennial hosted.

Stephanie Piko, in her final term as Centennial’s mayor, talked about Centennial as “a collaborative community that depends on each of our organizations to work for our citizens.” She continued, “It has been my honor and privilege to get to know and work with individuals from all of these organizations, to build relationships and to increase the understanding of how we help each other achieve amazing things.”

Mayor Piko pointed to Jacobs and Terracare Associates for the major contributions they have made, especially the replacement of the Arapahoe Bridge over Big Dry Creek. She explained that the original bridge was built in 1945. The new one is “wider, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, president of Community College of taller, and has improved pedestrian access to South Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko Aurora, welcomed guests to Wings Over the Rockies.

Suburban’s Big Dry Creek Trail; it offers both drivers and pedestrians safer access to neighborhoods, Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown greeted shopping and the intersection of Arapahoe and UniCommissioner Bill Holen and 18th Judicial versity.”

District Attorney John Kellner, who will On the video, “Centennial is the Place to Be,” complete their terms of office in November.

City Council Member Robbyn Carnes said, “We still live in the house that we bought in Centennial 21 years ago. It’s our first home. It’s our only home.”

Council Member Mike Sutherland said, “Centennial is my community because my wife and I raised our children here.

Council Member Don Sheehan described the city as, “We are over 100,000 people and we stretch 17 miles, border to border, but it still has that small town feel.”

Council Member Richard Holt said, “There are actually people still living here who founded this city.”

Council Member Christine Sweetland agreed, noting, “There are a lot of people who have been here since the very beginning and they’ll tell you how proud they were to be a part of establishing the city.”

The city’s first mayor, Randy Pye, looked back at the formation of Centennial in 2001, explaining, “We weren’t going to stand by and just let the other areas control what we are all about.”

Holt pointed to some of the large companies in Centennial, including Top Golf, Arrow, IKEA, Comcast, and Boom Supersonic. He said, “If you’re a business, we want you in Centennial. Centennial is open for business.”

Mayor Piko talked about Spark Centennial, “a program designed to help small business owners take that next step.”

She also spoke with pride about the commitment Centennial residents have to the non-profit community, noting that, “In 2023, as part of Colorado Gives Day – 6,384 donors from Centennial gave over $4 million to the 1,842 non-profits working across Colorado - representing 6% of all the giving through Colorado Gives in 2023.”

The mayor nodded to the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation for its help in bringing art to public spaces around the city and for providing entertainment through events like the Chalk Art Festival through Art Rocks.

Terracare Associates and Community College of Aurora were the premier sponsors of the Centennial State of Our City Event. Supporting sponsors were Cherry Creek School District, Stolle Machinery Co, LLC, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, and SNC. Metrum Community Credit Union, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Benesch, Southeast Metro Storm Water Authority, Wider Juran LLP, YMCA of Metro Denver, 42 advisors llc, Denver South, Arapahoe County, BNK, CORE Electric Cooperative, Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority, Littleton Public Schools, and South Suburban Parks and Recreation District were corporate sponsors. Tom Gross Homes LLC was a sustainability sponsor.

State of Our City Photos by Freda Miklin

LEFT: Littleton City Council Member Pam Grove tried to look tall, no easy feat when you pose with Centennial City Council’s Rik Holt.

Former Centennial City Council Member Kathy Turley posed next to a classic airplane parked inside the building.

From left to right, Arapahoe County officials Commissioner Jeff Baker, Assessor PK Kaiser, Clerk and Recorder Joan Lopez, Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully, Coroner Kelly Lear, M.D., and Treasurer Michael Westerberg came to support Centennial.

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Deputies Matt Cleveland and John Gray brought Rex the therapy dog. Officer Gray and Rex are regular visitors at Littleton Public Schools’ elementary schools.

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

Joneen - Gone are the days Continued from page 3

wearing, or any other expectation they think we have. It’s about being together. We won’t stay long, maybe a couple of hours, play a game or two, and go home. We hope to schedule these barnstorming sessions regularly.

Another strategy we have used is to schedule an annual family vacation. It is becoming increasingly difficult to do this, but we try to accommodate dates and schedules far in advance so all of us can get it on the calendar.

Learning what adult children and families are into, whether it is cooking, hiking, gardening, or sporting events, we are committed to engaging in their activities so that we can spend some quality time together. When we finally get together, we are committed to being present and making the most of every moment by turning off technology and focusing on one another.

I am proud of how intentional I was in establishing family traditions when the children were growing up. I knew intuitively that traditions provide a sense of continuity and strengthen familial bonds. I now am witnessing these family traditions being passed on to my grandchildren. That touches my heart.

We are dedicated to supporting the goals of our adult children and grandchildren by showing interest in their passions and life paths and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Celebrating their achievements and milestones and being supportive during challenges are part of our goal to serve and contribute to their well-being. In doing all this, we must respect their boundaries. While it’s important to stay connected with our adult children, we are committed to trusting their judgment, space, and autonomy. Gone are the days of lingering.

We must adapt to connect. joneen@ narme.org

SUMMER CAMPS FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

BUSINESS BOUND WHAT: A week-long experience for high schoolers where they will learn from local entrepreneurs, shape their future, and earn college credit through CU Denver.

WHEN: June 10-June 14, 2024 WHO: Attended high school in 2023/24 SCAN FOR MORE INFO WHERE: Jake Jabs Center for AND TO REGISTER! Entrepreneurship at CU Denver COST: $25 application + $275 program fee*

JA YOUTH TRAILBLAZERS CAMP WHAT: An engaging, hands-on, week-long experience that helps middle schoolers develop an understanding of basic business principles and the world of work ahead.

WHEN: July 8-July 12, 2024 SCAN FOR MORE INFO WHO: Attended middle school in 2023/24 AND TO REGISTER! WHERE: JA Free Enterprise Center COST: $25 registration + $250 program fee*

JA DREAM ACCELERATOR EXPERIENCE WHAT: A one day experience featuring interactive sessions, intuitive discussions, and hands-on activities that will ignite passion for a meaningful career path.

WHEN: June 18, 2024 WHO: Ages 16-20 WHERE: JA Free Enterprise Center COST: $75 program fee*

SCAN FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER!

*Need-based scholarships available for each program

May 16, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

fo l l ow F R E DA

BY FREDA MIKLIN I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former

b e i n t h e k n ow

Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college.

I am a 7-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.

Arapahoe County property owners can still appeal valuations County assessors re-determine property values every two years. Many citizens remember well that 2023 was a re-assessment year thus 2024 is not, but some folks, for a variety of reasons, did not or could not request a review of their property values last year.

PK Kaiser, the Arapahoe County Assessor, wants to let people know that property owners have another opportunity,

right now through June 10, to ask his office to review their property values if they believe they are not accurate. Any redetermination of value will be applied to 2024 taxes payable in 2025.

Arapahoe County property owners can obtain a Tax Year 2024 Real Property Appeal Form on the Assessor’s website, https://www.arapahoeco.gov/ your_county/county_depart-

ments/assessor/index.php, and, after completing it, mail it back or drop it in a secured drop boxes at one of the five different locations listed on the website.

They could also go to the Residential Property Online Appeal Portal and electronically submit their request for a review of their value through there with the required information, including the reason they believe the actual value determined by

the Assessor’s Office is not accurate. Taxpayers should keep in mind that the actual value, as required by law, was as of June 30, 2022.

Any questions about the process and timing for which taxpayers don’t find answers online can be directed to the Assessor’s Office at 303-795-4600 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 Monday through Friday.

Refundable tax credit approved for two years of college in Colorado for families earning under $90,000 HB24-1340 Incentives for Post-Secondary Education, which “provides a yearly refundable credit to students against the tuition and fee costs paid to a public two-year or four-year institution, area technical college, or local district college in their first two years of education,” was adopted by the general assembly, based on a finding that, “Colorado’s postsecondary matriculation rate was less than 50% in 2021 with a large share going out of state. Postsecondary education helps students achieve economic mobility, and students are more likely to stay in Colorado if they attend institutions in Colorado.

By incentivizing students to attend institutions in Colorado, students will see more economic mobility while benefiting the state workforce… The costs of higher education are a barrier to many students. Reducing those costs and student debt can help students not only attend college but also be financially successful…. Building bridges to higher education supports our state’s students and economic health.”

Under HB 24-1340, eligible students would get a yearly refundable state income tax credit to cover the cost of their first two years of college, net of any scholarships or student aid, if the student’s family has a federal adjusted gross income of $90,000 or less per year, as indicated on the completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and the student: Enrolls as an in-state, degree-seeking student in a public college or university in Colorado for at least six credit hours, within two years of their graduation from a Colorado high school or equivalent program, and achieves a grade point average of 2.5 or higher; Graduates with a credential required or supported by certain jobs identified by the 2023 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report (TPL), defined as “top jobs.”

The TPL, prepared by the Colorado Workforce Development Council, said that our state’s labor participation rate, as of July 2023, was 68.7%, making it the 5th highest in the U.S. It also

quoted U.S. News and World Report as saying, “Colorado’s economy ranked third best in the nation overall in 2023.”

In their report, Top Jobs are listed by major industry category and specific titles, broken down into Tier 1 and Tier 2. There are 171 total jobs recognized. Tier 1 jobs include healthcare practitioners, such as physician assistants, occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, pharmacists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, chiropractors, and cardiovascular technicians; life, physical, and social science occupations, such as urban and regional planners, hydrologists, geoscientists, psychologists, environmental scientists, atmospheric and space scientists, and geological technicians; architects, aerospace engineers, chemical engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers; computer systems analysts, information security analysts, software developers, web developers, and actuaries; accountants, auditors, financial analysts, financial ad-

visors, and project management specialists.

A refundable tax credit means that if the credit due to a taxpayer is higher than the income tax owed by the taxpayer, the state will pay the taxpayer the difference.

The program is designed to be in effect for the income tax years 2024 through 2029.

According to the fiscal note accompanying this bill, the estimated credit will average $2,700 for students attending four-year colleges, $1,000 for students attending two-year colleges, and $2,000 for those attending technical colleges.

The total estimated cost of this program is $18 million for the half year it is in effect in FY2024-25, and around $37 million per year for the next two years. These amounts will reduce the amount of state income available to be refunded pursuant to TABOR. The out-of-pocket cost to the general fund is projected to be $102,000 in the first year, $396,000 in the second year, and $265,000 in the third year.

Voters will be asked to approve a new tax on guns and ammunition to help crime victims and support mental health On May 8, the final day of the 2024 legislative session, the general assembly passed HR24-1349 Crime Victim and Survivor Services Funding and Mental Health Security Act. It is also known as the Firearms & Ammunition Excise Tax. One title describes what the law does, the other its purpose.

The bill would impose a “new excise tax…on the net taxable sales of gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors from the retail sale in this state of any firearm, firearm precursor part, or ammunition, requiring the excise tax revenue to be spent for mental health services, including for military veterans and at risk youth, school safety and gun violence prevention,

and support services for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes.”

The imposition of this tax is subject to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Since 1992, no new tax can be imposed in Colorado without a vote of the people. This proposal will be on the statewide ballot for the November 5 election. The tax, at the rate of 6.5%, down from earlier proposals of 11% and 9%, will go into effect, if it is approved by the voters, on April 1, 2025.

Sales of items otherwise subject to this law that are made to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active-duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States will be exempt from the tax.

Small sellers, defined as vendors doing business in the state, whose sales of guns, gun precursor parts, and ammunition total less than $20,000 per year, would not be subject to this tax.

The bill also “imposes a registration requirement, making it unlawful for any person to engage in the business of a gun dealer, gun manufacturer, or ammunition vendor in the state without first having registered as a vendor with the executive director of the Department of Revenue.”

If this tax is approved by the voters, annual revenue generated by the tax and all investment earnings from that revenue, will be allocated as follows: • The first $35 million to the Colorado crime victim ser-

• •

•

vices fund; The next $10 million to the school security disbursement program cash fund; The next $10 million to the behavioral and mental health cash fund, with $5 million being used by the behavioral health administration (BHA) for the purpose of continuing and expanding access to behavioral health crisis response system services for children and youth, and the other $5 million being used by BHA, in coordination with the division of veterans affairs, to continue and expand the veterans mental health services program; Any remaining money to the crime victim services fund.

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

Holocaust Remembrance Week - May 5, 2024 – May 12, 2024

Remaining Holocaust survivors David Zapiler and Barbara Steinmetz share their experiences - Part two of two were going

She shared that to leave.

“Each of us are We had no she recently responsible for papers, no attended a city visas, no saying something invitations council meeting when there are to any othwhere she lives er country, dehumanizing orld War II ended 79 but he was and seated next years ago. With each words about going to passing year, there are to her was a leave the other people,” fewer survivors of the Holocaust continent, who can tell their story in their woman with a she began.

“I tell regardless. own voice.

Palestinian flag Our relathe kids in the This week, we share the tives were story of Barbara Steinmetz, and “a terrible classrooms when afraid to 88, as she reflected on May sign.” Barbara leave.

I speak that I am 5 at Babi Yar Memorial Park They in southeast Denver during said to her, “Do not an entertainer. couldn’t a program sponsored by Reyou understand Colorado Civil Air Patrol Color Guard imagine in I expect them member 6, an organization their wildest dreams the fate dedicated to the memory of that the only country willing to comto hear what I that lay ahead of them. No huthe six million Jews who were mit to accepting more Jewish organization that man being could have imagsay about all killed by the Nazis during refugees was the small, imined the inhumanity.

They WWII and the years leading you are backing human beings poverished Dominican Reup to it. public (DI). Barbara reported, weren’t just killed. That’s not and that they are “Canada said one Jew would what the Hungarian Nazi Par- wants me wiped “Each of us are responty did.” sible for saying something be one too many. The United out, wants me emissaries, they Barbara went on, “By Janwhen there are dehumanizing States didn’t even meet its killed, wants me uary 1945, the Jews of the are ambassadors quota.” words about other people,” she began. “I tell the kids in When a fascist government rest of Hungary had already dead, and wants for humanity.” been taken to Auschwitz but the classrooms when I speak took power in Hungary, Barmy entire ilk the Jews of Budapest were – Barbara that I am not an entertainer. I bara’s father was jailed. After not. They were marched to expect them to hear what I say he was released, the family wiped out from Steinmetz about all human beings and fled and ended up on an island the shore of the beautiful blue the face of the appealing to people who were off Italy, where her father Danube (she said sarcasticalthat they are emissaries, they disappointed at the results of ly).

They had to stand there are ambassadors for humangot a job as the manager of a earth? Do you World War I, who were not and disrobe completely. They ity.” boutique hotel that catered to understand that, doing well economically. Hit- people from all over Europe. were tied together, two-byShe shared that she reler grabbed those disappointtwo.

Then one was shot and cently attended a city council “Italy,” she said, “also had ‘From the river to ments and he targeted the they were kicked into the meeting where she lives and a dictator, Mussolini, but he the sea,’ means seated next to her was a wom- Jews. It was easy, because, for did not dislike the Jews. They Danube, with the dead one centuries, Christians thought pulling the live one down to an with a Palestinian flag and had positions of authority in they’re trying to that Jews killed Christ.

It was drown. There is a memorial of “a terrible sign.” Barbara said government. But Hitler told an old trope that Jews were a iron shoes memorializing that get rid of me? I’ve to her, “Do you understand Mussolini, ‘If you don’t get race that wasn’t fit to be with disgusting, inhumane event that the organization that you rid of your Jews, Germany been here before other people.

It was not hard that one human being could are backing wants me wiped will invade you.’” and I’ve heard it to get the German people and do to another human being.” out, wants me killed, wants She continued, “In 1939, the Austrian people and the Barbara’s family eventume dead, and wants my entire when I was three years old, before—that the ally got to the DI, where they ilk wiped out from the face of Russian people and the Polish Mussolini had a message for Jews can’t live people (to agree) to get rid of lived at a hot, humid abanthe earth? Do you understand the Jews of Italy in order to them.

So, as Jews were being that, ‘From the river to the placate Hitler: All Jews living doned banana plantation in with us anymore.” pulled out of the houses and one building with 500 other

W

sea,’ means they’re trying to in Italy not born before 1900 sent on cattle cars to concen– Barbara Jews. “It was full of tarantuget rid of me? I’ve been here were deported. We had to tration camps, the people who las, cockroaches, and snakes. before and I’ve heard it beleave. My dad thought, ‘This Steinmetz had been their neighbors for There was no electricity, not fore—that the Jews can’t live is ridiculous. The world isn’t decades didn’t do anything.” with us anymore.” going to allow this to happen.’ even a fan. People got malaria were brought to the United “At the same time,” she and dysentery. There was no She began her story, “My States by the Joint DistribuSo my family packed their recounted, “There was a indoor plumbing. When my family were Hungarians, tion Committee. I still have bags and left them in a warelarge Nazi Party in the Unitmother had a heart attack, we living in Hungary just like the telegram from the U.S. house in Trieste on the mained States. There was a huge were finally allowed to move you’re living in the United that says, “Visa granted.” land, thinking we would be rally and Madison Square to a different location, where States. Jews, at the end of the Barbara closed by bringback. Having no place to go, my parents set up a type of 19th century and the beginning Garden was filled with Naing the presentation to the we returned to Hungary, but, zis. The Jews in this country of the 20th century, in many by the time we got back there, hotel and my sister and I were present day. “It makes you were afraid—not all, but a lot. my dad no longer thought this taken into a Catholic school, parts of western Europe— think about what happened Some of the leadership around would be temporary. He could on the condition that we preAustria, Germany, France, on October 7th in Israel, what President Roosevelt demandtended to be Catholic and England, and Hungary—were happened in the lynchings in see that the other countries ed that he do something. He partake in Communion and able to garner an education, our very own country (priwere not doing anything to called the Evian Conference all the other religious activown businesses, be doctors marily from the 1890s to the stop it. He tried to convince in the summer of 1938.” ities. We were there for four and lawyers. They were able 1920s)—that people brought his family members to leave Held at a resort in France, 32 years. The nuns were gentle to live among the non-Jewish their children like they were Hungary. He had decided we countries participated, but the and kind. Finally, in 1945, we population.” going to a picnic to Barbara continued, watch the hanging of “By the time I was one human being, in born in 1936, the conmy country; where my versations changed granddaughter’s mothdrastically. Hitler had er-in-law, who is Chihis place in Germany. nese and the CEO of He was on the way to a corporation, had to conquering the world, walk out her door with garnering the support a hat pulled down to of the German peocover her eyes during ple by calling Jews the COVID pandemic, names like vermin, not 80 years ago, but David Zapiler Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman Former state Senator Dennis Barbara Steinmetz Photos by Freda Miklin dehumanizing them, four years ago.”

Hisey

May 16, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Officiating ills led to Murray’s meltdown To be clear, I don’t condone Jamal Murray throwing a heat pack and towel onto the court, as he did in Game 2 of the Nuggets’ playoff series with Minnesota.

But I do understand his frustration with National Basketball Association officiating.

I’ve wanted to throw something so many times I’ve lost count.

That’s never okay, of course.

Watching Murray’s meltdown game provoked a question, and I had to do some research to answer it.

“Do the same officials call every game of an NBA playoff series, the way the umpires are assigned to a baseball playoff series?” I was asked.

No. In fact, a different trio of striped shirts is assigned to each game the same two teams play en route to deciding which one advances to the next round. Some may be assigned to subsequent games, but they likely won’t be paired the same way.

And, in an apparent effort to make it harder for outside influences, i.e. gambling considerations, to be a factor in determining a game’s outcome, each contest’s threesome is not announced to the public until the day of play.

That concern for integrity is commendable, but it does nothing to address the fundamental flaw in all pro basketball games.

The issue is consistent officiating. Having whistles blown by three different people from game to game virtually guarantees that each game will unfold differently.

Jamal Murray, for example, was blasted to the floor when Minnesota 7-footer Karl Anthony Towns—who outweighs the 6-foot-4 Murray by 35 pounds—forcefully backed into the Nuggets guard while trying to maneuver for a shot.

This time, Towns was not called for an offensive foul.

Nor was Murray whistled for blocking. It was just “play on.”

Another time, with different officials, who knows?

That’s always the case.

Anyone who saw the first four games of the Denver-Minnesota series surely saw the difference between Games 3-4 and the first two.

The Timberwolves were allowed to manhandle the Nuggets in Denver, and their physically intimidating pressure defense completely stymied the defending NBA champions. Murray, particularly, was stifled. And with him, the Denver offense.

When play shifted to Min-

neapolis with the Nuggets down 0-2, tighter officiating discouraged that extreme defensive approach, and Denver’s offense came alive.

The Timberwolves did not look like the same team when forced to abandon their roller derby-style defense.

In the NBA, there’s also the matter of competency regarding rules enforcement.

I ask: How long can a player park in the foul lane before a three-second violation is called?

How many times can a player switch his pivot foot, and how many steps can a guy take without dribbling the ball, before he’s whistled for traveling, walking or whatever you want to call it?

How much physical contact is okay between an offensive player and the defender? (A lot, based on that play involving Towns and Murray.)

Such infractions were watched closely when I played high school basketball decades ago. But not now.

Probably, it’s just the way the NBA wants it.

In my view, no other major professional sport is influenced by its officiating nearly to the extent that basketball is.

The offensive team in football huddles, or at least pauses, before every play, allowing officials to get set before the action resumes.

And with a gazillion

cameras capturing every conceivable angle of every play, replay makes it nearly impossible to blow a call in a National Football League game. The exception is offensive holding, which arguably could be called on almost every snap.

In baseball, too, there’s a pause between pitches, and most calls by the umpires can be challenged (though the umps have been found to be correct more than half the time).

The exception here, of course, is balls and strikes.

Every umpire has his own strike zone, and that can affect the outcome of any given plate appearance.

Pro basketball’s Achilles heel is pace of play and its spontaneity. It’s asking a lot of the officials to keep up with guys flying up and down the court, much less to anticipate what they’ll do with or without the ball.

It’s not likely that NBA officiating will improve significantly, however, so the players will have to learn to shrug off the maddening inconsistencies and frequent incompetence.

To some extent, they already have—Jamal Murray’s meltdown notwithstanding.

Denny Dressman is a veteran of 43 years in the newspaper business, including 25 at the Rocky Mountain News, where he began as executive sports editor.

He is the author of 16 books, nine of them sports-related. You can write to Denny at dennydressman @comcast.net.

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PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

COURTS DISTRICT COURT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO Arapahoe County Justice Center 7325 S. Potomac St, Centennial, CO 80112 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner - Plaintiff, v.

BRITTANY FERCH, BRYANT JOSEPH FERCH, and any unknown persons who may claim any interest in the subject matter of this action, to wit:

$10,570.00, in United States Currency, Respondent – Defendant(s) Case Number: D0032023CV31773 Div./Ctrm.: 202 CITATION TO SHOW CAUSE WHY CONTRABAND PROPERTY SHOULD NOT BE FORFEITED THIS MATTER comes before the court pursuant to §16-13-501,

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE ORDINANCE 3, SERIES 2024 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE AMENDING SECTION 16-3-120. – FENCES, GARDEN WALLS/ PERIMETER WALLS, AND ENCLOSURES OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE Copies of the Ordinances are on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

Published in The Villager Published: May 16, 2024 Legal # 11521 ___________________________

GLENDALE CITY OF GLENDALE PUBLIC NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE The following ordinance was passed before the City Council of the City of Glendale, Colorado, on the 7th day of May 2024, and was ordered published by said Council: CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO ORDINANCE NO. 1 SERIES OF 2024 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO, AMENDING THE SUMS OF MONEY APPROPRIATED TO DEFRAY EXPENSES BUDGETED FOR THE GENERAL FUND OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2023, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2023 A copy of this ordinance is on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

et seq., C.R.S., as a Petition in Forfeiture seeking a Citation to Show Cause Why Contraband Property Should Not Be Forfeited, brought by the District Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial District, State of Colorado.

The Court has examined the Petition and the supporting affidavit and has considered the PetitionerPlaintiff’s request for the issuance of a Citation to Show Cause.

The Court is satisfied that the Petitioner-Plaintiff has shown probable cause that the seized property in this action, as described in the caption above, is contraband property subject to seizure, confiscation, and forfeiture pursuant to §16-13-501, et seq., C.R.S. The Court finds that each named Respondent-Defendant in the caption is the only person known to have, an interest in, or to have asserted and interest in, the subject matter of the action.

The Court, therefore, issues this citation: THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE RESPONDENTDEFENDANT: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND ORDERED TO APPEAR for a first appearance on this case in the District Court in and for the Eighteenth Judicial District, State of Colorado, at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial, Colorado 80112 in Division/Courtroom 202, on June 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., and to show cause, if any there be, why the court should not grant the relief requested in the Petition in Forfeiture served herewith, which seeks the forfeiture of the subject matter property described in the caption above, which was seized on the date of July 1, 2022, at or near the location 19900 E. Colfax Avenue, Aurora, Colorado, Arapahoe County, State of Colorado.

Aurora Police Department is the agency holding the seized subject matter property.

The Court orders that this citation may be served by certified mail, in accordance with §16-13-505(7), C.R.S. WARNING: If you wish to have the subject property returned to you, you must respond to this Citation to Show Cause. You are warned that, pursuant to §1613-505(1.7)(b) and (8), C.R.S., if you fail to file a response to the Petition in Forfeiture and in accordance with §16-13-505(2)(d), or if you fail to appear personally, by counsel, or as otherwise directed by the Court at the first appearance, pursuant to §1613-505(8), C.R.S., judgment by default shall be entered against you by the Court forthwith for the relief demand in the Petition in Forfeiture, without further notice.

Pursuant to §16-13-505(2)(d), C.R.S., the responsive pleading shall be designated a response to petition and citation to show cause and shall be filed with the court at or before the first appearance on the petition and shall include: (I) A statement admitting or denying the averments of the petition; (II) A statement setting forth with particularity why the seized property should not be forfeited.

The statement shall include specific factual and legal ground7s supporting it and any affirmative defense to forfeiture as provided in this part 5.

(III) A list of witnesses whom the respondent intends to call at the hearing on the merits, including the addresses and telephone numbers thereof; and (IV) A verified statement, supported by documentation, that the claimant is the true owner of the property or an interest therein.

You are advised that, pursuant to §16-13-505(5) C.R.S.: “Continuance of the hearing on the merits shall be granted upon stipulation of the parties or upon good cause shown.”

DONE this 29th day of April, 2024

BY THE COURT:

Dated the 8th day of May 2024 City of Glendale, Colorado Veronica Marvin, City Clerk

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Published in The Villager First Publication: May 2, 2024 Last Publication: May 16, 2024 Legal # 11511 ___________________________

Published in The Villager First Publication: May 9, 2024 Last Publication: May 16, 2024 Legal # 11514 ___________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 (303) 649-6355 Telephone PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: LESLIHT JASMIN SALVADOR LOPEZ AND DILAN SALVADOR LOPEZ, Children, and concerning, REINA LOPEZ NEPUCENO, ALSO KNOWN AS, REINA LOPEZ NEPONUCENO, AND DELFINO SAL-VADOR MANUEL Respondents.

Sarah Simchowitz, Reg. #44890 Attorney for the Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: (720) 800-5788 Case No: 24JV56 Division: 22 NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEAR-ING CONCERNING DELFINO SALVADOR MANUEL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding DELFINO SALVADOR MANUEL is set on May 24, 2024 at 11:15 a.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 smartphone 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.

Date: May 13, 2024Sarah Simchowitz, Esq. #44890 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora, CO 80012 Phone: (720) 800-5788 Email: SSimchowitz@arapahoegov.com Published in The Villager Published: May 16, 2024 Legal # 11520 ___________________________

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

Published in The Villager Published: May 16, 2024 Legal # 11522 ___________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of NELSON OOSTENINK, also known as N. OOSTENINK, Deceased Case Number 24PR30455 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado or on or before September 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

The original of this document is on file at the law office of Donald Glenn Peterson /s/. Donald Glenn Peterson Donald Glenn Peterson Attorney for Personal Representative 5675 DTC Blvd., Suite 250 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: (303) 758-0999

Elizabeth B. Volz DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JAMES DALE THOMAS, also known as JAMES D. THOMAS and JAMES THOMAS, Deceased Case Number 24PR30476 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado or on or before September 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

The original of this document is on file at the law office of Donald Glenn Peterson /s/. Donald Glenn Peterson Donald Glenn Peterson Attorney for Personal Representative 5675 DTC Blvd., Suite 250, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: (303) 758-0999 Published in The Villager First Publication: May 2, 2024 Last Publication: May 16, 2024 Legal # 11512 ___________________________

NOTICE OF CONTRACTOR’S SETTLEMENT ARAPAHOE COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on the 10th day of June, 2024, final settlement will be made by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority, for and on account of the contract of said IHC Scott (a subsidiary of WW Clyde) for the furnishing and installation of AIP No. 3-08-0029-0562022, at Centennial Airport, and any person co partnership, association or corporation who has unpaid claim against said IHC Scott (a subsidiary of WW Clyde) for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, supply of laborers, rental machinery, tools, or equipment, team hire, sustenance, provision, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of the subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on June 10, 2024, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority.

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

June 10, 2024, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority.

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

Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority County of Arapahoe State of Colorado Published in The Villager First Publication: May 9, 2024 Last Publication: June 6, 2024 Legal # 11516 ___________________________ NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CHERRY CREEK CORPORATE CENTER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority County of Arapahoe State of Colorado

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Cherry Creek Corporate Center Metropolitan District of the City of Glendale, Arapahoe County, Colorado (“District”):

Published in The Villager First Publication: May 9, 2024 Last Publication: June 6, 2024 Legal # 11515 ___________________________

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that vacancies currently exist on the board of directors of the District. Any qualified, eligible elector of the District interested in filling a vacancy and serving on the board of directors should file a Letter of Interest with the board of directors of the District by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the District office address below.

NOTICE OF CONTRACTOR’S SETTLEMENT ARAPAHOE COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on the 10th day of June, 2024, final settlement will be made by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority, for and on account of the contract of said Bryan Construction, Inc. for the furnishing and installation of the Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) Building Expansion, at Centennial Airport, and any person co partnership, association or corporation who has unpaid claim against said Bryan Construction, Inc. for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, supply of laborers, rental machinery, tools, or equipment, team hire, sustenance, provision, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of the subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on

Forms of Letters of Interest are available and can be obtained from the Cherry Creek Corporate Center Metropolitan District, c/o Craig Sorensen at McGeady Becher P.C., 450 E. 17th Ave. Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203; Phone: 303-592-4380; Email: csorensen@specialdistrictlaw.com.

CHERRY CREEK CORPORATE CENTER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ Elisabeth A. Cortese Attorney for the District Published in The Villager Published: May 16, 2024 Legal # 11523 ___________________________

May 16, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

Classified Advertising OBJECTIONS TO REAL PROPERTY CLASSIFICATIONS & VALUATIONS Beginning MAY 1, 2024 and no later than JUNE 10, 2024.

Assistance: County Assessor’s office at 303-795-4600.

GREATER ENGLEWOOD 35TH ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS BANQUET MAY 16, 5-8:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn Lakewood.

Tickets available thru May 3- Lindsey@ myenglewoodchamber.org INDEPENDENCE INSTITUTE TO AWARD BICKEL AWARD TO WRITER CORY GAINES MAY 16, 5-8 p.m. at the Independence Institute. Whine about the legislative session and enjoy wine pairings and appetizers. Register at https:// i2i.org/whine/ or call 303-2796536 x 119.

FERMENTATION CLASS: YOGURT MAY 16, 7-8:30 p.m. at the CSU Extension-Arapahoe County Office in Centennial.

Learn the history and science of fermenting milk into tangy yogurt. Registration fee is $5. Register: https://bit. lyCSUYogurt.

KOELBEL LIBRARY OLDER ADULT RESOURCE FAIR MAY 17, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial.Learn about health resources, programs to help you age in place, library services and more.

Arapahoelibraries.org or Call 303-Library.

(4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village. Honor servicemen and women who gave their lives in service and those that lost a battle with post-traumatic stress at home.

View images and biographies of Colo. fallen heroes; show support for Gold Star families, military officers and Veterans in attendance. Free event.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION COLORADO CHAPTER PRESENTS PURPLE GALA SATURDAY, MAY 18, 6:00 p.m. A night in flight to end Alzheimer’s. Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner, Program, Live Auction. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver. Purple Tie admired, but not required. RSVP: ALZGALACO.org or 720-6999291

MENTAL HEALTH OF COLO. UNMASKED JUNE 8, 6 p.m. at Haven in the Pines, 463 E. Happy Canyon Rd., Castle Rock. Theme “Unmasking Discrimination.”

Cocktail attire, heavy Hors d’oeuvres. Tickets 720-2082220.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY WINE & CHALK ART FESTIVAL 4TH ANNUAL - MAY 18 & 19 at the Fairgrounds. Visit arapahoecountyeventcenter. com 25TH VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE MAY 25, 10 a.m. - noon at Bethany Lutheran Church

SOUTH METRO CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT JUNE 10 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at Meridian Golf Club. 8:00 a.m. Shotgun start. Four player scramble followed by an awards reception. Light breakfast, BBQ lunch, hors d’oeuvres during the awards ceremony. RSVP: jKeener@ bestchamber.com or call 303795-0142.

BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE COLORADO HOSTS 22ND ANNUAL HOPE CHALLENGE GOLF JUNE 10. Tournament to be held at Colorado Golf

Colorado Classified Advertising Statewide Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado Newspapers for only $300, contact your local Newspaper or email rtoledo@colopress.net DIRECTV DIRECTV-ALL your entertainment. Northing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included.

Choice Package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply.

Call DIRECTV 1-888-725-0897 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ONLINE AUCTION: 5/1-5/31 Bar&Grill with Brewery Equipment. 126 N. 3rd Street Douglas, Wyoming. 10,900 SF Retail TURN-KEY OPERATION! Sale Info: 800-536-1401, X 401. Auctionsinternational.com - Promo Code: WESTBID24

Club Preservation Trail in Parker. Four-person scramble.

Breakfast, 18 holes of golf, drinks,Dinner. RSVP: 720-5242061.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BOYS STATE JUNE 2-8 FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS Premier civic program in Sterling, CO. Applications: www.CoLegionBoysState.org CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO GOLF TOURNAMENT JUNE 17 at The Ridge of Castle Pines North, 1414 Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Pines. RSVP: jreece11@mac.com SAVE THE DATE - JULY 25-28 ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR A.C. FAIRGROUNDS - REGIONAL PARK - 11:00 a.m. www. aprapahoecountyfair.com

ANIMAL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® www.happyjackinc.com

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET Free High Speed Internet for those that qualify.

Goverment program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefit, Lifeline, Tribal. 15GB Internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one- time $20 copay. Free Shipping & Handling Call MaxsipTelecom Today: 1-866-654-9429

SERVICES FANTASTIC HAIRSTYLIST! Cuts, Color, Style+ Women-Men-Kids Experienced. Skilled.

Bella Mia Salon 7790 East Arapahoe Rd. COLLEEN 303-828-6793 SPECIALS!!!

CLUBS: 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 720377-7682.

2024 Toyota Tacoma has many truck fans This 2024 shiny “Blue Crush” metallic paint Toyota Tacoma was the vehicle of the week and attracted considerable attention from parking lot pickup fans. They called the Tacoma a “cult” vehicle that they all loved and admired. And there is a lot to be admired about this 2.4L four-cylinder turbo-charged truck.

Final assembly in Guanajuato, Mexico the auto workers put together an easy to enjoy excellent 4x4 double-cab truck with a TRD/ off road package. With the crew cab the Tacoma can haul five passengers with a smaller

truck bed with side storage space. The truck rides on 17” machined alloy wheels and is lofty to climb on board to reach nifty heated and ventilated bucket seats.

A push button start launches the drive with a growl from the finely tuned turbo-engine.

It is amazing how much power and acceleration can be produced from a 4-cylinder engine linked to an eightspeed transmission. This truck can ramble down the road at ease with three drive mode choices, sport, normal, and eco. I started with the

sport but found that the eco mode had power to spare… so why burn extra fuel averaging 21 mpg overall.

While a fair-sized unit, the truck handled like a smaller vehicle, easy to drive, turn, park, and cruise down the freeway. I notice with trucks they just get more respect on the highway.

The power seats were easy to adjust, large outside mirrors, and a very good sound system. This Tacoma was equipped with a TRD optional package with JBL sound system, leather trimmed seats and steering wheel, and a selection of offroad features earning the TRD title, but the extra package increases

By H. Throttle

the suggested manufacturers retail price of $42,900, up to $54,829.

The Tacoma comes with a full slate of safety features earning the highest Toyota Safety Sense rating a 3.0.

Along with all the latest safety equipment the drive is enhanced with a super-strong suspension system of coil spring multi-link front shocks and fine-tuned offroad Bilstein rear suspension shocks.

At the end of the week, I was really impressed with the Tacoma and with the ease, comfort, and turbo-performance. It gives a sense of safety and security on the highway and just seems to be a safer, powerful, versatile vehicle to drive and enjoy.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • May 16, 2024

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