5-21-26 Villager

$2 Each

Since 1982

L O C A L

N E W S

M A T T E R S

Scan to read online at www.villagerpublishing.com

VOLUME 44 • NUMBER 26 • MAY 21, 2026

44 Years of Award-Winning Journalism

See Inside: A Tribute to a Retired Marine - page 13 • Artist Talk with Cherry Hills Village Art Commission - page 5 • Volunteers of American Host Women Empowering Women - page 7 and more Scan to Subscribe and Pay

PRINT & ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS/ADVERTISING 720-270-2018

Free Landscape Design Consultation and Estimate!

ColoradoLandscapingAndConcrete.com 720-434-2282

• 30 YEARS OF SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM STONEWORK LANDSCAPE DESIGN • LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION • WATER FEATURES SYNTHETIC TURF AND PUTTING GREENS

• FIRE FEATURES • OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES AND KITCHENS • RETAINING WALLS • COLORED AND STAMPED CONCRETE • FLAGSTONE PATIOS

Special: Free 4’ Stone Fire Pit with Purchase of 600 sq. ft. of Flagstone and Concrete or Paver Patio. (Gas line Provided on separate quote)

PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2026

Starting June 1, visit the library to choose a free book to keep. Find summer events at arapahoelibraries.org/ summer-reading

May 21, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

no bureaucracy, and no The Hand that Rocks… gram, institution can fully replicate As Mother’s Day came and went, flowers were delivered, cards were signed, and restaurants overflowed with families honoring the women who gave them life. Yet, beneath the celebration lies a truth far deeper than sentimentality: civilization itself rests on the shoulders of mothers. Entire nations rise or fall based on what happens within the quiet walls of the home. The old phrase, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” is not a poetic exaggeration. It is a sociological reality. A mother is often a child’s first experience of love, safety, comfort, discipline, language, morality, and emotional attachment. Before a child ever encounters a teacher, coach, employer, pastor, or government institution, they encounter their mother’s face. The tone of her voice, the stability of her affection, the consistency of her presence, and the values she models become the emotional architecture on which a child builds identity and meaning.

Mothers do not merely raise children. They shape future citizens, spouses, leaders, neighbors, and generations.

A child who learns empathy from a loving mother is more likely to become an empathetic adult. A child who experiences boundaries and accountability develops self-control. A child who is nurtured and protected develops resilience. One example was when I was shopping with my daughter-in-law, Kim, and 2 grandchildren. As we pulled into the Walmart parking lot, before turning off the engine, Kim asked the children to look around to see if anyone needed help. The children jumped out of the car to run over and assist an elderly woman as she loaded her groceries. I was so impressed.

I told the children how good they made the woman they assisted feel. My grandson piped up and said, “Grammie, I feel good when I do that.”

Motherhood thrives when it is supported, protected, and strengthened within the covenant of a healthy marriage and stable family life.

Marriage and family are not arbitrary social inventions.

They are the optimal incubator for human development. A loving mother and father bring complementary strengths to a child’s life: emotional security, protection, guidance, affirmation, discipline, and stability. Children flourish when they are surrounded by consistent love, sacrifice, and enduring relationships. They learn trust when commitments

are honored. They learn belonging when family bonds endure hardship rather than dissolve at the first sign of difficulty.

This is not a condemnation of single mothers, many of whom display extraordinary courage and sacrificial love amid difficult circumstances. Rather, it is an acknowledgment of reality: children generally do best when raised in healthy, intact families. I was a single mother for eight years, raising four spirited children. It was a difficult task, and I took it seriously. I reached out to my “village” for support. I did not ask the government to help me raise or support my children because no government pro-

what a healthy family system provides naturally. Governments can distribute resources, create policies, and intervene in a crisis. But they cannot manufacture attachment, unconditional love, identity, moral formation, or the sacred sense of belonging created within a stable home. A government check cannot hug a frightened child at midnight.

No policy initiative can replace the quiet power of a mother praying over her children, encouraging them after failure, correcting them with wisdom, or sacrificing her own comfort for their future. In fact, robust research shows that when families fail, government grows.

Let’s all celebrate moms, dads, healthy marriages, and families. joneen@narme.org

STAY SHARP THIS YEAR WITH

Healthy Hearing Don’t miss out on the sounds of spring.

Call for your evaluation today!

720.457.5113

CENTENNIAL 7180 E Orchard Rd, Ste 302

Julie Link,

Doctor of Audiology (CO Lic. #: AUD.0000725)

Brittany Vaggalis, Doctor of Audiology (CO Lic. #: AUD.0000959)

TheAudiologyMethod.com

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2026

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

From Starving China to High-Speed Taiwan

Growing up as a child, I can still remember hearing the familiar words at the dinner table whenever I failed to clean my plate.

“Eat your dinner. There are starving children in China.”

For many Americans of my generation, China seemed like a distant and mysterious land marked by poverty, revolution and hardship. News stories spoke of famine, political upheaval and the rise of communism in a country most Americans would never expect to visit.

Then came the Chinese Revolution.

Mao Zedong and the Communists seized control of mainland China in 1949, while nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek and his supporters fled to Taiwan, where they established the Republic of China on the island across the Taiwan Strait.

For decades afdows at remarkable terward, Taiwan speed. and mainland China It was difficult stood as symbols of not to reflect on how two competing politmuch the world had ical systems born out changed within a sinof civil war and the BY BOB SWEENEY gle lifetime.

Cold War. The China that PUBLISHER Years later, I had Americans once asthe opportunity to visit Taisociated with starvation and wan and witness part of that poverty had transformed ithistory firsthand. self into a modern industrial One of the most memora- nation and major world powble experiences was staying er. Taiwan itself evolved into at the old hotel associated a prosperous democracy and with Madame Chiang Kaiglobal center for technology shek, the elegant and influen- and commerce. tial wife of Chiang Kai-shek History often creates who became well known strange parallels. in the United States during China continues to insist World War II. Her presence that Taiwan belongs to Chiand history still seem to lin- na and remains determined ger there. someday to bring the island I also rode Taiwan’s reback under Beijing’s control. markable high-speed rail In some ways, the situation system, traveling across reminds me of how the much of the island in only a United States long viewed few hours. The trains were Cuba — a nearby island smooth, modern and effisitting strategically close to cient. Crowded cities, busy the American mainland and ports and prosperous comdeeply tied to national secumunities flashed by the win- rity concerns.

Great powers have always been sensitive about nearby islands and neighboring spheres of influence.

As I watched Taiwan’s sleek trains race across the countryside, I thought back to those childhood dinner table lectures about starving children in China.

None of us sitting around those tables could have imagined how dramatically the world would change.

Yet America still remains the world’s leading example of freedom, innovation and opportunity, while nations around the globe continue competing for economic power and political influence.

History moves quickly.

One generation remembers hunger and revolution. The next witnesses high-speed trains, crowded skylines and an entirely different China than the one Americans once imagined from afar.

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. 80112 AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. A Colorado Statutory Publication CRS (197324-70 et al).

USPS # 431010 ISSN 1539-6274 (Print) ISSN 2993-7280 (Online) Postmaster: Send address changes to The Villager, 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016 Deadlines: Display Advertising, Legal Notices, press releases, letters to the editor, 4:00 p.m. Friday.

Classified Advertising, noon Monday.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR/ CO-PUBLISHER Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com SENIOR REPORTER Freda Miklin

we find our nation.

Decision Making: Rational or Emotional? which Every time a politician passes Take some comfort from reading history. After all, mankind has faced challenges every bit as dangerous as we face today and somehow managed to muddle through it.

We learn from history the consequences of certain actions brought about by certain methods of thought. The philosopher’s question is what thought processes lead to success and which to failure.

Is there a common and universal theme? Can we learn from history? Obviously. But the learning requires truth and honesty with oneself. And the ability to see through those who act truthful, but are dishonest.

Integrity is one such beacon, a harmonious rhythm between what one does and says.

There is another tool in our kit that history proves reliable. That is rational thought and logic. While it is not a complete tool, rational thought gets us close to the correct answer. It is infinitely better than an immediate and overwhelming emotional response.

Further, one finds it advantageous to use rational thought initially to arrive a few possible outcomes, then use Principle to make the final decision.

The one lesson that shines through all the muck and grime is that a person, the individual,

makes a difference, especially when acting in unison with a greater, more noble cause. The great enlightenments that happen in any age were brought about by individuals, not institutions, not governments.

The resiliency of our country depends entirely on each person, in particular those few who think deeply and rationally. Our future does not depend on a government, nor a politician. Look within for salvation.

Made simple, there are three types of government. One controls its citizen and the other, citizens control the government.

The third form is a gray area where control of our decision’s slowly erode and citizen’s allow government to influence life to an increasing greater extent.

This is the transition zone in

a law or a regulator issues an edict, the citizen’s freedom is truncated. The politician may have the best intent, but the end result is always central control.

Always less individual freedom.

Every politician goes to session with the intent to pass laws.

We need to change the paradigm to eliminate laws on the books.

This is the principle by which we judge a candidate’s suitability for office: does he increase government control or reduce it.

Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank.

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

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

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

2026 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK The darkest QUOTE of theplaces WEEK in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.

– Dante Alighieri

May 21, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

Cherry Hills Village Art Commission (CHVAC) hosts Artist Talk Wine and catered appetizers accompanied a panel of three well-known artists who shared their mediums, histories and inspirations with the audience at Cherry Hills Village City Hall. The panel was moderated by art consultant Chris Evans.

The commission also unveiled its new logo created by Co-Chair Cherry Hills Village Art Commission Founder Ann Benjamin OrPolumbus, Cherry Hills Village Mayor Katy Brown, tiz-Hill.

Cherry Hills Village artist Elaine Asarch

Artist Talk Panel : Artists Mary Lou Blackledge, Pard Morrison, Tina Suszynski

Artist Ken Elliott with Artist Talk Moderator Chris Evans

Photos by Scottie Iverson

ABOVE: Mary and Tom Conroy Cherry Hills Village Art Commissioners: Julie Mirr, Dave Schmidt, Cate Darch. Not pictured: Scottie Taylor Iverson

RIGHT: Gretchen Swanson, Terri Holt, former CHV Mayor Doug Tisdale, Jill Pedicord Peterson, Didge Pedicord

Douglas County Republican Women educated about child trafficking “Colorado is number 10 in the nation for trafficking,” began Abby Corrigan who is CEO of Colorado Faith Alliance. “We want to be the willing force bringing evil into the light.

Traffickers use force or fraud to control their victims. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry. Cartels are the gorillas of the industry.” Education is key and gaming online needs to be monitored. There are multiple signs of a victim of sex trafficking: physical abuse – burns, bruises, cuts; won’t make eye contact, malnourished, new older boyfriend, seems to be controlled by older person, unexplained absences from class, sexualized behavior, overly tired in class; withdrawn, depressed, distracted or checked out. She also showed the Top Games that traffickers use: PUGC. Minecraft. Apex Legends.

Fortnite Battle Royale.

Counter-Strike. Hearthstone. League of Legends.

Call of Duty Mobile. Virtual Reality. Roblox. There was so much more valuable information including the power of art to determine victims, revealing home appearances and training of law enforcement and health care professionals.

Featured speaker Abby Corrigan (CEO of Colorado Faith Alliance), COO Randi DuPont, Chaplain Marie Rossmiller, DCRW President Sharise Plescia Deb Nelson (membership) and Elizabeth Gierbolini

“We are here to bring light and safety.

If we all come together, we can make a difference.” - Abby Corrigan

Douglas County candidates: Running for Commissioner District 1 – John Diak and Running for Treasurer: Meghann Silverthorn and Tim Dietz Photos by Scottie Iverson

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2026

Denver Ballet Guild’s Le Bal de Ballet Mother and Daughter Tea at Cherry Hills Country Club Elegance and full tea graced the Cherry Hills Country Club as one of the last traditional events of the year-long journey honored mothers and their daughters before Le Bal de Ballet. In June, 58 Debutantes and Young Men of Distinction will be presented.

Le Bal de Ballet Debutante Tessa Morgan and her mom Lindsay

ABOVE: Past Denver Ballet Guild (DBG) President Allison Dodge, current President Caroline Rodawig and Presidentelect Julia Porterfield (married to Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons’ son Rusty Porterfield thus the granddaughter-in-law of the late Florence Ruston)

Sasha and Yana Ruegsegget

RIGHT: Past, present and future Le Bal de Ballet chairs were fashionable servers: Julie Bearup (2019), Judy Weisiger (2021, hostess of the event and 2026 honorary chair),Sarah Hamilton (2022), Maura Johnson (2023) Katie Truitt (2024), Lisa Olson (2026), Katie Grassby (2027), Kate Smith (2028) RIGHT: Monica and Greta Denler, Legacy debutante Clara Cyphers and her mom Jen (former debutante), Avery JamisonMacchia and Kerry Jamison

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Denver Area Panhellenic (DAP) hosts annual Awards Luncheon at Lakewood Country Club A beautiful buffet complemented the program and awards announced for Scholarship, Emerging Leader, Alumnae Achievement and Woman of the Year. Founded in 1908, Denver Area Panhellenic represents over two dozen national fraternities for women and has won numerous national awards as a member of National Panhellenic Conference headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

DAP Woman of the Year Maureen Rojas, Phi Mu with her sorority sisters

Scholarship winner Kirsten Hogsett - Sigma Kappa, a junior at Colorado School of Mines ($2,500) with DAP President Katie Edmiston, Kappa Kappa Gamma LEFT: Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters were official hosts of the event for outgoing president Katie Edmiston

RIGHT: Antonette DeLauro Smith, Kappa Alpha Theta (candidate for Alumnae Achievement) and her daughter Allison Smith, Kappa Kappa Gamma

DAP Delegate-At –Large Kendy Blake, Alpha Sigma Alpha presented the Alumnae Achievement Award medallion to Ginger Swift, Alpha Omicron Pi

Photos by Scottie Iverson

May 21, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

Volunteers of America hosts Women Empowering Women series in Greenwood Village It was a happy hour (or more) when Volunteers of America (VOA) Colorado gathered for a social at the Crescent VII building – one in a series of Women Empowering Women. VOA’s upcoming Spirit Colorado event is Saturday, June 14 celebrating wine, food, community and generosity. The fundraiser helps support 50+ programs for seniors, veterans, families and those facing hunger and homelessness. For more information: spiritcolorado.org.

Kathy Schunk and her husband Dave, Volunteers of America Sandy Johnson Jones and Georgia Tatum Colorado president and CEO

VOA staff – Senior Advancement Advisor Michael James, VP and Chief Advancement Officer Faustine Curry, Senior Director of Major Gifts Gerry Rasel

Sarah Sena, Michelle Gruber and Edie Marks

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Over 180 participants in Denver Ballet Guild’s Young Dancers Competition Chaired by Karen Crossman and Jennifer Cyphers, awards totaled $20,000 For 41 years the Young Dancers Competition (YDC) has offered Colorado dncers ages 10-19 the opportunity to compete for monetary awards. Founded in 1981 by longtime Denver Ballet guild (DBG) member, the late Florence Ruston, YDC is one of the longest running classical ballet competitions in the country. Its mission: to offer talented young dancers the opportunity to further their dance training and education by working with renowned master teachers, competing classical ballet variations before distinguished dance professionals and receiving award funds.

Joseph Wallen was granted the Shamrokk Foundation Award, which supports young male dancers on their journey from ballet school to the professional stage and is given in memory of YDC’s own Rami Wagner. The 2026 distinguished Master Teacher was Lesley Rausch, former principal of Pacific Northwest Ballet. The Boulder Ballet, under the direction of Ben Needham-Wood, was the 2026 performance company.

YDC Artistic Directors Francisco Estevez and Tracy Jones surround Category IV Winners – Leanne Kanoa Dulay, Vivienne Shields and Caroline Lemme

Category IV finalist Callie Black

Olivia Weimerskirch won the prestigious Florence Ruston Medallion for overall excellence in ballet throughout the competition (not pictured – Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, daughter of the late Florence Ruston)

Photos courtesy of Denver Ballet Guild

Hana Schmidt won the David Parvin Award for Outstanding Young Artist for ages 12-13

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER May 21, 2026

May 21, 2026 THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

fo l l ow F R E DA

BY FREDA MIKLIN SENIOR REPORTER

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

Cherry Creek Schools fires Chief HR Officer Brenda Smith Cherry Creek Schools finally officially parted ways with its former Chief Human Resources Officer, Brenda Smith, announcing on May 15 that it will not renew her contract when it ends in June.

Smith was relieved of her duties when the school board placed her on paid administrative leave on February 2, 2026. That means she will have drawn $96,725 in salary, while not working, by the time her “termination for cause” goes into effect on June 30, according to a press release from the school district.

Brenda Smith’s husband, former Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Chris Smith, resigned, with two days’ notice, on January 30, following a meeting with the school board. Because he resigned, albeit presumably under pressure to do so, Chris Smith did not draw any further salary, but Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) paid him $164,000 in sick and vacation leave that was on the books at the time.

Brenda Smith

Chris Smith

Since she was terminated for cause, Brenda Smith is not eligible to be paid unused benefits, over and above the $96,725 in salary she will have received for not working, when her current contract expires at the end of next month.

Based on a detailed front page exposé in Sunday’s Denver Post, it seems as though both Brenda and Chris Smith were forced out of their executive roles, mostly for the same behavior, in which they engaged

together--going on questionable professional trips outside the country, extended by personal vacations, while accepting money for expenses from schools outside the U.S. that are owned or controlled by the principals of Education Accelerated (EA), or possibly indirectly paid for by the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD). There were also travel expenses that were paid directly by CCSD related to EA that have come into question.

At the same time, former

Superintendent Smith approved about $3 million in contracts for EA and related companies. Those contracts could have—and, in hindsight, should have—been reviewed by the Cherry Creek School Board, but the board appears to have approved them as part of its “consent agenda,” a process elected bodies use to pass items without discussion.

One important detail, often overlooked, about this mess is its potential negative impact on an important and positive program that EA helped put in place at CCSD—the Aspiring Educator Pathway that allows future teachers learn the profession and get hands-on classroom experience that counts toward getting a bachelor’s degree and state licensure, at a fraction of the cost they would otherwise incur.

Although the Smiths will be off CCSD’s books by the end of next month, the activity surrounding their employment and departure very likely won’t be over.

CCSD has retained consultants to conduct an in-depth review of its operational policies.

The Smiths are represented by attorneys, so it is possible they may object to the way their careers at CCSD ended, at a later date, perhaps because their activities that led to their forced separation from the district were entirely reviewable in real time.

That is painstakingly demonstrated by the fact that the Denver Post got all the information for its detailed exposé from Colorado Open Records Act requests of documents in the official files of CCSD. One can only assume that it was the role and responsibility of the school board, to whom Chris Smith reported, or their in-house attorney, to whom Brenda Smith reported, to oversee how the Smiths were spending, or approving the spending of, the district’s taxpayer dollars.

See related opinion piece on page 10.

GOP candidates for governor Kirkmeyer and Bottoms are debating Marx skips GOP governor forums

Three Republicans will be on the June 30 primary ballot for Colorado governor, State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, State Rep. Scott Bottoms, and pastor and missionary Victor Marx.

Two forums have taken place recently for GOP candidates for governor, one on May 6, organized by Douglas County Republican Women, Lincoln Club of Colorado, Douglas County Young Republicans, and Douglas County Citizenry.

Kirkmeyer and Bottoms participated and answered questions put to them by the moderators and local citizens. Independent candidate Greg Lopez even showed up and answered questions.

Marx did not attend or send a representative.

Another gubernatorial forum for Republicans was held on May 14, sponsored

by CPR News, The Denver Post, and Denver7. Kirkmeyer and Bottoms accepted and attended, answering questions and talking about their values and priorities if elected governor. Again, Marx declined to participate in the forum.

A third GOP debate is

From left to right, gubernatorial candidates Independent Greg Lopez, Republicans State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and State Rep. Scott Bottoms at May 6 debate.

Pastor and missionary Victor Marx

scheduled for May 26, sponsored by the Centennial Institute of Colorado Christian University. As with the other two, all three GOP candidates were invited to take part in the event. Again, Marx said no.

On May 18, Centennial Institute shared with The Villager what it told Marx after his campaign announced it was pulling out of the May 26 “think tank” event.

Centennial Institute said, “If the Marx campaign was truly eager to participate in a debate to provide voters with an opportunity to hear the candidates discuss

Some believe he is hoping to persuade unaffiliated voters to support him in the GOP primary, where unaffiliated voters can choose to fill out a Republican or Democratic ballot.

Victor Marx for Governor reports having raised $2.3 million and spent $1.75 million, through April 29, leaving a balance of $550,000 in the bank.

Fundraising

In addition to State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and State Rep. Scott Bottoms, former Parker Mayor Greg Lopez, a longtime Republican running for governor as an independent, showed up and answered questions in the May 6 debate sponsored by Douglas County Republican Women, Lincoln

the issues, they would have agreed to an amenable resolution — one that Centennial Institute was eager to find.

Instead, the Marx campaign quickly scheduled another event for the same time and date, which they announced on Saturday, May 16.”

The Institute’s statement continued, “It is clear the Marx campaign was not looking for a solution; they were looking for an excuse to avoid a public debate against fellow candidates that would give voters the opportunity to compare and evaluate.”

Marx has been holding rallies around the state.

A review of the Secretary of State TRACER site shows that, as of April 29, Kirkmeyer has raised a total of just over $500,000 and spent most of it, leaving $93,000 cash on hand.

Bottoms has raised just under $200,000, including a loan for $15,000, and spent $192,000, leaving $8,000 in the bank, as of April 29.

First Debate

Continued on page 9

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

Club of Colorado, Douglas County Young Republicans, and Douglas County Citizenry, Only Victor Marx, a pastor with no prior political experience, declined to participate.

In the days leading up to the event, Sen. Kirkmeyer responded to Marx ducking the debate on social media, saying, “Instead of answering questions, he (Marx) attacks people online, rewrites stories, turns a survivor event into campaign politics, and tells opponents to quit the race.

I’m focused on balancing budgets, lowering costs, and keeping communities safe.

Bring the bodyguards. Bring the entourage. Just show up.

Debate. Answer questions.

Or admit you’re not ready and not fit to govern.”

The May 6 event, held at North Star Academy in Parker, was moderated by Deborah Flora and Mandy Connell.

In his opening statement, Bottoms said, “I’m very excited about all the ways we’re going to fix, we’re going to reclaim Colorado.

I think all of us up here would agree we are broken in every single metric…I submitted a resolution this year…calling for a special auditor to come into the State of Colorado from outside the state to audit our Supreme Court, our judicial system, and Attorney General Weiser. There is a lot of corruption to the tune of millions of dollars

that we have documented evidence of…We’ve got to go after all of the attacks on our children, the attacks on our Second Amendment, the attacks on people like Tina Peters.” (Gov. Polis commuted half of Peters’ sentence on May 15, clearing the way for her release on June 1, after serving less than two years in state prison.)

Kirkmeyer opened with, “One party control for the last seven years has made a mess out of our state. These Democrats, they cook the books. They give criminals get-out-of-jail-free cards.

They are trying to eliminate the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights. They raise taxes every chance they get and they are trying to increase your health insurance premiums...We’re unraveling, and we can’t even get our roads fixed. It is time to get our state back on track and I’m the person who can do that.”

Lopez, noting he is running as an unaffiliated candidate, said, “I am a strong, compassionate conservative…Over the last 20 years, Colorado has become a state that looks like, feels like, and thinks like California…Voters want new leadership…that will make life affordable again and roll back excessive government regulation.”

The moderators asked the candidates, “What is your specific plan to help turn the Colorado economy around, knowing you will more than likely be dealing with a

The Cherry Creek School District needs a CEO with business experience on its leadership team

BY FREDA MIKLIN - SENIOR REPORTER

The Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) is an organization with an $840 million operating budget and over 9,000 employees, responsible for the education of over 53,000 students who live in eight municipalities spread across 108 square miles in south metro Denver.

Over the past four months, CCSD’s executive administration has been thrown into turmoil. After a Denver7 News investigation brought to light allegations of a toxic culture at the top of the district—including concerns that the superintendent’s marriage to the chief HR officer created a conflict of interest and failed accountability—dominos began to fall.

The first was the apparently forced

Democratic-controlled legislature?”

Bottoms talked about the state’s ongoing deficits and said, “The biggest thing we’ve got to do is cut back.

I’ve been working with a team that is going to help me cut at least $10 billion out of the budget,” adding “This year, I tried to get money… taken away; they will not compromise on transgender surgeries, abortions, illegal immigrant programs, and abortions for illegal immigrants…But they’ve taken money from disability, from seniors, from military…We will DOGE every single department…We’re asking Big Balls (the nickname of a person who worked for Elon Musk in Washington DC in 2025) to come to Colorado to help us with this.”

Kirkmeyer responded that she would use the veto as governor to stop bills she considered bad, then pointed to her experience on the Joint Budget Committee of the legislature, noting, “The budget is balanced when we pass it. We have cut spending. I have actually cut the governor’s slush fund, cut offices, cut programs. That’s what you do when you have to work with folks across the aisle…I would cut 5% to 10% out of every department and state agency.”

Said Lopez, “The overregulation in Colorado is strangling small business.

We must have a governor that understands how to create economic vitality.”

Douglas County Repub-

resignation of former Superintendent Chris Smith on January 30. Three days later, his wife, former Chief HR Officer Brenda Smith, was placed on paid administrative leave. She was fired for cause on May 15, though it’s not effective until June 30. Also in February, Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole was placed on paid administrative leave, and on April 3, agreed to retire on June 30 to avoid facing separation from the district in a less pleasant manner.

The issues that have led to the administrative upheaval at CCSD during the past four months, and are far from resolved, have to do with practices, or the lack of clear, written policies, in the areas of travel expenses, approvals required for different spending limits, conflicts of interest, behavior, and the chain-of-command--all administrative and fiscal policy areas, not directly related to the education of CCSD’s over 53,000 students.

lican Women submitted the question, shared by the moderators, “Colorado is number one in violent crime among the 22 most populous states…and one of the top three states for car theft.

What is your strategy to address the rising crime and support law enforcement across the state?”

According to FBI statistics, Colorado ranked 8th for violent crime, on a per capita basis, for the most recent years data is available, 2022-2024.

The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association’s website says that although car theft is still high in our state, it was down 34% between 2024 and 2025, and 56% since 2021. That group also notes that 80% of vehicles stolen in Colorado are recovered.

Lopez responded to the question, “We really started falling off the rails when we did away with qualified immunity for police officers…

As governor, I am going to champion to rescind that and give them back qualified immunity…The district attorneys are not doing their jobs. They are not prosecuting criminals.”

Kirkmeyer responded, “Last year, I marshaled through the bill that put $350 million towards local law enforcement so they could recruit, retain, and train local law enforcement.” She talked about the importance of funding the Department of Corrections and making sure the Colorado Bureau of Inves-

They are issues that could arise in any company the size of CCSD, but mostly don’t, because there are documented guidelines and procedures that cover all the topics listed above. There is also a system overseen by a Chief Executive Officer to ensure that those guidelines are followed, up and down the chain of command, including reporting and documenting occurrences when they are not, accompanied by providing guidance and information about potential consequences if the behavior is not corrected.

The Cherry Creek School District has eight people on its District Leadership Team, including three Assistant Superintendents---for Performance Improvement, Educational Operations, and Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement. There is currently no one on the Leadership Team responsible for Human Resources or Special Populations, the positions formerly held by Brenda Smith and Tony Poole. It is very possible those positions will be filled after June 30, which would bring the number of people on the District

tigation works with sheriffs and police, not against them or around them, noting, “I have a good working relationship with the district attorneys in this state and they are prosecuting criminals.”

Bottoms said, “We have an anti-culture against an anti-bent, an anti-attitude against police officers, sheriffs, ICE…Day one executive order—ICE will now work with police and sheriffs…We will also go into the Venezuelan cartel area in Aurora and shut them down with the National Guard, sheriff, police. We’re going to eradicate that militant military armed force.”

On behalf of the Douglas County Young Republicans, the moderators asked the candidates to address the topic of housing affordability, which young people said made it “impossible to buy a home or start a family.”

Kirkmeyer said she would continue to help cut property taxes, something she was successful in doing a few years ago in the legislature. She said she will also look at regulations that increase the cost of building a home and work with local governments to “ensure that they have the water and the infrastructure necessary to build new homes.”

Bottoms agreed that property taxes and regulations were a big problem and said he would work to eliminate property taxes entirely, stating he believes property taxes and income taxes are both unconstitutional.

Leadership Team up to ten.

The CCSD board has commissioned an outside law firm to look at how vendor contracts are administered and all the details around travel policies, then make recommendations.

The CCSD superintendent serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the district. But the skills the board has historically sought in a superintendent have been focused on education, as they should be.

We believe that it’s time the school board brought in a leader from the business world, who has a different skill set, to serve alongside the superintendent.

CCSD could consolidate some of its other leadership team responsibilities and add a real Chief Executive Officer to its ranks. The right person with a business background will bring lived experience in policy formulation and execution in administering a large organization that, if employed effectively, will prevent the types of problems the district is currently grappling with in the future.

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2026

U

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

BY FREDA MIKLIN – SENIOR REPORTER

nited Airlines, which has been hinting at

expanding its corporate footprint in Denver for over a year, took a step in that direction on May 12 when it received initial approval from the Denver City Council to rezone its 113-acre parcel of land at 17671 E. 64th Avenue. United paid $33 million for the land. According to the Denver Business Journal, “The rezoning is a custom package designed specifically…to build flight training bays for United’s 18,000 pilots and leave room for future development into a full corporate campus.”

1

_______________________________________ 14 new townhomes with two-car garages are

planned for a 6.7-acre portion of the Festival Shopping Center at 8170 S. University. Watermark Company, based in Castle Rock, will demolish vacant buildings to create the new rental community, which will be called Canvas at Centennial.

L

_______________________________________ ittleton Public Schools and the University of Colorado Denver signed an agreement on May 13 that will expand college access and opportunities for LPS students,

BY MORT REMARKS MARKS

establishing a clear, supportive pathway for students to transition from LPS to CU Denver via direct admission. The program is open to eligible LPS juniors and seniors who maintain a weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. According to CU Denver, “This commitment is paired with comprehensive support to remove financial and logistical barriers for students and their families. LPS and CU Denver share the same commitment and passion to serve students by expanding opportunities, advancing social mobility, and helping students achieve long-term success that will change their lives and those of their families and communities.”

A

_______________________________________

rapahoe County launched ArapaGO: TransitConnectionsPlan last year to get its residents feedback and ideas on transit, microtransit and micromobility in Arapahoe County. The website to get regular updates is https://bit. ly/4uiI59m.

M

_______________________________________

Memorial Day 2026

arjorie Park at the Museum of Outdoor Arts will host a summer concert every month from June to October. The first

Editor’s Note: Here is a reprint of a column commemorating Memorial Day, by Mort Marks, our former, long-running opinion columnist. Mort passed away in 2019, and he was a proud veteran of WWII and combat survivor of the Battle of the Bulge in the frigid winter of 1944.

Even before the Civil War ended, many women in the South began placing flowers on soldiers graves – both Confederate and Union. What began with fresh cut flowers has now become a living tradition.

Their thoughtfulness and generosity were so inspirational that the same heartfelt sentiment soon swept our Country and became our Country’s national tradition of “Memorial Day”.

On the first official National Memorial in 1868, General James A. Garfield, speaking at Arlington National Cemetery said, “If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of 15,000 men whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung.”

Since then the meaning of Memorial Day has grown, and it is not preserved by cold marble markers, but by living spirit. It has become a time for remembering all the men and women who gave up their lives in all of our Country’s wars.

A day to remember that from France’s Flanders Field to the Pacific Ocean, from Korea and Vietnam, from Mississippi to Colorado’s Fort Logan, there lie more than a million dead Americans who fought to preserve our “Way of Life”.

I can still remember the day when I visited the tomb of them “Unknown Soldier” and walked past the graves of other fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, which was one special Memorial Day for me so many, many years ago.

I remember finding myself surrounded by both active duty service men and women, veterans in in their uniforms, and civilians – all there to show their respect for those who had paid the supreme price while serving their Country.

All of us veterans present at Arlington that day made it very clear that we’d never forget our comrades who were not as lucky as we to have escaped the bullets of our enemies. We who had served under fire knew that the only difference between ourselves and our fallen comrades was only a fraction of an inch or a second of time, because when guns are firing whether a soldier lives or dies is no more certain than the roll of the dice.

And let us all remember that our Country’s freedom, contrary to the sound of the word, is not “free.” It comes at a high price, and those who pay the ultimate price do not get to share in its benefits – only we who are left behind are the fortunate ones.

On this Memorial Day 2019, let us offer a heartfelt prayer for those wo died for our Country so that we could live as free people in a free country.

Let us remember that it was these veterans, not the preacher, who gave us “Freedom of Religion”.

It is these veterans, not the reporter, who has given us “Freedom of the Press.”

It is these veterans, not the poet, who have given us “Freedom of Speech.”

It is these veterans, not the campus organizers, who have given us “Freedom To Assemble.”

It is these veterans, not the lawyers, who have given us the “Right to a Fair Trial.”

It is these veterans, not the politicians, who have given us the “Right to Vote.”

And to those veterans, who served and died under our Country’s flag, let us remember to say “God bless them all!

one is Bluegrass on the Green on June 17. The park is also open and free to all on five Thursday between June and August. There, you’ll fin live music from regional artists, yard games, drink specials, and concessions. You can get more information at moaonline.org.

O

_______________________________________

n May 15, outgoing Governor Jared Polis announced he will commute the remainder of the nine-year prison sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted in 2024 of three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one felony count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, and three misdemeanors, including official misconduct and violation of duty in elections. Many Democrats are furious with Polis, who pointed out that she is and will remain a convicted felon. When she received the nine-year sentence, it seemed at least partly based on her attitude that she had done nothing wrong. Polis seems to believe that she has paid a sufficient price for her misguided behavior, but it has created quite an uproar from many who disagree, across the country. Peters will be paroled on June 1.

The High Cost of Misplacing Things

I’ve often complained in this column about misplacing my cellphone. But I’m not going to do that today. No, today I’m going to complain about misplacing everything else. This morning it was my paring knife.

And I’d go so far as to say it was my favorite of the three paring knives I once had. I say “once had” because one of the others has been missing for two years.

If you’re like me, and I always feel better if someone else is, you have a hierarchy for misplaced items. And each step on the ladder comes with costs. There’s the time you spend trying to find missing items and the money it takes to replace them if you don’t. There’s the embarrassment of admitting you’ve misplaced your glasses for the third time that day and the groveling you have to do when you’ve blamed your spouse for misplacing the TV remote and now you want their help to find it.

My paring knives are a level one item. They’re not expensive so I had three of them. Consequently when knives one and two disappeared, I didn’t bother to look for them. I just grabbed the next one, trusting that the missing ones will show up someday. And they probably will, though it could be many years from now when we’re packing to move to a new home.

Of course, given my history, it’s inevitable that I’ll eventually lose paring knife number three. Then I’ll tear my kitchen apart looking for all three of them or, more likely, I’ll use a substitute. Level one items have substitutes. A steak knife can act as a paring knife in a pinch. Just like a phone can do double duty as a flashlight and a shoe can stand in for

a hammer, though the reverse isn’t true. And I wouldn’t want to build a house with one.

The point is, if—when—I lose paring knife number three, I probably won’t look very hard for it, or for that matter, replace it, until the day I cut my hand trying to peel a potato with a steak knife. Or realize I’ve misplaced my last steak knife.

Level two items—tape, staples, scissors and the like—have no substitute and when I need them, I need them right now. So when they go missing, which they do with annoying frequency, I buy more. What else can I do? I can’t glue a package shut before I mail it. That wouldn’t work. Plus I can’t find the glue. That explains why I have upwards of 45 rolls of packing tape. At least I think I do. Right now I can’t locate even one of them.

You wouldn’t think there’s a high financial cost for level two items.

But consider all that packing tape, the half dozen bottles of glue, the 10 or 12 pairs of scissors, etcetera that have gone missing in my home.

I could buy a nice level three item with all the money I’ve got tied up in inventory.

Level three objects are expensive, irreplaceable or just downright inconvenient to lose. Some are all three. I’ve spent a lot of time searching for a wide range of level three items running the gamut from my checkbook to my car in large parking lots. There’s just no substitute for prescription eyeglasses. And I can’t afford to replace my cellphone every time it goes missing. Not when I have so much money invested in packing tape and scissors.

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

May 21, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

The long-anticipated “Best of Colorado” art exhibit now graces the historic Depot Art Gallery. From May 19th to June 28th, experience the talent and varied creativity of Colorado Artists. In addition to the Depot Artists, this show invited artists from all over Colorado. Juror Jill Soukup, the award-winning, published Western artist, whittled down the 70 accepted entries from over 400 entries submitted. Address is 2069 West Powers, Littleton. Hours: 11-4 Tuesday through Sunday. Free admission and plenty of parking. Visit depotartgallery.org.

depotartgallery.org

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2026

Colorado Freedom Memorial Presents the 13th Annual Colorado Remembers Ceremony on Sat., May 23 This Memorial Day weekend, the Colorado Freedom Memorial will present the 13th Annual Colorado Remembers ceremony, a community event honoring generations of Colorado’s fallen veterans as well as those still serving today. This year, Colorado Remembers will also commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as 150 years of Colorado statehood.

Presented by the City of Aurora and the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation, festivities begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday,

Memorial will be open to guided or self-guided tours and free roses will be available to lay at the Memorial.

May 23 with a free pancake breakfast and a musical performance by Victory Three.

The Remembrance Ceremony begins at 10 a.m., and will include a special military

flyover, a ceremonial laying of wreaths featuring the ADF-C Joint Force Color Guard from Buckley Space Force Base, and tolling of the Honor Bell.

Following the ceremony, the

Agenda for Saturday, May 23: • 8 - 10 a.m.

• Free Pancake Breakfast, donations to CFM welcome • Musical performance

by Victory Three • Historic military artifacts and vehicles on display • USS Arizona artifact on display • 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Colorado Remembers Ceremony • Military flyover • Tolling of Honor Bell • Stories of the fallen

• Wreath laying • 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Self-guided tours of the Memorial • Historic military artifacts and vehicles on display • USS Arizona artifact on display

While donations will be gratefully accepted, the entire day’s events are free and open to the public.

The Colorado Freedom Memorial is located at Aurora’s Memorial Park at 756 Telluride St. For more information on the Colorado Freedom Memorial, visit www.Colorado FreedomMemorial.com, or find the Colorado Freedom Memorial on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Colorado FreedomMemorial.

Toyota continues to dominate America’s compact SUV market with the dependable and fuel-efficient Toyota RAV4 The Toyota RAV4 is assembled in Toyota City, Japan, and carries a tested sticker price of approximately $44,300.

After spending a week driving the RAV4 around the Denver metro area and Colorado highways, it became easy to understand why this vehicle remains one of America’s best-selling SUVs. Toyota has created an all-purpose vehicle that fits Colorado living particularly well.

With gasoline prices again pushing toward $4.50 per gallon in many areas, the RAV4 hybrid’s impressive 41 miles per gallon overall fuel economy becomes a major selling point. Drivers making daily commutes or frequent mountain trips will appreciate spending less time and money at the gas pump.

Power comes from Toyota’s proven 2.5-liter engine paired with the hybrid system, delivering strong acceleration and smooth performance. The RAV4 never felt underpowered entering busy highways

or climbing Colorado grades.

Toyota engineers have refined this hybrid system into a quiet and confident package that transitions almost seamlessly between gasoline and electric operation.

tions confidently during our testing. Whether traveling wet city streets or heading toward higher elevations, the RAV4 feels stable and secure behind the wheel.

Toyota also deserves high

Colorado weather can change quickly, especially during spring storms and winter mountain driving, and the all-wheel-drive system handled changing road condi-

marks for its extensive safety technology. The vehicle includes Toyota’s 4.0 pre-collision safety system along with a panoramic view monitor, blind-spot monitor and front

thefelinefix.org

and rear cross-traffic alerts. One feature we particularly appreciated was the lane-change warning system, which quickly alerts drivers with a visible warning if drifting from traffic lanes.

Additional touches such as all-around LED lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated seats add comfort and convenience, especially during Colorado’s rapidly changing weather conditions.

Inside, the cabin feels refined, roomy and thoughtfully designed. Controls are easy to understand, seating remains comfortable during long drives and the nine-speaker audio system delivers impressive sound quality that made highway driving more enjoyable.

Toyota has clearly focused

By H. Throttle

on practicality without sacrificing comfort. The RAV4 offers generous cargo space for groceries, luggage or outdoor gear while maintaining the maneuverability needed for city parking and suburban driving.

The styling may not be flashy like some luxury competitors, but Toyota understands its audience well. Buyers are seeking reliability, efficiency, safety and long-term value, and the RAV4 delivers strongly in every category.

Built in Toyota City, Japan, the RAV4 continues Toyota’s reputation for dependable engineering and strong resale value. After spending time behind the wheel, this reviewer came away genuinely impressed. For Colorado drivers wanting excellent fuel economy, all-weather confidence and everyday practicality in a comfortable package, the RAV4 hybrid remains one of the smartest choices on today’s market.

TWO SCOOPS

May 21, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

A TRUE FOODIE

Y’ALL FOLLOW ALONG FOR THIS DELECTABLE JOURNEY

A recipe for Memorial Day Weekend

Southern Baked Beans

Restaurant Reviews and Recipes with Food Columnist Jessica jessbcarrington@gmail.com

Memorial day is more than a long weekend or the start of summer. It is a time to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, and to honor all who have worn the uniform with courage, strength, and sacrifice.

As the wife of a marine I have witnessed that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. The lessons of honor, loyalty, and sacrifice stay for a lifetime. Today we remember the heroes who never made it home, and honor every veteran who answered the call to serve.

To all veterans and especially to my 24 years of service Lt. Col. marine husband Ric, thank you for your unwavering love of country. We are forever grateful.

Please enjoy this southern baked bean recipe I’ve made countless times over the years. Its easy and super delicious!

Combine 10 slices of chopped bacon, 2 medium chopped onions, and 2 small green bell peppers in an iron skillet. Cook until bacon has lightly browned, and the onions and peppers are tender. Turn off the heat.

Add 28 oz. or more cans of Bush’s original baked beans (drained). Next add not quite a full cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and a 1/2 cup of molasses. Stir to combine. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

Variations of this recipe include adding any one of these ingredients: ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or liquid smoke.

Jessica, Ric and

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ric Carrington - Retired

Cheers

Finley

See next week’s restaurant review on Ash & Agave

LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2026

Misc.

SPECIAL DISTRICTS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority (ACPAA) is soliciting Statement of Qualifications and Experience from qualified airport engineers to perform engineering services for federally funded capital projects at Centennial Airport, 7565 S. Peoria St. Unit D9, Englewood, Colorado, 80112. Initial contract period is three years, with the possibility of one-year extensions at the discretion of the Authority, not exceeding five years total.

Proposed construction projects include but are not limited to: constructing high-speed taxiways, widening taxiway connectors, rehabilitation or reconstruction of runways, taxiways, and taxilanes, purchasing airport equipment, and constructing deicing improvements.

Selection will be based on factors including quality of previous airport related projects, reputation, background, degree of interest shown and experience with airports similar to Centennial Airport. ACPAA reserves the right to select the consultant deemed to be in the best interest of the Authority.

For a complete copy of the RFQ, contact Ms. Lauren Wiarda, Director of Planning and Development at 303-790-0598 or at lwiarda@ centennialairport.com. Submittal deadline is 4:00 p.m. MDT, June 8, 2026.

Published in The Villager First Publication: May 14, 2026 Last Publication: May 21, 2026 Legal # 31366 ________________________ INVITATION TO BID CHERRY CREEK VISTA PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT ORCHARD PARK RENOVATION PROJECT

Recreation District (“District”) seeks bids from qualified contractors for the construction of renovations to Orchard Park, 11350 E Orchard Road, Englewood, 80111, County of Arapahoe, Colorado (“Project”) as outlined in the Request for Proposals, dated May 22, 2026. To receive a pdf copy of the bid please email, Joanna Waldenmyer at jwaldenmyer@ rootpartnership.com.

Emailed bids are due by July 10, 2026, not later than 12:00 P.M. MST to the District at jwaldenmyer@rootpartnership.com, info@ ccrider.us, or Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District, 1100 W. Littleton Blvd. #101, Littleton CO 80120.

Please call ahead at 303-482-1002 if delivering by hand to ensure someone is present for delivery. Bids not received by 12:00 P.M. MST will not be considered.

A bid tabulation will be emailed to all participating bidders within ten (10) working days after the date of the Notice of Award for this Project.

A pre-bid meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Site Parking Lot at Orchard Park, 11350 E. Orchard Road, Englewood, CO 80111. Attendance at the pre-bid meeting is strongly recommended for all bidders but is not mandatory.

Questions regarding the project are to be submitted in writing to jwaldenmyer@rootpartnership.com by Monday June 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Responses will be provided to all bidders by Friday, June 26, 2026.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: CHERRY CREEK VISTA PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT Published in The Villager Published: May 21, 2026 Legal # 5020_CCVPR ________________________

How should business interests, promissory notes and mobile homes be handled under your Revocable Living Trust?

BUSINESS INTERESTS

Business interests can include Partnerships, S Corporations, Closely Held (Private) Corporations, Limited Liability Companies and other such legal entities.

Before putting a business interest into your trust, it is best to consult with your attorney or tax professional to be sure that (1) the transfer is allowed by the governing documents of the business, (2) the transfer is allowed under the law, (3) you understand all of the tax consequences of the transfer, and (4) there are no special rules that may prevent you from safely transferring your interest to your trust.

The manner in which business interests are transferred to a trust depends on the type of business interest involved and the specific requirements of all of the entity’s governing documents.

Amanda Brooks, address, place of employment, and contact information unknown. You have been identified as the biological mother of a Caucasion female child, born on December 13, 2020 in Thornton, Adams County, Colorado. The child was conceived on or about March 13, 2020 in Colorado. The child has resided with Brent and Carla M. in Omaha, Sarpy County, Nebraska since 2023 and Brent and Carla M. have filed a Petition for the Adoption of E.S. in the County Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, filed at docket AD25-66.

A hearing for the adoption of E.S. by Brent and Carla M. has been scheduled for June 9, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in Sarpy County Court Courtroom No. 1, 1210 Golden Gate Drive, Papillion, Nebraska.

By: Michaela Skogerboe, Attorney for Petitioners Brent and Carla M. P.O. Box 460707 Papillion, NE 68046 402-317-0100 michaela@skogerboelaw.com Published in The Villager

Notice is hereby given that the Cherry Creek Vista Park and

Dear Readers,

NOTICE TO MOTHER BY PUBLICATION LEGAL NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF E.S.

In general, business interests are transferred in the following manner; however, this information may not apply to your particular situation.

Partnership and Limited Liability Company interests are transferred by an Assignment of Partnership Interest or Assignment of Member Interest document, respectively.

Stock is generally transferred by executing the transfer section on the certificate. Stock without a certificate requires special transfer documents. In all transfers of business interests, resolutions or other legal documents may be required.

If your interest in a business is subject to a buy-sell agreement, it is important to be sure that the transfer complies with the terms of the agreement, and that your trustee is given the proper instructions.

It is important that the transfer to your trust be done property in order to make certain the transfer complies with federal and state tax laws.

You should not transfer business interests without consulting with your legal and tax advisors.

PROMISSORY NOTES

Existing promissory notes, whether or not secured by a deed of trust or other collateral, can be transferred into your trust if permitted by the terms of the note.

If you should loan money to anyone, or if you sell property and the buyer gives you a promissory note, the note should name your trust as the payee. If there is a corresponding deed of trust to secure the note with real property the deed of trust should also name your trust and should be recorded in the county in which the real property is located.

MOBILE HOMES

In Colorado, a mobile home is usually treated as personal property. Thus, title is transferred by the title certificate, which is separate from the land on which it is located. However, if the mobile home has been permanently attached to the land, it may be treated as part of the real estate. In that case, reference to the mobile home should be made in the deed conveying the land.

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

Many of my clients have

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

Careful medical/estate planning should include

First Publication: May 19, 2026 Last Publication: June 4, 2026 Legal # 5019_ ADOPTION OF E.S. ________________________

NOTiCE to CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of LOTHAR GERHARD ESTENFELDER also known as LOTHAR G. ESTENFELDER, LOTHAR ESTENFELDER and LO ESTENFELDER, Deceased Case Number 2026PR030380 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 7, 2026, 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 7, 2026 Last Publication: May 21, 2026 Legal # 31359 ________________________

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

As a courtesy, there is no charge for my initial consultation with clients. I have served seniors and their families for over 48 years regarding their medical and estate planning needs.

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

Website: www.donpetersonlawfirm.com

Proudly serves our nonprofit communities To subscribe: 303-773-8313

May 21, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

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

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.

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 550-seat 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.

2ND ANNUAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OF THE ROCKIES

GOLF TOURNAMENT MON., JULY 13. Info: Call 303-4880018 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 301-4042706 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 303-759-9232 for a free breakfast. Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.

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

Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-3139741.

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

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 303-7954511 SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS Arapahoe County is hiring. Visit jobs. arapahoeco.gov. This is a new site.

“BLACK BASEBALL’S HEYDAY” Capturing an Era in Art and Words, Written

by Villager author Denny Dressman and Art

by Anthony High. Pre-Order Now! https:// www.mcfarlandbooks.com/product/BlackBaseballs-Heyday/ RENEW YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION Renewal kiosks are fast, easy and issue you tags on the spot? Go to COMVExpress.com to find a location near you.

BUSINESS NEWS OLIVER’S “A TOAST TO THE 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 ASH & AGAVE RES TAURANT NOW OPEN Inspired by the shores of the Mexican Riviera-bringing 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.

RODIZIO GRILL “THE BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE” LOCATED IN THE DTC AT 125 & Dry Creek and Downtown Denver, 18th & Wynnkoop FIRST AMERICAN STATE BANK Locally Owned and operated. 8390 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village.

MOVET - PRIMARY CARE VETERINARY SERVICES

In Home, In Clinic or Virtual. Locally 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. 303-7580999. Email: Donald@PetersonLaw.Co Located at 5675 DTC Boulevard, Suite 250, Greenwood Village.

AISLYN DERMATOLOGY Dr. Aislyn Nelson MD, PhD dermatologist is located in Lincoln Medical Center, 11960 Lioness Way, Ste. 225, Parker. 719-9920127. 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 ROGERS & SONS INC. ELEVATED CLIMATE CONTROL Curated Cooling & A/C Services; Radiant Heating & Snow Melt Integration; WholeHome Humidification and more. Private Consultations: 720-408-7411. https:// rogershvac.com CARLA’S A CLASSIC DESIGN From unique gifts to festive decor.

Shop small and local at The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Centennial. 303-683-0372 GE TREE SERVICE Trusted & Reliable for 20 years. A Certified Arborist, Licensed & Insured, Family Owned & Operated.Free estimates. Call 303-5002017. 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.

automatic climate 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line control, heated Brings Luxury Feel at Competitive Price leather-wrapped front and rear The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line may surprise a lot of drivers who have not looked closely at Volkswagen in recent years.

After spending a week behind the wheel of the turbocharged SUV, I came away impressed with both its appearance and performance.

With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $45,415, the Tiguan SEL R-Line delivers the look and feel of a much more expensive luxury vehicle.

The test vehicle arrived dressed in striking avocado green paint paired with an amber brown leather interi-

or that immediately catches attention. Volkswagen has done an exceptional job with the cabin design, creating an upscale atmosphere that feels comfortable and refined without becoming overly flashy.

Power comes from a responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine matched with all-wheel drive, giving the Tiguan plenty of pep for Colorado driving.

Whether merging onto busy Denver freeways or climbing mountain grades, the SUV handled confidently and smoothly.

Riding on 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, the Tiguan offered a stable and composed feel on the road.

Inside, Volkswagen loaded the SEL R-Line with technology and comfort features. The SUV includes three-zone

seats, ventilated front seats, power seating with lumbar support and even a massage feature that drivers may appreciate during heavy traffic or long highway trips.

The dashboard carries a long list of electronic features and driver information systems. Among the handiest was Volkswagen’s Dynamic Road Sign Display, which continually displays speed limits and traffic sign information directly in front of the driver. Once accustomed to the feature, it quickly becomes something drivers may not want to live without.

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance technology is integrated throughout the vehicle, adding a broad collection of modern safety systems backed by 10 airbags and numerous electronic monitoring features.

HOST YOUR EVENT AT THE JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT FREE ENTERPRISE CENTER In Greenwood Village. Events @ JARockyMountain.org CHERRY HILLS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE 6325 S University. Blvd., Centennial. Call for Tour 720-592-0252 PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION + MORE5 Star Google Reviews. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-969-5386.

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

SEMION BARBERSHOP FOR ALL - MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN 5910 S. Univeristy Blvd., Greenwood Village. 720-531-3998.

THE EYEWEAR COLLECTION Owner Aaron Mozes is a CCHS graduate.

Comprehensive Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Contacts. 5910 S. University. Blvd., Unit D4, Greenwood Village.

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

FALL PARTIES/EVENTS? BOOK TODAY Rocky Mountain Valet. Visit www. rockymntvalet.com KIMPTON CLARET HOTEL Host your next special event at The Kimpton Claret. www.clarethotel.com OWN YOUR STORAGE OR FLEX WAREHOUSE SPACE Visit MYDREAMSTORAGECO.COM PARKSIDE VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 14501 E. Crestline Drive, Aurora. Lunch is on us - schedule your tour today. 720-3157778 or visit ParksideVillageRetirement.com

By H. Throttle

One area that takes some adjustment is the transmission selector. The Tiguan uses a knob-style shifter with a sport setting marked “S” for more aggressive performance driving. Traditionalists may need a little time to adapt, but after several days behind the wheel, the system becomes more familiar.

Volkswagen has a long history of producing solid German-engineered automobiles, and the Tiguan continues that tradition with a strong blend of styling, comfort and value.

In a crowded SUV market filled with look-alike competitors, the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line stands out as an attractive, well-equipped and competitively priced vehicle that delivers far more luxury than many buyers may expect.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2026

Robin Wise to retire after 35 years from Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain (JARocky Mountain) has announced a leadership transition as President & CEO Robin Wise plans to retire at the end of 2026, concluding an extraordinary 35year career with the organization. To support a smooth and thoughtful transition, Wise will continue to serve as President & CEO until her successor is selected and fully onboarded, ensuring stability and continuity for the organization.

Robin Wise’s tenure is defined by transformative impact, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to young people.

Since assuming the role of President & CEO in 1991, she has led JARocky Mountain’s efforts to expand access to learning experiences that equip students with the skills and confidence needed to pursue opportunity and achieve economic mobility.

Under Wise’s leadership, JARocky Mountain has strengthened partnerships across the business, education, and nonprofit communities and remains a trusted regional leader in workforce readiness education.

Her influence extends beyond organizational growth to the mission driven culture she continues to cultivate – one that inspires staff, volunteers, board members, and partners through integrity, optimism, and a shared com-

mitment to impact.

The results of that leadership are evident today in the hundreds of thousands of local students whose lives have been shaped by Junior Achievement programs.

“We are deeply grateful for Robin’s leadership and the lasting impact she has had on JARocky Mountain,” said Darrin Foster, Chair of the JARocky Mountain Board of Directors.

“As she prepares for retirement after 35 years of service, we celebrate a career that leaves the organization strong, respected, and exceptionally well positioned for the future.”

In preparation for Wise’s retirement, the JARocky Mountain Board of Directors has launched a search for the organization’s next President & CEO – one who will build on the remarkable foundation she has established while leading the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. The Board has engaged an executive search firm to support a comprehensive, thoughtful, and missionaligned process.

As the search progresses, JARocky Mountain continues its work with focus and momentum, empowering young people, strengthening district and business partnerships, and advancing economic opportunity throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

Updates will be shared at www.JARockyMountain.org.

We Never Compromise on Quality Care Now Offering Microneedling For Skin Rejuvenation & Acne Scarring!

Scan to Book an Appointment

“IF YOU ARE OVER 40 AND HAVE NOT HAD A SKIN CHECK IT IS TIME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!”

• • • • • •

Aislyn Nelson, MD PhD is a board-certified dermatologist Direct Pay - you choose, not your insurance Same-day Appointments One-on-one patient-centered care Adult and Pediatric dermatology services Skin checks, acne, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, benign lesion removal, cosmetic procedures • WE DO IT ALL

New patient visits are $250 that includes any biopsy or LN2 treatment

Located in Lincoln Medical Center 11960 Lioness Way Ste 225, Parker, CO 80134 719-992-0127 | www.aislynderm.com | Vaislynderm

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.