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VOLUME 44 • NUMBER 27 • MAY 28, 2026

44 Years of Award-Winning Journalism

Colleen Costigan Crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026

First Runner-Up Ms. Richelle Burnett (Niwot)

Colleen Costigan (Littleton) Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026 Second Runner-Up Ms. Kathi Baerns (Aurora)

See page 13 for story

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 28, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

Ancient Meaning of a Common Word As wedding season approaches and the “love” of summer is often expressed, I am curious about the true and deeper meaning of the word “love”.

Love is one of the most overused words in the English language. We use the same word to say we love pizza, a favorite movie, a football team, and our children. But in Hebrew, love is far deeper, richer, and exceedingly more demanding than mere emotion.

The Hebrew language reveals that love is not simply something you feel. It is something you choose, build, protect, and live.

The primary Hebrew word for love is ahavah (‫) ָהבֲהַא‬. At first glance, it sounds soft and poetic, yet its roots carry astonishing weight. Hebrew scholars note that ahavah derives from the root hav, meaning “to give.”

In the Hebrew worldview, love is not centered on what a person receives but on what they willingly give. Real love is sacrificial. It moves outward.

It costs something. That understanding changes everything.

Our culture often defines love as chemistry, attraction, or emotional intensity. “I fell in love,” people say, as if love were an accident beyond their control. But Hebrew thought presents love not as a falling but as a building. Love is an act of the will. It is devotion in motion.

You see this clearly in the ancient command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The instruction is not to feel affection for everyone. It is to treat others with dignity, compassion, patience, and care. Hebrew love is behavioral before it is emotional. The feeling may come and go, but the commitment remains.

Perhaps nowhere is this more beautifully demonstrated than in the story of Ruth. After tragedy stripped her of security, family, and future, Ruth chose to remain loyal to her grieving mother-in-law, Naomi. She declared, “Where you go, I will go.” That was Hebrew love in action. Ruth’s love was not convenient. It was a covenant.

She stayed when leaving would have been easier.

A more recent example was when a couple moved into our neighborhood. I knew it would be a welcome gesture if I took over a meal or baked some cookies. Life was so hectic and chaotic that I did not feel like cooking or baking. I had enough to do to get dinner on the table for my own family.

But…I did it anyway; the feeling of joy and friendship

followed.

This understanding exposes the weakness of modern relationships that are built entirely on feelings. Feelings are real, but they are unstable.

They rise and fall with stress, disappointment, aging, hardship, and time. Hebrew love endures because it is rooted in faithfulness rather than emotional fluctuation.

Consider a husband sitting beside his wife during chemotherapy treatments. Her beauty has faded from age and illness. Their life has become exhausting and uncertain. Yet he holds her hand, wipes her tears, and whispers, “I’m not leaving.” That is ahavah. It is love strengthened by sacrifice.

Parenting is often neither convenient nor fun, but when done well, it is sacrificial.

The Hebrew language also reveals that love is inseparable from responsibility. To love someone means you refuse to use them, discard them, or abandon them when circumstances change. Love becomes a sacred stewardship of another human soul.

In a world obsessed with self-fulfillment, Hebrew love calls people to a higher purpose. It reminds humanity that the deepest relationships are not built on passion alone but on loyalty, sacrifice, service, and enduring commitment.

Love, in Hebrew, is not merely a feeling of the heart.

It is a courageous decision to give your heart away. joneen@ narme.org

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ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Public Works & Development

Play Date at Dove Valley Attend Arapahoe County Public Works and Development’s Play Date June 5, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Dove Valley Regional Park. Kids can jump in the driver’s seat of heavy equipment, be a junior building inspector and more. Learn more at arapahoeco.gov/publicworks.

Community Needs Assessment Focus Groups Every three years, Arapahoe County does a deep dive to understand residents’ needs.

The County is hosting focus groups to help us unlock that information.

Interested?

Visit bit.ly/CR_FocusGroups Landscaping with Native & Xeric Plants at Clayton Community Garden: May 30, 11 a.m–12 p.m.

Learn how to transform your landscape using native and xeric planes with CSU Extension Arapahoe County Master Gardener Kate Redford. No registration for this free event, located at 475 W. Union Ave., in Englewood.

arapahoeco.gov

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

WEEK OF MAY 25

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

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

tensions between river system — rights settlers and the White that have become River Utes steadily increasingly valuAs Colorado approaches increased during the able during today’s its 150th anniversary of statelate 1870s.

Matters prolonged Western hood in 2026, it is worthwhile reached a breaking drought conditions. to revisit an important and point on Sept.

29, Water in the modBY BOB SWEENEY often misunderstood chapter 1879, when the White ern West is often more PUBLISHER of Western history — the reRiver Indian Agency valuable than gold. lationship between Colorado was attacked and Indian agent As Colorado negotiates settlers and the Ute Indian Nathan Meeker was killed. future water conservation tribes.

The conflict quickly escalated agreements and river manageThe Denver Post recently into the famous Milk Creek ment plans, the tribes remain published a Perspective secbattle, considered the last important partners in protecttion commentary headlined, major Indian war in Colorado ing agricultural production “The Utes Still Must Go,” and future development accompanied by a large pho- history.

American troops sent from across the state. tograph of a Ute tribal leader Fort Steele, Wyoming TerritoThe Indian presence in greeting outgoing Gov. Jarry, suffered heavy casualties Colorado history extended ed Polis. The article raised during the fighting.

Officers far beyond the western slope. important questions about were killed, soldiers earned Ute hunting parties frequently treaties, tribal rights and Medal of Honor recognition traveled into North Park near Colorado history, but it left and the battle became one of present-day Walden, followout key historical events that the bloodiest frontier conflicts ing buffalo herds and using shaped the eventual removal in the Rocky Mountain West. the natural hot springs around of the White River Utes from Following the uprising, the present-day Hot Sulphur Colorado. federal government closed the Springs as winter encampCongress ratified the White River Agency, and the ments.

Brunot Agreement on April The Weekly Register-Call, 29, 1874. The agreement was White River Utes were forcibly removed to reservations established in 1862 and still signed by Ute tribal leaders, in Utah. In practical terms, operating today as Colorado’s including representatives of the government determined oldest continuously published the Southern Utes and Ute the treaty condition requiring newspaper, recorded much of Mountain Utes. One importpeace had been broken. the early mining history of the ant provision stated: The Southern Ute and Ute region along with occasional “The United States shall permit the Ute Indians to hunt Mountain Ute tribes, howev- accounts of peaceful encounupon said lands so long as the er, remained in Colorado and ters with Indian bands movtoday continue as successful ing through the mountains. game lasts and the Indians and active tribal governments Yet the mining camps of are at peace with the white in southwestern Colorado.

Central City, Black Hawk, people.”

Both tribes have developed Idaho Springs and Leadville That final phrase — “at generally experienced little peace with the white people” strong economies, operate direct conflict with Indian — became historically signif- successful enterprises and hold significant water rights tribes. Miners in those camps icant. were heavily armed and acIn northwestern Colorado, connected to the Colorado

Colorado’s Ute History Still Shapes the State at 150

customed to defending themselves under difficult frontier conditions.

After the removal of the White River Utes in 1879 and 1880, vast sections of northwestern Colorado gradually opened to settlement. By the mid-1880s, homesteaders flooded into former Ute territory across the Western Slope.

A federal land office established in present-day Glenwood Springs processed hundreds of homestead claims as ranchers, farmers and settlers moved into lands once controlled by the tribes.

Among those homesteaders was my own grandfather, who settled about 20 miles north of Meeker on what had once been Indian territory, not far from the site of the historic Milk Creek battle where some of Colorado’s last major Indian fighting had taken place only a few years earlier.

History is rarely simple.

Colorado’s story contains triumph, hardship, broken promises, conflict and survival. The Ute tribes played a major role in shaping the state long before Colorado officially entered the Union in 1876, and their influence continues today.

As Colorado marks its sesquicentennial, remembering that full history — both difficult and inspiring — remains important.

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

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2026 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK If at first QUOTE of you the don’t WEEK succeed, try, try again. Then quit.

There’s no point in being a damn fool about it.

– W. C. Fields

May 28, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

An Open Letter to the Greenwood Village City Council upon the Landmark owners to cover services to be provided by Greenwood Village for a My wife and I are Greenwood Village res- property across the street, south of East Berry idents and taxpayers who reside in the LandAvenue. From 2008-2010 we paid to Greenmark condominiums as property owners. We wood Village $207,050.60 pursuant to its tax have been at the Landmark as two of the first levy on the Landmark taxpayers and only the owner/occupants since July of 2008.

Landmark taxpayers. The East Berry propOn May 4, 2026, the Greenwood Village erty was not developed and ended up in foreCity Council rejected a request made by our closure. Landmark owners had nothing to do Councilman to include our property in trash with what happened to that property. The city collection services for which we are taxed at provided zero services for the undeveloped the same rate as all other Greenwood Village property and none were required. property owners. The Landmark continues Greenwood Village discontinued the tax in to be excluded from receiving that service. A 2011 but kept the money. Rather than being report summarizing that meeting appeared in used for the purposes for which the funds the Villager edition of May 14. 2026. The tax were intended the money was used to the benis collected, but the service is withheld. efit of all of Greenwood Village but paid for The Landmark’s 271 owners collectively solely by the Landmark owners. pay approximately $58,850 annually in propIn 2007, Greenwood Village had entered erty tax to Greenwood Village. That amount into an agreement with the developer of the covers police protection, parks and other ser- Landmark. That agreement included a revices of the city. None of those services are quirement that prospective Landmark propdenied to us. erty owners would be advised of any election When our property was being developed in conducted by a metropolitan district approved 2008, Greenwood Village imposed a mill levy by the City to issue bonded debt on our prop-

Landmark Trash

erty. The developer created the Marin Metropolitan District and held an election hidden from Landmark purchasers authorizing $20 million in bonded debt.

The Landmark owners sued in the Colorado courts to void the debt and after two district court trials, three trips to the Colorado Court of Appeals, two appearances in the Colorado Supreme Court and finally a trip to the United States Supreme Court, the Landmark defeated the bonded debt and was freed from that imposition. The courts uniformly decided that the imposed taxes were inequitable and a due process of law violation.

One councilwoman suggested at the May 4 meeting that an ordinance be passed excluding the taxpayers of the Landmark and certain other condos from receiving trash collection services provided to others in Greenwood Village, “…forever”. Fairness aside, taking a step like that would, in my opinion, be a questionable action by the City Council.

Richard Nathan Greenwood Village

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

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

Statewide primary for Colorado Republicans & Democrats is June 30 office, Congress, the state legislature, or a county office, all candidates in those contests will appear on primary ballots.

John Hickenlooper

Julie Gonzales

Background The purpose of a primary election is to narrow down the field of candidates for the general election ballot.

In Colorado, we have primary elections in each of the two major parties to identify one candidate to represent each party in the November 3 general election.

Third party and unaffiliated candidates are not included in Colorado primaries. If they meet applicable criteria, they appear on the general election ballot.

The system used for primaries is found in state statutes. In California, for example, unlike our state, the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the primary advance to the general election ballot, regardless of whether they are Democrats, Republicans, third-party candidates, or unaffiliated.

In Colorado, pursuant to a voter-approved statute passed in 2016, known as Proposition 108, eligible voters who are not affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican Party, can vote in either, but not both, of the major parties’ primaries. Those voters will receive primary ballots for both parties in their mailbox and can complete and return one or the other. They cannot split votes between the parties’ ballots, i.e., vote for a Republican for governor and a Democrat for attorney general.

Although it would be simpler if only contested races—those with more than one Democrat or one Republican competing for a spot on the November ballot---appeared on the primary ballot, that is not the case. Even if only one Democrat and one Republican are running for a statewide Jena Griswold

On the ballot For U.S. Senator, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters who choose to vote a Democratic ballot, will pick between incumbent John Hickenlooper and challenger Julie Gonzales. There is no contest for U.S. Senator on the Republican side.

Mark Baisley is the only candidate.

For the U.S. House, in Congressional District 6, incumbent Democrat Jason Crow is the only candidate in the race.

Crow has no competition on the Democratic side, and the Republican whose name is on the ballot, Mel Tewahade, withdrew from the race after ballots were printed.

In the race for Colorado governor, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters who fill out a Democratic Barbara ballot, will choose between Phil Weiser Kirkmeyer and Michael Bennet. Republicans, and unaffiliated voters who fill out a Republican ballot, will choose between Barbara Kirkmeyer, Scott Bottoms, and Victor Marx.

For Secretary of State, the Democratic ballot will contain two names, Amanda Gonzalez and Jessie Davidson, from which voters much choose. James Wiley is the only Republican seeking that office.

For Attorney General, Democrats, and unaffiliateds who vote in the Democratic primary, will choose between Jena Griswold, David Seligman, Michael Dougherty, and Hetal Doshi. Whichever candidate receives the largest number of

David Seligman

Michael Dougherty

votes moves on to the general election.

They need not get a majority, so there is no runoff.

Two Republicans are seeking the nomination for Attorney General, Michael J. Allen and David Willson.

In the race for state treasurer, there is only one Republican, Kevin Grantham, and one Democrat, Jeff Bridges, so the contest will take place in November.

There is no primary race.

In Arapahoe County, there is only one Democratic candidate for the offices of Clerk and Recorder, County Sheriff, County Treasurer, County Assessor, and County Coroner. Likewise, there is no intraparty competition on the GOP side of the ledger for those offices.

Scott Bottoms

Victor Marx

There are Democratic primary contests for Arapahoe County Commissioner in District 2, where Angela Garland is challenging incumbent Jessica Campbell; and in District 4, where Maya Wheeler is challenging incumbent Leslie Summey.

For the Republicans, Carl Schuldies is running for County Commissioner District 2 and Sonda “Sunny” Banka is the candidate for County Commissioner District 4.

There are few intraparty contests for state legislature positions but if a voter lives in one, it will be obvious when they look at their primary ballot. The same is true for the contests for C. U. Regent.

Hetal Doshi

Michael Allen

Phil Weiser

We did not consider third party or write-in candidates for this article.

Logistics and Statistics As with every election in our state since 2013, this one will be conducted by mail. Ballots will be sent to eligible voters beginning Monday, June 8. They can be returned by dropping them in an official ballot box—they are all around---or by sending them through the postal service, for which a stamp is required. Make sure you sign and date the envelope and write legibly. Every signature on every ballot is checked before it is accepted. Ballots must arrive at your county clerk by election day to be counted. Postmarks are not used.

For voters who prefer to vote in person, polling centers will be open no later

Amanda Gonzalez

Churchill Bunn, Adam Fenton Doug Elenowitz, Jason Kosena, and Charlie Hogan

Photo by Freda Miklin

are finding opportunity.”

Asked by Gounley to describe today’s renters, Hogan portrayed them as “more educated, but still as the entry level, due to the lack of affordability of homes.” He explained that young professionals who might otherwise be entry-level homebuyers were renting “out of necessity,” adding, “Our 63%

renewal rate is high because people don’t have the capital to move.”

When Gounley moved on to the question of what the multifamily sector looks like, overall, the panelists agreed that it was “broken, rents are down, and concessions are up,” though several believed that the market is starting to recover.

Jessie Danielson

than June 22. In our state, 91% of voters use their mail ballots, 9% vote at polling centers. It is well-established that voting by mail is a large factor in Colorado having one of the highest voter participation rates in the country. In the 2024 presidential election, 73% of eligible Colorado voters cast a ballot, compared to David Willson 64%, nationwide.

The State of Multifamily Development in metro Denver On May 4, Business Den hosted an in-depth discussion about multifamily development at the Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek North with five key members of the development community, Churchill Bunn, Managing Partner at Alpine Investments, Adam Fenton, Principal and Co-Founder at Narrate Holdings, Doug Elenowitz, Co-Founder and Principal at Trailbreak Partners, Jason Kosena, Chief Investment Officer at Life Bridge Capital, and Charlie Hogan, CEO at Cornerstone Apartment Services. BusinessDen editor, Thomas Gounley, served as moderator.

The forum focused on how landlords are “navigating industry headwinds and where they

Michael Bennet

One assessment was, “From 2012 to 2023, Denver was having massive growth from in-migration and job growth.

The belief was that we needed more apartments. That would have been true if we’d kept the job growth…The overlay of the regulatory environment and the erosion of job creation in Colorado is a huge issue…The leg-

islature has been anti-landlord.

Interest rates and oversupply, added to that, have created the perfect storm.”

Asked what signs they are seeing of recovery of the rental market, panelists noted that concessions are rolling off and rents, though not going up, are at least remaining flat. As a group, they said that in-migration and job growth, which are directly related to one another, are what determine the strength of the market.

Focusing on new development, Fenton said, “For a project to make sense, we have to have TIF (Tax Increment Funding) dollars in Colorado. With the clown show in state policies, it’s hard to do business here.”

Continued on page 7

May 28, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

F

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

BY FREDA MIKLIN – SENIOR REPORTER

our-day school weeks are now standard in 72% of Colorado’s 185 school districts, according to a recent report in the Colorado Sun. Most are rural, but Brighton and Pueblo schools are part of the trend. Most district officials blame the change on financial constraints.

In Alamosa and Fremont County, local governments followed suit and changed government workers’ schedules to four days a week. There is no conclusive evidence that students who attend school four days a week learn as much as those who attend five days, or that the system helps to attract and retain teachers. It is a way for school districts with limited resources to save money and administrators are trying to make the best of it.

R

_____________________________

epublican Victor Marx, candidate for the GOP nomination for Colorado Governor, has accepted his first invitation to debate his primary opponents. On June 2 at 6:00 p.m., Kyle Clark and 9News will host a debate, featuring GOP gubernatorial candidates

Barbara Kirkmeyer, Scott Bottoms, and Marx. Two days later, on June 4, Democratic candidates for the nomination for Colorado Governor, Phil Weiser and Michael Bennet, will also hold a one-hour debate at 6:00 p.m. on 9News. Both debates will be moderated by 9News’ Kyle Clark and Marshall Zelinger and will be broadcast statewide and streamed on the free 9NEWS+ app.

T

_____________________________

he City of Greenwood Village recently extended the timeline for three years for Granite Properties to build the only new office building planned in GV in recent years, a 12-story 325,000 square foot tower at 6430 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, originally approved in July 2023. Stephanie Lawrence, senior managing director at Granite, told BusinessDen that she is “optimistic that the time is coming for this new development,” but “we just asked for it too soon,” explaining that Granite needed another 12 to 18 months to secure a major tenant to anchor the building. Granite owns two other large

S

office buildings in GV.

_____________________________

B26-155 Increase Access Homeowner’s Insurance Enterprise passed in the general assembly and is awaiting signature by the governor, who urged support for the bill.

Beginning January 1, 2027, it creates an enterprise funded with a 0.5% tax on premiums collected by homeowners insurance companies in Colorado that cover hail damage to customers’ roofs. The money will be used to fund grants to Colorado residents to defray the cost of purchasing and installing roof systems that are resistant to hail damage. Insurers cannot pass the cost of the tax onto their customers. The goal is to bring down the cost of homeowners insurance by reducing payouts for hail damage to roofs.

U

_____________________________

nless you’re a federally licensed manufacturer of firearms, beginning July 1, it will be illegal in Colorado to make a gun or other firearm using a 3D printer or similar device,

under HB26-1144, signed by Gov. Polis on May 5.

H

_____________________________

B26-1011 prohibits pet stores and brokers from selling cats or dogs, beginning in 2028, to make a profit. They can display them for adoption from a shelter or rescue, but they can’t get paid for doing so. It was signed

by Gov. Polis on April 29.

S S

_____________________________ B26-117, awaiting the governor’s signature, prohibits the sale of lottery tickets by any method other than cash.

_____________________________ B26-146, also on the governor’s desk awaiting signatures, prohibits retail food establishments or third-party food delivery services from providing single-serve plastic utensils, napkins, condiment packages (ketchup, soy sauces, etc.) and the like, unless customers say they want them. Restaurants and delivery services are obliged to ask customers whether they do.

that is used by “various ColoraSupport for candidates Phil Weiser and do-based political organizations, committees, and non-profits, those involved with Michael Bennet comes from different sources particularly educational advocacy...”

BY FREDA MIKLIN SENIOR REPORTER

Since he began his campaign for governor, through April 29, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has raised $5.9 million in campaign contributions through his candidate committee, Phil Weiser for Colorado. Of that total, he has spent $3.2 million, leaving a balance of $2.7 million in the bank.

United States Senator Michael Bennet, Weiser’s opponent in the June 30 Democratic primary, has raised $4.4 million through April 29, through his campaign committee, Bennet for Governor, and spent $3.2 million of that total, leaving $1.2 million cash on hand.

Individuals are allowed to contribute no more than $725 to a candidate for governor for the primary election and an additional $725 for the general election.

Independent Expenditure Committees (IEC), commonly referred to as Super PACs, are often organized to support a particular candidate. If there is no evidence that their solicitations, expenditures, or other activities are directly coordinated with the

candidate, there is no limit on how much they can accept and spend to promote their chosen candidate. These organizations are one example of the loopholes that exist in campaign finance rules. They are different than groups that collect what is often called “dark money,” but, not necessarily. Often, the two intersect.

IECs are required to disclose their donors and the amounts they contribute. Dark money groups, estimated by the Brennan Center for Justice to have spent almost $2 billion in the 2024 election, are nonprofit organizations, often 501(c)(4)s, that are not legally required to disclose their donors.

Rocky Mountain Way (RMW) is an IEC formed, “To Primarily Support Michael Bennet for Governor.”

Fighting For Colorado (FFC) is an IEC whose stated purpose is, “To Support Candidacy of Phil Weiser for Governor of Colorado.”

Both groups have filed regular reports, as required by law, listing their donors and amounts contributed. The Villager reviewed the

Multifamily Development Continued from page 6

Fenton added, “Investors don’t want to touch Colorado. They see what is happening, politically. Palantir left. Politicians don’t care. Rental rates are driven by people and jobs coming.”

Elenowitz agreed in part about investors but said, “Denver still has great fundamentals, a highly educated workforce, and data shows pipeline delay is going away. It just depends on the project,” adding, “Overall, the state legislature’s high activity level around renting makes investors reticent, compared to other states; unintended

consequences of some of the new laws are that they actually make it worse for tenants.” He summed up the situation with, “Politically, it’s great to be protective of tenants but data shows that the easier it is to build housing, the more you get and the more affordable it is.”

Kocena agreed, adding, “Colorado is a big challenge, due to the regulatory environment. We’ve created a Rube Goldberg machine of affordable housing. How about just making it cheaper to build?

Investors look at risk-adjusted returns, that’s all. Colorado is scary because of all the legisla-

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

United States Senator Michael Bennet

Andrew Schwartzberg, a real estate professional in Bethesda, MD. But one contributor that stands out as having donated $1,050,000 to RMW between April 2025 and April 2026 is Brighter Future for Colorado, a classic example of a dark money group. The address listed for the organization on the IEC’s record is that of a modest home in Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood. The Secretary of State’s record for the organization lists its registered agent as a downtown law firm and its principal office street address as a location in the Cherry Creek area

Brighter Future for Colorado isn’t required and doesn’t report the names of its donors or the amounts they give. Its contributions to RMW are an example of how dark money gets into an IEC that supports a specific candidate. Other unidentified groups that made sizeable donations to RMW are American Opportunity Action in Washington DC and Stand for Children Inc of Portland, OR. Fighting For Colorado, the IEC supporting Weiser, has raised just over $1 million through April 29 and spent only $79,000, leaving it with a balance of $962,000.

Two local individuals, Jason Mendelson and James Kelley, donated $100,000 to FFC. Three other people gave $50,000 each, and six wrote checks for $20,000 to $25,000. There were 12 people, nearly all from Colorado, who gave $10,000. The Villager did not note any significant donations from out-of-state politicians, like Bloomberg, nor did we see any that looked like they were from a dark money group, though those are not always easy to spot.

tion.”

Bunn had another view, adding, “Proposition 123 has opened up new ways for us to participate.” (Passed in 2022 by the voters, Prop. 123 allocates around $300 million annually toward costs associated with affordable housing.)

Elenowitz also noted that multifamily developments can vary widely. He talked about Trailbreak Partners’ Kaia Residences, a 295-unit, 18-story mixed-use apartment building with a focus on health and wellness, under construction at 808 Lincoln Avenue in Denver. It is planned to include a Nordic-inspired spa, massage

and acupuncture services, and a wellness marketplace, along with a state-of-the-art fitness center and an infinity pool.

Bunn observed that, as tenants get older, people are less interested in large buildings with amenities and more interested in boutique properties “where people know their neighbors.”

In the evening of the same day as the panel discussion, the Denver City Council approved an amendment to the city’s zoning code that added 36 months to the current 30-month timeline for property owners to begin construction work, where site development plans have been approved by the city, on or

before December 31, 2025. At the hearing where the change was passed, Brad Buchanan, the city’s executive director of community planning and development told the Council that Denver is “seeking naturally occurring affordability.”

Denver has approximately 22,600 planned residential units that have approved site development plans but have not been built, due to high construction costs, high interest rates, and rental prices that have not gone up to account for those. The hope is that this extension will give the market time to get in alignment so that the approved units can be built as planned.

reports listed by both IECs. RMW has raised over $6 million and spent $1.4 million, leaving a cash balance on hand of $4.6 million, as of April 29.

It lists individual donations from former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg of $2.5 million, half of which was received in April. The Colorado Trial Lawyers Association gave RMW $125,000, and the Colorado League of Charter Schools Action donated $100,000.

RMW also lists contributions from 16 individuals, many in New York and Washington D.C., of $50,000, and $100,000 from

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

The Villager is a proud supporter of local school journalism.

It matters!

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$30 Published Quarterly

Tim Libby Retires, Closing Storied Career in Music Education

A

PETER PHILPOTT, EDITOR-INCHIEF

s a thunderous ovation boomed off the cavernous walls of Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium, band director Tim Libby led the Creek marching band on to the football field for their state finals performance, the last of the season on Oct. 25, 2025.

Atop his conductor’s chair, he directed the pit orchestra for closing night of the spring musical, Sweet Charity, on March 7.

On April 28, that same FA theater, packed to capacity, cheered him on for concert bands’ spring concert. Snapping his fingers, with a quiet countoff, he conducted the jazz bands in their last concert on May 1.

But something was different about this year’s finale performances. Libby had a special sentimental energy about him.

For the first time in his 30 year career in music education, he wouldn’t be returning to these moments.

Libby announced his retirement in Oct. 2025, making this school year the last of his distinguished tenure.

“It’s been a privilege, and it’s been a pleasure, and it’s been the greatest thing I could ever think of in my life to be doing, to be leading all these amazing people,” Libby said.

Libby has been at Creek for 26 of his 30 years teaching. He started out at Gateway, a high school in Aurora, in 1996. He took over as band director there as Jack Yonce left.

“I was just impressed with, as a first-year teacher, how ready he was,” Yonce said. “That certainly just speaks to the kind of respect he has amongst all the band directors…not only as just a really genuine person, but as a really good band director from the get-go.”

When he arrived at Creek in 2000, the band program looked completely different. Many students would take marching band as a class for a semester, then switch to a concert band class in the spring. Libby transitioned it to a setup where any one student could take a concert band class, a jazz band class, and participate in marching band extracur-

Tim Libby conducts Jazz Band A for their 2025 summer concert.

(Peter Philpott)

Libby poses with his wife, Laura Libby, with the Hollywood Sign in the background on the marching band’s trip to California in Nov. 2000, his first year at Creek. (Courtesy of Tim Libby)

ricularly while having space for a full schedule of academics, along with other opportunities to play outside of school hours.

“Those kids would finish their last May concert and wouldn’t play again until January,” Libby said. “It just really got everybody on their instruments every day, all year round, and really increased the quality.”

He’s also brought measurable success to the program, as Wind Ensemble makes state with Superior rankings each year, and the marching band has been a state finalist every year since 2018.

Students like senior Ava Kamis have taken advantage of the system Libby built. She has been in concert band all four years, played in the pit orchestra in 2026, and marched for two years before becoming a drum major as an upperclassman, one

of three student leaders of the band.

“The band program would not be a band program without Libby,” Kamis said. “Creek was not known for their music here at all until he got here and made the program way better than it was.”

Libby’s an accomplished trumpet player—he’s played in concert with Earth, Wind & Fire, Arturo Sandoval, The Four Tops, among others. He uses his experience to coach students one-on-one, like 2024 alumnus Kyle Scheerer, who played in the marching band, jazz band, concert band, and the pit. Now he’s at Montana State University, studying in their trumpet studio and marching in the “Spirit of the West” band.

“The influence and what he had me practice through the wind ensemble and the symphonic bands definitely helped

set a foundation for me to continue to grow,” Scheerer said.

“The way Libby taught me and how much influence and inspiration he gave me for wanting to keep doing trumpet has also led me to go to this university and to always pursue it as a main career.”

Many students especially like Libby for his ability to form a personal connection.

“You can be the most outstanding musician, but if you’re not genuine and you don’t have a relationship and you’re not open, then why would anybody reciprocate?” Libby said.

He does this through all the extra time spent around his students, during field trips to CSU, Disney World, Europe, and beyond. But he also does it on the daily, by telling anecdotes while teaching music.

“His personal stories open you up and make you feel more in tune to what you’re doing yourself, and to feel confident in yourself,” Kamis said. “He’s honestly the best motivational speaker.”

Junior flutist Claire Wang, who was also a drum major in marching band, has seen Libby’s leadership and teaching help students regardless of age or skill level.

“He has this really welcoming culture, and you can tell within all of the band classes, he really pushes everyone to grow,” Wang said. “And he goes out of his way to make sure that kids are doing okay.”

As Fine Arts Coordinator for five years, he had a wider influence than just the bands at Creek.

“He’s probably one of the most important people for this program,” Scheerer said. “He genuinely cares about not just the concert band side of things, but making sure that every single form of the Fine Arts is supported, including orchestra, theater, the painting arts, or anything in general.”

And as an important piece of thespian productions, he worked yearly with directors and students from choir, theater, and orchestra.

“He’s made awesome musicians, but I think he’s also helped create really amazing

Libby walks alongside the marching band at the Hollywood Christmas Parade on the band’s Nov. 2022 California field trip. (Courtesy of BPA)

Libby performs a trumpet solo at the May 1 jazz band concert, his last performance in the FA Theater. (Peter Philpott)

people,” choir director Adam Cave said. “At a place like Cherry Creek that is so big, and the…fine arts have so many just things going on, you need that rock-steady presence within the department. And I think that’s been Tim.” With so many students passing through his ensembles and classrooms, he also works with parents all the time. Emily Rissmiller, a parent of three marching band students, is the presidentelect of the Band Parents Association, who works with Libby to organize events and fundraisers.

“He sees stuff in you guys that you don’t see yet, that your parents can see,” Rissmiller said. “He’s just really good at identifying things to pull out in you that make you a better person.”

The BPA has involved the community in efforts to show appreciation to their director for his years of service. At the spring concert bands conference, they gathered videos from many people in the community, from students to alums to directors from other schools.

Libby also used that last concert as an opportunity to play some important, sentimental pieces with the Wind Ensemble . One piece was Leonard Bernstein’s “Suite From Mass,” a grand, diverse piece mixing styles, solos, and distinctive rhythms. Another was called “With Quiet Courage,” a piece his Gateway students played at his wedding.

“Clearly those pieces meant a lot to him, and I was just glad to be able to help give him a good, enjoyable last concert experience,” Wang said. “It was really good. I got pretty emotional.”

The spring band concerts were also an opportunity to introduce the new band director, Austin Jankowski, who Creek hired from Lakewood High School. Current band director Sam Hesch, alongside Jankowski, will lead Creek into a new era.

Hesch went to Campus, and though he looked forward to being taught by Libby in high school, he was zoned out of Creek and lost the opportunity. He finally fulfilled the goal of working with Libby when he was hired in 2023.

“He’s just been such an incredible mentor to myself as a teacher and a person for really my entire life… since middle school,” Hesch said.

“It’s a big honor to be able to teach with him now, especially in his last year here and his last year teaching high school.”

Hesch feels prepared for his leading role because of Libby’s mentorship.

“I definitely want to continue the excellence that Mr. Libby has worked so hard to build,” he said. “We continue the trajectory of excellence, but also adapt to new times and try new things…because we are continuously evolving.”

Libby was excited to bring Hesch here and looks forward to seeing what he can

accomplish.

“His story is awesome, I’m so glad it worked out for him to come here when we needed an assistant band director,” Libby said. “Watching him develop his teaching skills over the last three years has been really cool, and he’s going to do phenomenal things.

And while Hesch recognizes the success of Libby’s legacy, he plans on making his own mark. While Libby had the clear leading role in the past, he plans on sharing an equal role with Jankowski.

“I think we’re both very capable,” Hesch said. “I’m excited about being able to work alongside [Jankowski] and collaborate on a lot of ensembles.”

Over his career, Laura Libby, Tim’s wife, has seen him grow as a person and forge a closer and closer bond to his job and his students.

“I have always admired that he has found work that fulfills him on so many levels. Through Cherry Creek, he has built a community that wholeheartedly supports students and families, the performing arts, and education,” Laura Libby said. “It has been a joy to watch him grow as an educator and leader, celebrate meaningful successes, and form lasting relationships with colleagues who have become dear friends.”

Now, as the school year comes to a close and Libby prepares to conduct his final Creek ensemble of his career, the concert band on graduation day, he reflects with gratitude.

“It’s 30 years of my life dedicated to this craft and being very proud of the end result, but at the same time I’m sad to leave the community, sad to leave the school, sad to leave the students,” Libby said. “I couldn’t thank everybody enough for allowing me to be part of this whole process, for trusting me, for giving me the opportunities, for supporting me personally and supporting the program.”

Additional contributions

by Izzy Krauss.

above.

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

Colorado Federation of Republican Women (CFRW) hosts Spring Meeting in Lakewood Clubs from all over the state celebrate 88 years of the state organization

From Friday evening – beginning with a board meeting and Happy Hour gathering - to Sunday, CFRW members from the various Republican women’s clubs conducted business and were educated and inspired by multiple keynote speakers. Saturday’s session included a presentation by Senator Marc Catlin of the Western Slope’s SD 5 – Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose and Pitkin counties.

Membership in each individual club includes benefit membership in CFRW and National Federation of Republican Women. CFRW President Judith Jergensen’s elected officers: First VP – Holly Williams, 2nd VP – Kerry Catlin, 3rd VP –Dede Schott-Grace, 4th VP – Leanne Thompson, Secretary –Sue Johnson, Treasurer – Carla Alley.

CFRW President Judith Jergensen with Cherry Creek Republican Women President Nancy Sharpe Kennedy Glitz and glamour display offered by Republican Liberty Ladies at the Saturday morning session CFRW Courtesy Photo

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Immediate Past CFRW President Barbara Piper with Jane Sievers – Douglas County Republican Women and CFRW District IV Director Judy Allen at the Saturday evening Centennial Club reception

CFRW President Judith Jergensen with Saturday evening keynote speaker El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal and his assistant Cassandra Sebastian

CFRW Betty Chronic Memorial Scholarship winner Caroline Woodhouse, who is pursuing a Master of Public Policy degree at CU Boulder, gave her enthusiastic acceptance speech at the Sunday session

Sunday featured speakers about Islam in America and awareness Rev. Charlynne Boddie and Mary Louise Fiddler with Charlynne’s sister Shaunya

ABOVE: Amazing pieces of art created by Colorado’s own Carolyn Barlock are sold to collectors including as gifts to President Trump

RIGHT: CFRW Board Members with Sunday session speaker

TWO SCOOPS

May 28, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

A TRUE FOODIE

Y’ALL FOLLOW ALONG FOR THIS DELECTABLE JOURNEY

REVIEW OF ASH AND AGAVE RESTAURANT ashagave.com

Restaurant Reviews and Recipes with Food Columnist Jessica

jessbcarrington@gmail.com

T

he new Ash and Agave located in the Cherry Creek mall is now open offering Mexican coastal cuisine to the area.

The new space formally occupied by California Pizza Kitchen looks totally different. The restaurant is beautiful with a very fun vibe, and the menu is incredible! I was fortunate to meet Chef Cesar Lugado, when I visited. I could tell right away his passion behind the menu items and enthusiasm about the new restaurant. I knew we were in for some unique tastings.

At our lovely curved booth for four, while sipping a few cold cocktails like the prickly pear paloma and Flor de Fuego, we enjoyed several items from the mouth-watering menu starting off with samplings from their raw bar show casing baja fresh oysters, and Veracruz lobster ceviche. Next were shared items including “everything” roasted carrots, chargrilled octopus, sweet corn fritters (which are a fun cross between French fries and a funnel cake), and the dip duo. We tried a warm spinach salad, then it was on to tacos! We ordered the skirt steak Gaucho, surf and turf w/shrimp, and the tempura fried sea bass Pescado fish tacos all served with verde rice and charro beans.

Their casa birria came out next. Ours included buttered lobster, queso Oaxaca, cashew lime crema, flour tortilla, and pineapple pico which are called the Quesolangosta. Lastly, we tried a few desserts including the dulce de leche cake with their fresh homemade coconut ice cream, churros and some cheesecake. Oh, and we also ordered a couple of hot coffee drinks!

All in all, it was a truly delectable experience!

It’s hard to narrow down the favorites, but here were some of mine. Veracruz lobster ceviche made with very fresh seafood, shellfish, and clamato. All the shared items are fun. I really enjoyed the dip duo. I wish I could eat that pimento cheese/chilled chipolte queso every day alongside the guacamole, yum! The pescado taco was also a favorite with its light tempura fried sea bass, salsa limon, dressed cabbage, and corn tortilla. Oh, and a big round of applause goes to their super flavorful charro beans. So delish!! I also liked the quesolangosta birria and look forward next time to try the quesobirria which is filled with the oh so fabulous braised short rib.

There’s no doubt I’ll be back soon because I didn’t even get to the lineup of wood fired grill items which included rotisserie chicken, pacific sea bass a la Veracruz, beef short rib Barbacoa, bbq’d shrimp pastor, pork carnitas, Chicago cut filet, lamb rack & gaucho sausage plus the coal roasted sweet potato enchiladas! See what I mean about this menu? Amazing!

To make a reservation: ashagave.com.

Jessica and Chef Cesar

Photos courtesy of Joni Schrantz

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

‘This one belongs to . . .’ echoes across Burnham It was January 28, 1998.

The Broncos had won their first Super Bowl just three days earlier, and a throng estimated at 650,000 had packed downtown to cheer and honor their heroes.

Owner Pat Bowlen, the polar opposite of Dallas Cowboys self-aggrandizing Jerry Jones or bombastic George Steinbrenner of MLB’s New York Yankees, raised the Lombardi Trophy above his head and shouted to the crowd, simply, “This one’s for John.”

It seemed a gratuitous dedication at the time.

Terrell Davis had been voted the game’s most valuable player for his 157 yards on 30 carries and three touchdowns, a stunning performance compared to Elway’s 12-of-22 passing for 123 yards, no TDs, an interception and a paltry 59.1 QB Rating.

But Bowlen understood what this first Broncos Super Bowl victory meant to Elway’s stature in the game, as well as to the man personally.

Three lopsided losses in previous Super Bowls had weighed heavily on Bowlen’s quarterback. Was he really Hall of Fame material if he never won a Super Bowl?

The Broncos repeated as Super Bowl champs in 1999, and this time Elway was voted the MVP—in what turned out to be the last game of his career. His stat line: 18-of-29 for 336 yards, one TD and one INT, and a 99.2 QB Rating.

Seventeen years later, Elway became the only person in National Football League history to win a Super Bowl as both a player and a general manager when Denver, with Peyton Manning—whom Elway recruited—under center, won SB 50.

At that parade, Elway raised the Lombardi Trophy and, reciprocating his owner’s salute from 1998, shouted, “This one’s for Pat.” (Bowlen had stepped away from his team two years earlier, admitting he was suffering the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.)

This bit of Broncos history—so familiar to their avid fans—is worth recounting as new ownership takes yet another step toward construction of a new stadium at Burnham Yard to showcase the franchise that Bowlen elevated to one of the NFL’s most prestigious.

A native of Calgary, Canada, Bowlen acquired controlling interest in the Broncos from Edgar Kaiser before the 1984 season. “I want us to be No. 1 in everything,” he said

at the time. And he meant it.

When he took over, Denver had compiled a record of 143 victories, 189 losses and nine ties in 24 seasons.

In his first year as owner, the Broncos won their division with the best record in team history (13-3).

Across the next five seasons, Denver played in three Super Bowls (but lost them all by lopsided scores).

His regular-season record for three decades was 289-189, and the Broncos made it to a total of five Super Bowls, winning the last two, including the “this one’s for John” triumph.

He was a giant among National Football League owners, too—instrumental negotiating the NFL’s multimillion-dollar television contract and its labor agreement with the NFL Players Association.

And he championed what are now an array of international games. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

John Elway, himself a Hall-of-Famer, played 16 seasons for “Mr. Bowlen,” as he always called the boss. In his illustrious career, Elway passed for 51,475 yards and 300 touchdowns.

He said this the year Bowlen was enshrined in Canton: “Pat’s greatest strength, to me, was how he made you feel. He guided the organization, made decisions, listened to opinions, tried to hire the best people, and made it clear the Denver Broncos were about trying to be world champions all the time.

“But he did it while letting people do their jobs, and he made everyone feel they had a piece in it. And the credit always went to other people from him. But really, he was behind it all.”

Last November I wrote a column calling for the new Broncos home at Burnham Yard to be named Mile High Stadium—no commercial attachment with it, just the iconic name nearly everyone associates with Denver.

I now have another, Erect companion statues of Pat Bowlen and John Elway at the main entrance, each holding a Lombardi Trophy, each inscribed “This one’s for , , ,” And name the playing surface Bowlen-Elway Field, in honor of the two influential people in Broncos history. ________________ Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net.

May 28, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Colleen Costigan Crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026 at 33rd Annual Pageant Elegance, empowerment, and inspiration were center stage at the 33rd Annual Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant, where Colleen Costigan of Littleton was crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026. The pageant, held at the Mizel Arts & Cultural Center in Denver, celebrated the talent, spirit, and contributions of women aged 60 and over.

Queen Colleen’s court includes First Runner-Up Ms. Richelle Burnett (Niwot) and Second Runner-Up Ms. Kathi Baerns (Aurora). Also competing with distinction were Sandy Corrigan, Tracey Drayton, Arya Farwell, Michele Patrice Hampton, Lee Nicholson, Lori Schardt, and Charlee Ann VanderLinden.

Outgoing Queen Terrilynn Moore Smith passed the crown in an emotional and uplifting ceremony.

This year’s pageant dazzled with a wide variety of talents, including singing, dancing, comedy, harp, and air drums. Queen Colleen captivated judges and the audience with her upbeat singing to a Pat Benatar song, “Hit me with Your Best Shot.”

with confidence and purpose.

Colleen believes our later years can be our most vibrant chapterthe “You Years.”

Ms. Senior America 2024-25 Natalie OliverAtherton

Event Highlights

The pageant opened with a vibrant group dance and contestant introductions. Debra LaRoche Walls (Ms. Senior America 2022/23) and Joey Santos (Santos Designs) served as co-emcees, guiding the event with charm and humor.

Contestants competed in four judged categories: Interview (held the day prior), Philosophy of Life, Talent, and Evening Gown. The first act closed with the Belle Donne Dancers performing to “Can’t Stop the Feeling” in sparkling sequin jackets, while the second act featured a First RunnerUp Ms. Richelle Burnett (Niwot)

Colleen Costigan (Littleton) Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026 Second Runner-Up Ms. Kathi Baerns (Aurora)

About Colleen Costigan

For 35 years she worked as an organizational consultant with Fortune 100 companies, helping executives lead through change while raising two children adopted from China as a single mother. In Colleen’s 60’s, after a profound period of personal transformation, her life took an exciting turn. She discovered her love for singing. Today she is the lead singer of a rock band. During this same time, she trained in hypnotherapy and now she helps women break free from limiting beliefs so they can live

tambourine performance by the Ms. Colorado Senior America Ragtimers to “Maple Leaf Rag.” The event was proudly hosted by the Ms. Colorado Senior America Club, under the leadership of René Green, Colorado State Pageant Administrator. The production was brought to life by a dedicated team, including Carol Swanson (Production Manager, Ms. Colorado Senior

America 2009), Judy Rowe (Technical Director), and Yvonne Guzman-Rodriguez (Judges Chair), and Terri Mongait (Program Book), and with support from Annette Germinario and the Colorado Club.

Esteemed judges for the 2026 competition included Debra Gallegos, Kelle Hand, Johnny Nichols, Jr, Borris Powell, and Virginia Quinones. The national

Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026 Colleen Costigan

Ms. Senior America 2015 Dr. Barabara Mauldin

anthem was performed by Natalie Oliver-Atherton, Ms. Senior America 2024/2025, setting a patriotic tone for a powerful and moving afternoon.

A Celebration of Women of the “Age of Elegance”

Now in its 33rd year, the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant is more than a competition—it is a celebration of life, legacy, and the enduring strength of women. The 2026 theme, “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” reflected the energy, humor, and grace of the contestants and their stories.

The pageant is a program of the Ms. Colorado Senior America Club, a charitable performance group that brings entertainment and joy to communities across the Denver Metro Area.

To learn more about the organization, the Cameo Club, and Queen Colleen’s journey, visit FaceBook Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant or www.colo sramerica.com.

Ms. Senior America 2022-23 Debra LaRoche Walls

What’s Next for Queen Colleen

Queen Colleen made her first public appearance at the Cancer League of Colorado’s Hope Ball and will participate in the Commerce City Memorial Day Parade. In October, she will proudly represent Colorado at the Ms. Senior America 2026 National Pageant, held at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

These remarkable women are living proof that age is not a limitation—but a launchpad. Their vitality, talent, and community spirit inspire all generations and remind us that the best may still be yet to come.

Women interested in becoming contestants for the 2027 Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant (not too early)are encouraged to contact René Green at 720-384-6249 or renemcsap@ gmail.com. Learn more on Facebook at Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant or online at ColoSrAmerica.com.

Photos by Emmanuel Jeanmarie

L to R:

CONGRATULATIONS COLLEEN COSTIGAN MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA 2026

Women interested in becoming contestants for the 2027 Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant (not too early) are encouraged to contact René Green at 720-384-6249 or renemcsap@gmail.com. Learn more on Facebook at Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant or online at ColoSrAmerica.com.

LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

COURTS DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: MELANIE ZOE RASCON, ISAI ALONZO RASCON, MICHAELA DALETT RASCON, AND ARLETT MARIE CASTRO RASCON, Children

MICHELLE RASCON, JUAN CASTRO-SERRANO, PAUL MERCADO ARAMBULA, MANUEL QUIROZ AND JOHN DOE, Respondents Madeline Doerr, Reg. #60483 Assistant County Attorney Office of the County Attorney Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 mdoerr@arapahoegov.com Case Number: 25JV347 Division: 22 NOTICE OF DEFAULT

and concerning,

ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING RESPONDENT, JOHN DOE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding Respondent, JOHN DOE is set on JUNE 15, 2026, at 10:30 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

A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE AMENDING SECTION 16-

6-120 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING NONCONFORMING FENCES, GARDEN WALLS, AND PERIMETER WALLS TO ALLOW EXISTING LEGALLY NONCONFORMING FENCES ADJACENT TO STATE HIGHWAYS TO BE

REPLACED AS LONG AS THE REPLACEMENT FENCE DOES NOT EXCEED THE EXISTING FENCE’S HEIGHT OR OPACITY OR REDUSE THE SETBACK OF THE EXITING FENCE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS 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 28, 2026 Legal # 31384 ________________________

SPECIAL DISTRICTS NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OF 2024 AND 2025 BUDGETS EAST VIRGINIA VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., that the necessity may arise for the East Virginia Village Metropolitan District (“District”) to further amend its 2024 and 2025 budgets. Copies of the proposed 2024 and 2025 amended budgets (if necessary) are on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, Simmons & Wheeler, P.C., 304 Inverness Way South, Suite 490, Englewood, CO 80112, where the same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2024 and 2025 amended budgets will be considered at a meeting to be held via Zoom on June 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2024 and 2025 amended budgets, inspect the 2024 and 2025 amended budgets and file or register any objections thereto.

Meeting / Zoom access information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86267550643?pwd=ob58I9fJoW6959PUJv CKVBYOhm4bvO.1 Meeting ID: 862 6755 0643 Passcode: 987572 Dial In: 1-719-359-4580 EAST VIRGINIA VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT /s/ Elisabeth A. Cortese Attorney for District Published in The Villager Published: May 28, 2026 Legal # 31385 ________________________ NOTICE AS TO AMENDMENT OF 2024 BUDGET

2594 887 9073 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).

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

Respectfully submitted May 24, 2026.

Madeline Doerr, #60483 Assistant County Attorney 14980 East Alameda Drive, Aurora, CO 80012 Published in The Villager Published: May 28, 2026 Legal # 31383 ________________________

Miscellaneous

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE ORDINANCE 4, SERIES 2026

smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •https://judicial.webex.com/ meet/D18-ARAP-Div22 •Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

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

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

RIVERWALK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2 ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that the necessity may arise for the amendment of the 2025 budget of the Riverwalk Metropolitan District No. 2. Copies of the proposed 2025 amended budget are on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, Marchetti & Weaver, LLC, 245 Century Circle, Suite 103, Louisville, Colorado 80027, where same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2025 amended budget will be considered at a regular meeting to be held Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., via video/teleconference. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 amended budget, inspect the 2025 amended budget and file or register any objections thereto.

For a link to the videoconference, email cwill@specialdistrictlaw.com.

To attend via telephone, dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter the following additional information: Meeting ID: 883 3691 8807 Passcode: 179025 RIVERWALK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2 /s/ Paula J. Williams McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C. Attorneys for the Districts Published in The Villager Published: May 28, 2026 Legal # 31386 ________________________

NOTICE TO MOTHER BY PUBLICATION LEGAL NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF E.S. 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 First Publication: May 19, 2026 Last Publication: June 4, 2026 Legal # 5019_ ADOPTION OF E.S. ________________________ DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard

Determinations for the City of Cherry Hills Village, Arapahoe County, Colorado, Case No. 25-08-0275P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/ fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp , or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877336-2627).

Published in The Villager First Publication: May 28, 2026 Last Publication: June 4, 2026 Legal # 31382

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

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

May 28, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

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 303-488-0018

open to citizens from any county. Go to jobs.ArapahoeCo.gov or call 303-7954511

SECOND ANNUAL AMERICA’S MILITARY HEROES GOLF EVENT MON., JULY 27, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course benefiting Semper Fl and America’s Fund. Be a golfer, non-golfer, sponsor a hole or District Challenge. Call 301-404-2706 or militaryheroesgolf@gmail.com

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

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, 720-313-9741.

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

WHAT’S NEW? ARAPAHOE COUNTY HIRING BIPARTISAN ELECTION JUDGES For the June & Nov. elections. Flexicle schedules, variety of positions open,

“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 RESTAURANT 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. 720-464-3819.

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. 303-758-0999.

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. 719-992-0127. www.aislynderm.com “We Do It All.” JOSHUA TREE EXPERTS CERTIFIED ARBORISTS Schedule a Winter Arborist Inspection to develop a tree care plan for the winter time.303-229-8777. www. joshuatreeexperts.com/denver-south-co 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.

THE AUDIOLOGY METHOD

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. 303761-7477.

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

2026 Mazda CX-50 Turbo AWD impresses on crowded Memorial Day highways Summer highways were packed over the Memorial Day weekend, with more Americans traveling by automobile than perhaps at any other time in history.

But anyone fortunate enough to be behind the wheel of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Turbo AWD had to be a happy driver.

Mazda has built a remarkable automobile with the CX-50. It combines sporty performance, luxury appointments, mountain-ready all-wheel drive capability and an overall five-star safety rating — an achievement not often found in a vehicle that also delivers this much driving excitement.

The test vehicle arrived in an attractive metallic blue exterior with a black leather-trimmed interior that gives the cabin an upscale appearance well beyond its competitive price range. Built in Madison, Alabama, the CX-50 is powered by a Japanese-built 2.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a Japanese transmission that delivers strong acceleration and smooth performance.

Paddle shifters add to the sporty

personality, and this is a vehicle that can move quickly and confidently down Colorado highways.

The CX-50 rides on aggressive 20-inch alloy wheels and delivers a firm, controlled highway feel. The handling inspires confidence, especially in mountain driving conditions and during fast interstate travel.

Inside, Mazda engineers have created a driver-friendly cockpit loaded with thoughtful touches. One of the most impressive features is the Active Driving Display projected onto the windshield, allowing drivers to monitor speed and navigation information without taking their eyes off the road. In a vehicle with this much performance, that becomes a valuable safety feature.

The 12-speaker Bose sound system produces rich audio throughout the cabin, while the cleverly designed smartphone charging compartment tucked beneath the center console is one of the most unique storage ideas on the market. The phone remains hidden securely out of sight, reducing distractions and adding

protection against theft.

Safety remains one of the CX-50’s strongest selling points.

Side-curtain airbags, multiple driver-assistance systems and a long list of advanced safety technologies helped earn its top safety ratings. Heated exterior mirrors, heated windshield wiper areas and all-wheel drive capability make this Mazda especially well-suited for Colorado winters and mountain travel.

One observation continues to surface, however, not only with Mazda but with many foreign-built vehicles. Colorado highways are increasingly rough and worn, and American drivers generally place heavier demands on suspension systems than roads in Asia may require. While the CX-50 handles well, it could benefit from a slightly heavier suspension system better suited to punishing Western roads and larger American driving loads.

That is constructive advice for many foreign manufacturers competing in the United States market.

Still, modern automobiles

have become remarkably refined, and Mazda engineers deserve considerable credit for producing such a balanced vehicle. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of approximately $42,900 fully equipped, the CX-50 Turbo AWD represents a highly competitive value considering the luxury equipment, Bose sound system, advanced safety technology and premium finishes included.

By H. Throttle

Over time, drivers become genuinely fond of this automobile. It feels dependable, athletic and comfortable — a good friend on the open road. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Turbo AWD is one of the more impressive automobiles on the market today and leaves a lasting impression long after the drive is over.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • May 28, 2026

money sense

5 rules for investing in retirement Managing your portfolio with new risks and priorities in mind takes careful planning and regular monitoring.

Here are tips from Merrill on how to get started.

Heads up: Investing in retirement is not the same as investing for retirement.

All the smart strategies you used to accumulate enough for retirement will likely need adjusting as you enter the next chapter of your life.

Think of it as a shift in perspective from investing for the really long term to being much more prepared for shorter-term risks. “If anything, investing in retirement is a bit more complex, given the variety of potential risks and uncertainties,” says Anil Suri, a managing director in the Chief Investment Office (CIO) for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank.

So where do you begin? It can start with a thorough portfolio review with your advisor, ideally at least three years before you retire. After you retire, plan to revisit your portfolio quarterly and keep these five investing guidelines in mind.

1. Review your asset allocation with new risks in mind.

In mid-career, you could afford to be aggressive with your portfolio. When you are drawing down those assets after you retire and have less time to recover from market drops, a more conservative approach may make sense.

Still, being too conservative heightens the risks of outliving your money and failing to keep pace with cost-of-living increases. Consider that even a modest annual inflation rate of 2.5% would erode the spending power of a dollar by 46% over a 25-year period, according to calculations by the CIO. Ask your advisor whether your current fixed income and dividend stock investments are sufficient to supply you with the income you will need, given the potential for inflation and market volatility. Will your current asset allocation provide enough potential growth to cover another 20 years or more? Finding the right balance for your personal situation is key.

2. Prioritize your immediate cash needs.

If your noninvestment income (Social Security, a pension, income from a part-time job) covers all or most of your essential expenses — healthcare, housing and so on — you can take on more investing risk. If not, you may want to have more of your investments in lower-risk assets, such as U.S. Treasuries, high-grade corporate bonds or annuities.

“You want a high level of certainty around the investments that are supporting your essential lifestyle,” Suri says. “Beyond that, you need to pursue more growth.” Keep in mind that you may end up spending more than you anticipated in retirement. Some 45% of retirees report spending more than they had expected, according to the 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefits Research Institute and Greenwald Research.1 3. Do not abandon stocks.

While stocks are susceptible to shortterm price swings, they also give you the best chance of staying ahead of inflation and helping your money last. While you may have previously felt comfortable with an aggressive equity allocation, you and your advisor could now find that a more balanced allocation, say 50% to stocks and 50% to bonds, offers the greatest likelihood of providing you with the growth you need, according to the CIO. An all-cash portfolio leaves you at greater risk of running out of money.

4. Prepare for volatility, especially early in your retirement.

Volatility can be especially damaging early in retirement. When you are investing for retirement, you are likely contributing regularly to your retirement plan. Once you retire, however, you are not only withdrawing funds, but you are also no longer making fresh contributions.

You need to guard against what is called sequence of returns risk. It is what happens when a steep market drop in the first few years of retirement forces you to draw down stocks at depressed prices. Withdrawing more than you had intended could have an outsized impact on your remaining wealth. Having cash and short-term bonds on hand can help you navigate down markets, says Nevenka Vrdoljak, a managing director in the CIO. “Adding more guaranteed income could also help minimize sequence of returns risk,” she adds.

5. Stick to your plan — and review it regularly.

Creating a solid retirement investment strategy is one thing. Sticking to it is another, and our emotions can sometimes cause us to act too hastily when markets get volatile, particularly in retirement. In fact, because investors tend to buy and sell at inappropriate times, their actual returns often lag the overall market.

An advisor can help you avoid emotional mistakes, and reviewing your plan regularly with your advisor can also help you feel more in control. “One of the greatest threats to a secure retirement is the failure to have a plan,” Vrdoljak says. Developing a retirement investing plan — and sticking to it — may be the most important rule there is.

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

1

EBRI and Greenwald Research, “2025 Retirement Confidence Survey,” 2025.

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

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

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

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

This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.

The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics.

CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered brokerdealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

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

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