6-5-25 Villager by The Villager

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The Power of Kindness

I had a long to-do list and only a few hours to complete many tasks. I was stressed when the light turned red, when someone took too long to make a turn, when I could not find a parking spot close to the building, and when the checkout lady at the Dollar Store was grumpy and slow. My stress level was out of control.

Stress is unavoidable, stemming from too much to do, too little time, work pressures, family responsibilities, financial concerns, or unexpected life changes. While a certain level of stress can motivate us and help us perform under pressure, chronic stress can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function. Research has shown that kindness is a simple yet powerful antidote to stress.

Kindness, whether received or given, has a remarkable effect on reducing stress levels. Performing acts of kindness, such as holding the door for someone, offering a compliment, volunteering, or simply listening attentively, triggers physiological responses that counteract stress. When we are kind, our brain releases “feel-good” chemicals such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. These neurochemicals lower cortisol, the primary hormone associated with stress. Oxytocin, called the “love hormone,” is critical for reducing stress and enhancing social bonds. It helps lower blood pressure and decrease anxiety. When we help others, even in small ways, oxytocin levels rise, fostering emotional warmth and relaxation. This biological response explains why people often feel happier and more fulfilled after doing something kind.

Additionally, kindness can help shift our focus away from personal worries. When we engage in compassionate behavior, our attention moves outward toward the needs of others. This redirection breaks the cycle of rumination that often fuels stress. Studies also show that people who practice kindness regularly experience greater resilience when facing challenges. Kindness builds and strengthens social networks, which are essential for emotional support. Knowing that we have a community to rely on during tough times can significantly reduce our perception of stress.

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming to be effective. A smile, a word of encouragement, or

a quick text to check in on someone can make a meaningful difference. These small moments of kindness add up and create a more positive, less stressful environment for both the giver and the receiver.

I understand this research; I study this stuff. I realized I was about to blow a gasket when the lady at the Dollar Store tested my patience. I paused, took a deep breath, and tried to find something redeeming about this grumpy, unprofessional cashier. I asked her about her multicolored, oversized beaded necklace. She grabbed her beads and eagerly shared that the necklace was a gift made by her granddaughter. Her

grumpy demeanor vanished, and she became engaged and pleasant. We made eye contact and both smiled at each other. That exchange not only changed her attitude, but it also calmed me down. I left the store with a bit of a spring in my step. The small, intentional act of kindness transformed us both.

While stress is inevitable, kindness offers a simple and accessible tool for relief. By cultivating a habit of kindness, we improve the world for others while protecting and nurturing our mental health. In a fast-paced environment where stress often prevails, kindness serves as a powerful, natural remedy, demonstrating that sometimes the best way to help ourselves is by helping others. joneen@narme.org

Supporting Free Enterprise: Honoring Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

50 years ago, in 1975, I joined a group of 13 American journalists in an exchange goodwill mission to the Soviet Union.

The Vietnam War was going badly, and North Vietnam’s forces would soon occupy South Vietnam as our American army fled the country.

I was a nobody from a small western slope community of Craig, but I was mayor of the town and owned the local newspa per.

I applied for the ex change trip after Linden Blue, CEO of the Cessna airplane factory in Wich ita, Kansas came to Craig to address our Chamber of Commerce. He had been to the USSR and mentioned the upcoming journalist exchange. His mother, Virginia Blue, was from Meeker, and she was elected Colorado Trea surer from 1967 to 1970, and he had deep Colorado roots. I visited with him about the Russian ex change, and he told me to send him a resume and he would submit my name. To my great surprise I was selected as one of the 13 delegates to join some big name newspaper folks like James Hoge, editor of the Chicago Sun-Times; Nancy Jackson, Professor of Journalism at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, and Brandt Ayres, Editor and Publisher of The Anniston Star in Alabama, The list included a delegate from the Portland Maine Press-Herald, Ernie Stalwart, who became my roommate on the trip.

The mindset I brought back home was a deep respect for our Constitution, our religious freedoms and churches. The communists at that time only worshiped Lenin, whose photo was everywhere, and his body was on display in Red Square with huge lines passing his tomb every day. I gained

BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER

today is somewhat like 1975 with bad relationships, nuclear threats, and the raging war in Ukraine. In watching the Nov. 7 parade from the wall of the Kremlin Red Square at -20 below zero I concluded then, and now, that we don’t want a war with the Russians. Putin would of course like to recapture the rich grain fields of Ukraine, but mistakenly

ton Chamber, as well as the Aurora Chamber.

More recently we were the invited guests at the The 69th Annual Aurora Chamber Awards Banquet April 11 at the Aurora Hyatt Hotel, adjacent to the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Vic Evans

Others included Elizabeth Dowling from The Charlotte Observer and Christine Black, Washington correspondent for The Lowell Sun, John Kolbe, editor of The Phoenix Gazette, and Jeanie Sadler from The Baltimore Maryland Sun who was beautiful, and the Russians immediately had her on TV with many ugly questions about race relations in the United States. She handled herself very well and was a big hit on the trip dining nightly with the Russians. We spent six weeks touring the vast Soviet empire, including Siberia, but we did not go to Ukraine or Crimea.

Russians considered these states as a vacation spot on the Black Sea, with their grain flowing from the rich Ukraine farmlands.

an even higher respect for our free enterprise system and private ownership of property and small busi nesses. I became a stronger supporters of Chamber of Commerce organizations. Chambers promote and sup port all business operations and ownership. Everything in the USSR in 1975 was totally operated, owned, and run by the Communist Party, many members of which became wealthy oligarchs when the USSR collapsed under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan. The situation with Russia

honoring our local Chamber of Commerce organizations, but chambers are so important to our American way of life. The Villager newspaper is proud to be a Platinum member of the South Denver Metro Chamber led by Jeff Keener. We also support the new leadership of Korri Lundock at the Little-

We were the guests of Vic and Sharon Evans where Vic was named the “Businessperson of The Year.” The couple are owners of Advantage Security, a 600 plus employee firm protecting retail and commercial properties in Aurora and the metro area. Founding the firm 30 years ago, Vic and Sharon, along with family members, have been very successful entrepreneurs and strong supporters of The Aurora Chamber of Commerce. The 69-yearold organization is vital to the Aurora community, led by new President and CEO Naomi Colwell. It was a great evening of awards and the free enterprise system honoring leadership and business acumen. Vic and Sharon have lived in Greenwood Village for many years, and we have become good friends. Vic is an avid Villager reader, and I first met Sharon delivering a missed newspaper to her front door years ago. Their daughter Jennifer assists in the business operation and was very cordial to Gerri and myself at the dinner. Friends of Nursing icon Rick Crandell was dinner master-of-ceremony. Rick was a longtime radio personality and founder of the Colorado Freedom Memorial honoring nearly 6,500 Coloradoans who have given their lives in military service. Rick kept the evening awards program lively with video presentations of each award winner. I sat by Vic who is such a wonderful person, no wonder he has been honored as “Business Person of The Year.” Many of his staff were present honoring the couple and they have earned high respect from their employees.

We were honored to be present at the dinner and to salute the Evan’s family and the award winners featured in this week’s Villager.

See the Aurora Chamber and South Metro Denver Chamber award winners on pages 12 thru 16.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com

Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 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

Reverend

Vic and his wife Sharon, co-founders of Advantage Security

Elevated 60+ Active Living in Centennial

Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer

Department of Local Affairs. Despite the Democrat majority, she managed to pass 49 bills on economic/personal freedom and safety including one that e than five

Candidates: Marsha Berzins running for Aurora City Council, Curt Samuelson running for Littleton City Council and Robyn Carnes running for reelection to Centennial City Council

Sheriff Darren Weekly is keynote at Douglas County Republican Women

and what God has for me right now,” he said. The values of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are: HONOR* SERVICE * VALOR. Its vision: The leader in Courageous and Compassionate our unwavering commitment ro safeguard life, rights and property while enforcing the law fairly. There are 3,000 sheriff’s offices in the country. The Douglas County Sheriff’s office is “Triple Crown” accredited, as awarded by the Commission on the Accreditation

American Correctional Associa tion, and the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare. The “Triple Crown” distinction is so rare that since the establishment of law enforcement that answers to the people. Sheriffs are responsible

proud of his remarkable staff, the fire helicopter on call 24/7 and the quick turnaround time of the DNA testing in the county’s own crime lab. “Unlike Denver and Aurora, if there’s a report, we show up!”

DCRW President Deborah Mulvey, Douglas County Citizenry Founder Deborah Flora (who spoke on Douglas County Home Rule), Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly, Colorado Federation of Republican Women President Judith Jergensen

State

Antonette Smith is presented a sparkler for her birthday by CCRW President Dorothy Gotlieb

Auction Chair Antonette Smith and Wine Pull Sponsor Cate Jenkins Jill Pedicord Peterson and Jane Siekmeier

Auction Chair (DCRW’s main fundraiser this year) and DCRW 1st VP Holly Kluth was highest bidder for an auction gift from Carla’s A Classic Design

State Senator John Carson (SD 30) gives a report on the latest session

6 early signs of hearing loss.

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Difficulty following conversations

You have difficulty understanding conversations in noisy backgrounds.

Difficulty locating sounds

You have difficulty locating where sounds are coming from.

Phone conversations are unclear

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Signs of tinnitus

You experience ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (called tinnitus).

People seem to be mumbling

You frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves.

Turning up the TV too loud

Your friends and family say you turn the television up too loud.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, why not book a free hearing test* with HearingLife?

GREENWOOD VILLAGE IS NOW OPEN

BY FREDA MIKLIN

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I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college. I am a 9-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.

Greenwood Village wants club members to know nothing will change at Greenwood Athletic Club when it takes over ownership

In just under five years, on March 1, 2030, the City of Greenwood Village will become the owner of Club Greenwood, formerly Greenwood Athletic Club. The club is planned to continue to be operated by the Greenwood Athletic Club Metropolitan District (GACMD) through a management company, just as it has for the past 20 years. What will be different is that the City of Greenwood Village will be the owner of this private, for-profit business that competes with other private, for-profit businesses located in its boundaries.

At the regular GV City Council meeting on May 5, when the topic of the operation of Club Greenwood after March 1, 2030 came up in connection with a proposed Fourth Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with GACMD, under which the club is operated, no one on the Council questioned whether it is appropriate for the city to own a private, for-profit business that competes with similar private, for-profit businesses in the City, e.g., Colorado Athletic Club at 5555 DTC Parkway.

It is also notable that members of Club Greenwood are entitled to receive

$550 annually from GV’s Recreation Reimbursement Program because it is located inside a metro district.

No other private athletic club in GV can offer that benefit to its members.

Club Greenwood, at 5801 S. Quebec Street, was founded in July 1987 and was transferred to the newly formed GACMD in 2004.

At that time, the IGA between GACMD and the City of Greenwood Village was entered into that included the planned “transfer of the property owned by GACMD to the City of Greenwood Village, free and clear of all debt and encumbrances, on March 1, 2030.”

The staff report prepared by GV City Attorney Tonya Haas Davidson for the mayor and city council on May 5, 2025, in connection with the proposed Fourth Addendum to the IGA, says, in part, “Currently, the Club serves approximately 7,000 members with a staff of about 300, all of whom work for the management company that has been operating the Club for the past two decades.”

Ms. Haas Davidson’s memo also states that the IGA “contains no language regarding continuity of service,” when the transfer to

The club is planned to continue to be operated by the Greenwood Athletic Club Metropolitan District (GACMD) through a management company, just as it has for the past 20 years. What will be different is that the City of Greenwood Village will be the owner of this private, for-profit business that competes with other private, for-profit businesses located in its boundaries.

the City occurs on March 1, 2030,” so, “To provide a seamless transfer of ownership while maintaining continuity in service provision for the thousands of members and hundreds of employees, the proposed changes to the IGA and Service Plan will allow the District to continue operations and maintenance as it has for the past 20 years without interruption by leasing the Club back from the City immediately upon transfer of ownership.”

The proposed lease between the City and GACMD that is planned to go into effect when the transfer of the club occurs on March 1, 2030, was attached to and made part of the addendum.

Under that lease, beginning March 1, 2030, GACMD will pay the City base rent of $167,000 per month “plus 90% of the prior quarter’s cash flow, as defined in the lease, resulting from business conducted in, upon or from the premises during the prior fiscal quarter, plus reimburse the City on an annual basis for amounts paid by the City to its residents for use of the premises in accordance with the City’s Recreation Reimbursement Program.”

There was some discus-

sion by council members, including Judith Hilton, about postponing the vote on May 5 to allow the city council more time to review the documents, but, in the end, they voted unanimously to approve the Fourth Addendum to the IGA as it had been presented to them “so that membership and employees would know that the operation of the club would remain the same,” according to the minutes of the meeting, despite the fact that the transfer is still nearly five years away.

The website of the Special District Association of Colorado lists the current board members of GACMD as Bradley G. Rhodes, John A. Madden, Scott Schley, John Kucera, and Vincent Donahue. Currently, the City appoints three of the five members of the board of GACMD and the Madden organization chooses the other two. After March 1, 2030, GV will have the sole right to name all the members of that board.

GV Mayor explains why his city is suing the State of Colorado

We reported last week about the lawsuit filed against Governor Polis and the State of Colorado on May 19 by six front-range Colorado cities, led by Greenwood Village, questioning the constitutionality of HB24-1313 Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities, designed to increase the supply of housing in cities within a metropolitan planning organization that has a population of 4,000 or more and at least 75 acres of transit area, and HB241304 Minimum Parking Requirements, designed to remove minimum parking requirements for multi-family housing in cities within a metropolitan planning organization and an applicable transit service area.

Bob Sweeney, publisher of The Villager, and this reporter sat down with GV Mayor George Lantz on May 29 to gain a more in-

The City objects to the overarching statement in the law that says, “The general assembly finds…that the lack of housing supply… requires a statewide solution.” One reason is that GV believes it isn’t even clear that there is a statewide problem that needs solving. The mayor explained, “The bill says there are between 65,000 and 90,000 housing units required (to keep pace with current population growth). There are 106,000 in the pipeline (approved but not built yet) in Arapahoe County alone.” – Mayor George Lantz

depth understanding of the City’s position. When we asked Mayor Lantz why Greenwood Village filed the lawsuit, he said, “As you know, we’ve been talking about home rule for the past three years, since the governor started down this path. You and I both worked on the Board

of Adjustments and Appeals and Planning and the Zoning Commission (the mayor and I served on those boards together for more than a dozen years) to have a say and keep the character of our city the way it was, that caused us both to decide to live here. We chose Greenwood Village because

and felt. For someone from outside our city to tell us that we have to change its character is contrary to the (state) Constitution. We (the city council) feel an obligation to protect our citizens. We (believe), as a city council, we took an oath to protect the Constitution, and that’s what we’re doing.”

The City objects to the overarching statement in the law that says, “The general assembly finds…that the lack of housing supply…requires a statewide solution.” One reason is that GV believes it isn’t even clear that there is a statewide problem that needs solving. The mayor explained, “The bill says there are between 65,000 and 90,000 housing units required (to keep pace with current population growth). There are 106,000 in the pipeline (approved but not built yet) in Arapahoe County alone. If you go north toward Thornton, they are building everywhere.”

The mayor also believes that the state demographer’s projection of 1,700,000 more Colorado residents by 2050 is not accurate. He explained, “I’ve sat in a meeting where they’ve said

Continued on page 10

Greenwood Village Mayor George Lantz

BY FREDA MIKLIN

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Continued from page 9

that the population has only grown by 15,000 people because the outflux was greater than the people coming in and the people born here,” adding, “The state demographer said the only reason we’d have any real increase is because of the influx of illegal aliens being shipped up here from Texas.” He agreed that that activity has probably slowed down considerably, but pointed out, “If it has slowed down and that’s the reason there was any increase in the state’s population at all, that means the state population is going to decrease.”

Mayor Lantz continued, “The other issue is affordability, and none of these bills (HB24-1313 and HB24-1304) have anything to do with affordable housing…So it’s going to be market-rate housing.”

When Bob Sweeney said, “I think the state is going to grow a lot. Everybody wants to live here,” the mayor responded, “I think it also depends on the business climate,” adding, “The rules and regulations and taxing structure has moved Colorado from being a desirable business location to less than average.”

We asked Mayor Lantz whether he was concerned about the “missing middle” of housing in GV, where the median price for a single-family home is $1.5 million and much of the remaining residential property is comprised of apartments in buildings that are, on average, 22 years old.

Noting that condominiums often serve as middle housing, the mayor pointed out that condominiums have barely been built statewide for several years due to the construction defects law that has resulted in insurance being unaffordable or unattainable for condo builders. When we mentioned HB25-1272 Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing bill, a new law to address that problem recently signed by Gov. Polis, the mayor told us, “All the experts say it isn’t going to do anything” to increase the number of condos or townhomes being built.

We wanted to know whether he thought the City should address the limited housing options for young families and empty nesters in GV. Mayor Lantz told us, “We are an eight-square-

mile city surrounded by Denver, Centennial, Englewood, and Littleton. We are not going to be all things to all people.”

We wondered why other cities, such as Centennial, Lone Tree, and Littleton, were not also plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the State. Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter told us that the question was put to his city council and they declined. The City of Centennial told The Villager that it is “currently reviewing the documents filed with the court, and City Council will be briefed at their June 3 meeting,” but, “The City of Centennial opposed the legislation being challenged by the communities and agree that the Bills are unconstitutional and preempted by the municipalities’ home rule authority under Article XX §6 of the Colorado Constitution.” We did not receive an update on the question of whether Centennial plans to join the lawsuit prior to press time. Lone Tree officials were out of the office and not available to respond.

Letter sent to GV residents

A letter mailed to all GV residents from the mayor and city council on May 19 notifying them of the lawsuit said, “HB24-1313 requires 32 local governments located along the Front Range to change their transit area zoning to permit a minimum density of 40 dwelling units per acre—a number that, if met, would increase GV’s population from 15,691 to 75,000.”

On May 20, The Villager asked the City how that number was calculated. They told us that HB241313 “demands that cities rezone…all areas within a half-mile of light rail stations and the transit corridor of Yosemite Street (to) accommodate 40 dwelling units per acre,” and that requirement is not limited to “currently vacant land,” thus, “For example, residential neighborhoods such as those within a half mile of the transit area near Yosemite and Union would be required to be upzoned from 4 dwelling units per acre (R-.25) to 40 DUs per acre.”

Using the distance of one-half mile from the Belleview, Orchard, and Arapahoe Light Rail Stations, combined with Yosemite

We wanted to know whether (Mayor Lantz) thought the City should address the limited housing options for young families and empty nesters in GV. Mayor Lantz told us, “We are an eightsquare-mile city surrounded by Denver, Centennial, Englewood, and Littleton. We are not going to be all things to all people.”

Street, to land within GV’s borders, and assuming those areas would all be rezoned to allow 40 dwelling units per acre, regardless of what is built there presently, the City calculated that the language of HB24-1313 would force GV to add 25,853 permitted dwelling units within its boundaries. At 2.3 persons per dwelling unit, that “would result in an additional 59,462 residents (added to the current population of 15,691).

Currently, Greenwood Village has 6,800 dwelling units and virtually no undeveloped land in any residential zone district in its boundaries.

We asked the mayor if the Department of Local Affairs, which is named as administering HB24-1313, expects, for example, a 2-acre lot in the Greenwood Hills neighborhood that has a home on it but happens to be within a half-mile of the Belleview Light Rail station, to be rezoned to allow 80 housing units under the language of HB24-1313. He responded, “They told us they expect that to happen,” adding, “If we follow the law as it is written, those

are the numbers that you get.”

We wanted to know if private property owners could prevent the City from rezoning their property to a residential zone district completely different than the one it was presently in and being used for, e.g., Fiddler’s Green. The mayor said, “You’re (the cities) required to rezone it.”

He also pointed out that, in many cases, the infrastructure for water and other utilities could be insufficient to allow the construction that would accompany the new zoning. HB24-1313 states that transit-oriented communities can “enforce infrastructure standards in local law that result in the denial…of permits or approvals for specific housing projects,” but even that language does not keep an area from being rezoned. It would merely allow the city to deny applied-for building permits after the upzoning was in place.

The Villager pointed to another exception in the statute that “allows a high amount of zoning capacity in one transit area, while allowing a very low amount of or no zoning capacity in another transit area.” Mayor Lantz conceded that GV could rezone to allow, for example, 80 dwelling units per acre in one location so it could have zero in another, but emphasized that the city would still have to have an average of 40 dwelling units per acre, thus the potential impact on the population would be the same.

Finally, The Villager wanted to know if GV was planning to prepare and submit the “preliminary transit-oriented community assessment report that includes…the community’s housing opportunity goal, the data and method…used to calculate (it)…and a map of existing zoning districts within the transit-oriented community that may quality as transit centers,” that is due to the Department of Local Affairs on June 30, 2025. Mayor Lantz told us, “We’re suing them so we don’t have to do that.”

For additional information on how the state plans to administer the laws in question, readers can visit the Department of Local Affairs website at https:// dlg.colorado.gov/transit-oriented-communities.

Using the distance of one-half mile from the Belleview, Orchard, and Arapahoe Light Rail Stations, combined with Yosemite Street, to land within GV’s borders, and assuming those areas would all be rezoned to allow 40 dwelling units per acre, regardless of what is built there presently, the City calculated that the language of HB241313 would force GV to add 25,853 permitted dwelling units within its boundaries. At 2.3 persons per dwelling unit, that “would result in an additional 59,462 residents (added to the current population of 15,691).

BY FREDA MIKLIN

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Rep. Crow and Sen. Bennet hold town hall at Arapahoe High School

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet held a joint town hall at Arapahoe High School on May 27 that drew a full house of local residents, most of whom appeared to be supporters. Constituents asked questions directly from their seats, without having to write them on note cards and have them vetted by staff.

Crow opened the town hall by telling constituents, “I’m going to be honest about the challenges we face and what we can do and what we can’t do.”

The first question asked was, “How are you going to stop his Big Beautiful ugly Bill?” Rep. Crow responded, “Looking back over my six years in Congress…this is the worst bill that I have ever seen…It’s going to add $3.2 trillion to the deficit… It’s going to have over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, not just cutting Medicaid for 13 million Americans, including 175,000 in my District. You’re taking $1 trillion out of the health care system… Whether you’re on Medicaid or not, think about what it’s going to do to the entire health care system of America. It’s going to cut $300 million from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides grocery food benefits to low-income families) that feeds hungry

20%, you’re going to see an average $90 tax cut before offsets for Medicaid and SNAP losses. So, this is an awful bill that’s going to have terrible consequences. All Democrats in the House united against this bill, which is fairly uncommon. I’m going to continue to fight and communicate to as many people as possible, including with folks who are represented by people who are not doing town halls, who are hiding from their constituents.”

Bennet talked about “the lack of economic mobility— profound income inequality” as being a huge problem in our country. He said, “The top 1% of Americans own 50% of the value of the stock

in your 20s today, you’re making less, on average, than in the 1970s…(The bill gives) big tax breaks to the richest people and cuts the most significant safety net you have in America…We are going to do everything we can to fight this. There are disagreements among Republicans right now about what they want to do. I think ultimately…(the administration) is going to try to cut Medicaid and it’s very likely he will be able to ram it (this bill) through. I want to be honest. There are probably 53 votes for it. We still have to fight it. There are also a lot of climate provisions being reversed that are really important to rural Colorado and to the wind and

care.” That brought spontaneous applause.

Another audience member wanted to know what could be done to preserve national service in programs like Americorps and Seniorcorps.

Bennet said, “There are cuts in this bill to national service. Hopefully, someday we’ll be able to put them back in. In the meantime, we’ve got to keep engaging young people in the kind of service that we’ve been talking about. There are probably things the State of Colorado can do. There are probably things the private sector can do. I think national service is critically important to who we are as a nation.”

Crow responded, “As a

There are Republican friends of mine who are committed to that project.”

Another audience member expressed concern about the laws around cryptocurrency, saying they were “inadequate to meet the threat of corruption.”

Bennet said, “There is a bill in the Senate that I think is terrible. It does nothing to prevent (the President) or his family, or Members of Congress, from issuing cryptocurrency.” He suggested the law should be the opposite:

“If you are the President or you are the Vice-President, or you are a Member of Congress, you should not be able to issue cryptocurrency. I am looking forward to this debate.”

Crow answered, “The corruption is absolutely stunning. Whether it’s a foreign government giving a $400 million jet to the President for his personal use in a way that he can use it after he’s out of office, bitcoins or meme-coins, or membership in a private club in Washington, where people can pay $500,000 for membership to rub elbows with cabinet officials…Our first responsibility is to not allow these things to become normal…The truth will come out. There will be oversight. The path to reconciliation includes accountability.”

in a bipartisan way to do that.

He continued, “What is most important is for all of you to speak up and let people know you’re paying attention…I want a level playing field. I’m not afraid of hard work. I’m not afraid of competition, I welcome it. I want everyone playing by the same rules because that’s when America is at its best. Making democracy truly work includes government reform, addressing systematic barriers to democracy by ending gerrymandering. If you end gerrymandering in America, it changes who’s in Congress overnight. There should be a litmus test for anyone serving. There must be one thing for which you are instantly willing to lose this job. For me, it would be ending gerrymandering to make democracy work.”

In the audience were local elected officials Greenwood Village State Rep. Chad Clifford, from Littleton, Mayor Kyle Schlachter and City Council Member Andrea Peters, Arapahoe County Clerk Joan Lopez, Centennial City Council Member Christine Sweetland, and Littleton Public Schools Board Member Joan Anderson.

Crow and Bennet took questions together and separately.

The AHS auditorium was full.

Photos by Freda Miklin

The 69th Annual Aurora Chamber Awards Banquet

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: Anne Overstreet, Minuteman Press

ARTS + BUSINESS CONNECTION AWARD: The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club

HUMANITARIAN AWARD: Debbie Stafford, Aurora Mental Health & Recovery

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP AWARD: Sam McGhee, Aurora Police Department (Ret.)

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD: Joel Boyd, Town Center at Aurora

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: De La Shey Lingerie

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Vic Evans, Advantage Security

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: The Excel Center of Goodwill of Colorado

WOMAN OF THE YEAR:

Major General Laura Clellan, Colorado National Guard

MAN OF THE YEAR: Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, Community College of Aurora

BELOW: All of the winners, left to right: Chamber President and CEO Naomi Colwell; representing Business of the Year Awardee Excel Center/Goodwill of Colorado, Dave Bechtold; representing Small Business of the Year Awardee De la Shey Lingerie, Ramona Davis; Businessperson of the Year Vic Evans with Advantage Security; Community Leadership Awardee Joel Boyd, The Town Center at Aurora; Humanitarian of the Year Debbie Stafford, Aurora Mental Health & Recovery; Chamber Leadership Awardee Sam McGhee, Aurora Police Department (Ret.), Woman of the Year Major General Laura Clellan, Colorado National Guard; representing Arts + Business Connection Awardee The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club, Heidi Laursen; Ambassador of the Year Anne Overstreet, Minuteman Press; Man of the Year Dr Mordecai Brownlee, Community College of Aurora; and Chamber Chair of the Board of Directors, Kristi Kleinholz.

WINNERS

Large Business of the Year

Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant

Small Business of the Year

Chris’s Garage Doors

Minority/Women Owned

Chamber Champion

Mark Mais, Eagle’s Nest Home Group

Brian Vogt Community Leader of the Year

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Photo by Amanda Maughmer/Pink Poppy Media

Back row: Jonathon Hollandsworth, Chris Tyrrell, Mark Mais, Aaron Bauer, Jimmy Crane, Jeff Holwell, Heather Lagge (dark green dress) Front Row: Candace Moon, Marlo Alston, Melissa Arguello-Green, Talia Bond, Lasinda Crane, Charlie Kerchavel

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Dear Readers,

What Are Supportive Decision-Making Agreements

in Colorado?

Supportive arrangements can be formalized into supported decision-making agree ments. Seniors and adults with disabilities who are not already protected under an established guardianship or conservatorship may voluntarily enter into a supported decision-making agreement with one or more members of their supportive community. Under the agreement, the individual may request that the member of the supportive community do any or all of the following:

• Provide assistance with understanding the options, responsibilities, and consequences of the individual’s life decisions, without

making those decisions on behalf of the individual; Assist the individual in accessing, collecting, obtaining, and understanding information regarding a decision including medical, psychological, financial, educational, occupational, and social decisions; and Assist the individual in communicating the decision to appropriate persons when expressly requested by the individual.

The supported decision-making agreement is in effect until terminated by either the individual or the member of the supportive community, or by the terms of the agreement. Any party may terminate the agreement by providing written or verbal notice of the termination to all parties to the agree-

ment.

A supported decision-making agreement in Colorado is valid only if it contains the following information:

• The name of the senior or adult with a disability;

• The name, address, phone number, and email address (if applicable) of the member of the supportive community;

• A list of decisions that the individual requests the member of the supportive community to advise the individual on;

• The day, month, and year the agreement was entered into; and

• A description of the member of the supportive community’s agreement terms, including an agreement to:

o Provide information as requested by the individual;

o Respect that the final and ultimate decision is the individual’s;

o Not coerce or manipu-

late the individual into making any decision; and

o Provide updated and relevant information to the individual based on the all the available and known information the member of the supportive community has.

A valid supported decision-making agreement must be signed voluntarily, without coercion or undue influence, by the individual and the member of the supportive community in the presence of two or more attesting and disinterested witnesses who are eighteen years of age or older, or with a notary public.

In addition, a valid supported decision-making agreement must include a notice that any mandatory reporter who has cause to believe that the individual is being mistreated by a member of the supportive community shall report the alleged mistreatment to adult

protective services.

In Colorado, seniors and adults with disabilities are presumed to be able to make decisions regarding their day-to-day health, safety, welfare, and financial affairs, unless proven otherwise in Court. This includes the ability to enter into a supported decision-making agreement. If a guardianship or conservatorship has already been established, the individual will need to contact their legal representative to discuss adding supported decision-making to the current arrangements.

A supported decision-making agreement cannot be used as evidence of the incapacity of the senior or adult with disability.

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

Many of my clients have asked what are the critical documents needed, particularly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply being married does not give you the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package:

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney; 2. General Financial Power of Attorney; 3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and 4. Will (or a Will with a Trust).

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

Selected information in this column has been taken with permission by Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc., from the Colorado Senior Law Handbook, current Edition, (Chapter 35: Supported Decision Making, Sandra M. Sigler Esq.), which is a copyrighted publication and may be accessed and downloaded for free at: http://seniorlawhandbook. org/.

Smith keeps it going— Creek 5A champs again

The baton has been successfully passed in Cherry Creek High School’s baseball program.

Year One of the Joe Smith Era—or the post-Marc Johnson Half-Century— ended Saturday with the Bruins’ 10th state championship.

In the clincher, senior Wyatt Rudden—half of what Smith calls “one of the best 1-2 punches I’ve ever seen in high school”—led Creek to an 8-1 victory over Regis Jesuit.

He’s committed to pitching for the University of Michigan next year, while the other half of that tandem, Ryan Falke, is headed to Washington State.

“Over the last two years,” Smith said, “they started ev-

ery meaningful game for us.”

Last year it was Falke who beat RJ 5-2 in the final game.

“Having the experience last year (when the Bruins had to beat Regis twice on the same day to win their ninth title) they understood that if they came out and let Regis get that first game, anything can happen in Game Two,” Smith said.

“They were determined to end it in the first game. With an 8-1 score, you can see that it paid off.”

you—good to realize you’re not some perfect team.

“It’s not automatic. You gotta work.”

And work is what Smith’s team did. The defending state champs won 15 straight before their only loss to a Colorado opponent all year, a 3-2 defeat at Grandview.

“They have Ethan Watson,” Smith said. “I’ll take my guys every day, but Ethan’s one of the best pitchers I’ve seen in Colorado in high school. It was a really good game; they just beat us.”

At home the next day, Cherry Creek returned the favor, 6-4

“Each time we faced adversity,” Smith said, “whether it was starting off 1-4-1 or losing to Grandview, the boys just put their heads down and got to work.”

Smith could rave about many players on his first CCHS team, but allowed only one, he chose first baseman Connor Larkin, who’s headed to Oklahoma next year.

“Connor Larkin, I believe, should win Gatorade Player of the Year,” he said. “He had one of the better years I’ve ever witnessed as a high school coach (.457 batting average, .527 on-base percentage, 11 home runs).”

“Connor Larkin, I believe, should win Gatorade Player of the Year,” he said. “He had one of the better years I’ve ever witnessed as a high school coach (.457 batting average, .527 on-base percentage, 11 home runs).”

to get the coaches and varsity players around the lower levels as much as we could,” he said. “It’s hard to do with all the games, but it’s worth it. They’re really important days for the program.

“You’ve got all these D1-committed kids talking to you as a freshman or sophomore. I hope that builds the culture and the sense of family that we’re talking about.”

Rather than dramatically changing Marc Johnson’s brand of Cherry Creek baseball, Smith tried to sustain the emphasis on relationships with players and the culture he describes as the “Cherry Creek baseball family.”

He also held the first Halloween Games, when players dress up in their Halloween costumes and play baseball for the fun of it. A big hit with everyone, he plans to repeat it this Halloween. “It’s a chance to get back together as a Cherry Creek baseball family,” he says.

Smith’s first year as the legendary Johnson’s successor did not get off to a good start. Creek came back from its spring trip to Arizona with four losses, losing the lead in all four games.

“There were just a lot of self-induced mistakes, a lot of things we had to clean up,” Smith recalled. “The boys were able to take that and learn from it. They never held their heads low or anything like that.

“I would rather not have been 1-4-1 at that point,” he admitted, “but when you have the talented team that I had, with so many returning starters from a state champion, sometimes it’s good to have a little humble pie served to

“I told our seniors that their legacy isn’t wins and losses or state championship,” Smith said. “It’s how are they going to treat and teach the kids behind them in the lower levels.”

But he did add some distinctive touches that enhanced the culture and, he hopes, will perpetuate it in the years ahead, beginning with next season.

“We did institute Bruin Baller Awards, stickers on the kids’ helmets for achievements throughout the season (a la helmet decals in football).”

More significantly, he held joint practices that combined varsity players with freshmen, sophomore and junior varsity players, in much the way the Rockies have major and minor leaguers share the locker room in spring training.

860 DIAMOND RIDGE CIRCLE CASTLE ROCK

As he basks in the glow of a debut season that couldn’t have gone much better, he does admit looking back to those games in Arizona when he and his first team were just getting started.

“I would love to be able to play those teams again,” he says with a smile. “I would think we would not make the mistakes we made.

“We blew four leads,” he reminds.

“I would like to think if we played them towards the end of the year, the outcomes would be different. We were just figuring it all out back then.”

“I thought it was important

Denny Dressman’s 17th book, a collaboration with Kansas City artist Anthony High titled Black Baseball’s Heyday – Capturing An Era in Art and Words, will be published in late June. You can write to Denny at denny dressman@comcast.net.

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE MANSFIELD HEIGHTS

Baton twirling is now part of Mile High Sports Camps

New baton twirling camps, offered by Mile High Sports Camps, will offer kids in kindergarten through eighth grade the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and do something active and healthy. Mile High Sports Camps serve the

Cherry Creek School District and south metro area.

“Baton twirling is a sport that helps kids develop handeye coordination, flexibility, and teamwork skills” said Anna Dolan, camp director and a U.S. Twirling Association certified coach and judge. “Kids discover

that they can do something unique and challenging, which also builds their self-confidence.”

Camps are offered three days a week from 10 a.m. to noon at Cherry Creek High School and from 1 to 3 p.m. at Eaglecrest High School. Campers will begin each

day with fun body warm-up dances and stretching, followed by games and activities to learn baton twirling fundamentals with 1 and 2 batons, twirling flags, ribbons, and hoops. Every twirler receives their own baton and t-shirt. Each camp session ends with a perfor-

mance for family and friends. Twirlers who participate in two or more sessions are eligible to perform in the Littleton Western Welcome Week Parade on Aug. 16.

Get more information and register at milehighsports camps.com/ccsd-batontwirling-camps-25

Consider Baton Twirling Camps, offered through CCSD Mile High Sports Camps! Morning sessions at Cherry Creek HS, afternoon sessions at Eaglecrest HS.

For more information and to register:

Smart ways to transfer the family business

These tips from Bank of America can help you create a meaningful legacy while generating a healthy retirement income.

For most business owners, retirement is either a subject they welcome or the last thing they want to think about. If you are looking forward to that day, you have probably already started preparing to move on from your business. Indeed, selling your business or gifting it to the next generation may be central to your retirement plan.

Assuming your company has the systems in place to operate without your direct participation, your first step is to get an accurate assessment of its worth. A professional valuation and tax expert can help you look past your emotional attachment to the company and gauge its true value.

Prior to making any move, consider your income needs in retirement, keeping in mind that merely matching your current salary may not be enough if the business has also been paying for things like health insurance, car leases, club memberships and tax preparation expenses you may have to start covering. Having a conversation with your financial advisor is key to making the right decision.

With all that information in hand, consider these three options for transferring or selling the business to family members, friends, long-time employees or another interested buyer.

Transfer the business as a gift. Say you want to pass the business down to a child or grandchild. The

lifetime federal gift tax exemption gives business owners considerable latitude to transfer part or all of the company as a gift. The exemption can change annually.

You may owe federal gift taxes on amounts exceeding the exemption, but once the business is out of your hands, it is no longer part of your estate, and future growth of the company will not subject your estate to additional transfer taxes. You may also be able to supplement your retirement income by continuing to work for the new owners.

Assist the buyer with financing. What if you want to sell the business to a family member or an employee who does not have enough assets to complete the transaction? To get around that, you could lend the buyer the money for the sale in exchange for a promissory note, which allows the buyer to pay you back directly. You and the buyer determine what terms work for all parties involved. The buyer benefits from the opportunity to own a business, and you receive a steady stream of income from the principal and interest that the buyer pays for an agreed-upon period.

Even after a sale, many former business owners can stay involved and earn income by serving on the board of directors or consulting. You might even continue helping with day-to-day operations in a reduced but vital role, such as serving long-time clients who are used to working with you.

Execute a partial sale. If you do not want to cut ties with your business entirely, another option is to sell part of the company while retaining a portion of business assets and income. You will want to spell out the arrangement with the new majority owners in the formal transfer or sale agreement. That also should be the case if you are turning the business over or selling it to other family members. You may pay capital gains tax on any profit from the sale, but you may also get a steady income from rent or lease of office space or other assets.

Whatever choice you make, a smooth transition can be the crowning legacy of the years of care and effort you have poured into your business. And you can have the satisfaction of knowing that your vision has the potential to live on for generations to come.

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

Because the public has a right to know

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that proposed amendments to the 2024 budget have been submitted to the Goldsmith Metropolitan District and Goldsmith Metropolitan District Block K Subdivision (collectively the “Districts” and individually the “District”). Such proposed budget amendments will be considered at a joint meeting and public hearing of the Boards of Directors of the Districts to be held on June 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as possible at 8351 Belleview Ave., Denver, CO in the Buffalo Conference Room. Any additional information will be available at least 24 hours prior to the meeting and public hearing online at https://goldsmithmetro.org.

Copies of the proposed amended 2024 budgets are available for public

afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you.

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

In the Interest of:

KYLE JAMES JEFFREY, HAILEY QUINN JEFFREY AND EVERLEE RENEE JEFFREY, Children, and concerning, AMANDA LEE JEFFREY, NICHOLAS LEE SCHAMP AND ISAIAH BARLOW, Respondents.

Tamra White, Reg. #22049 Senior Assistant County Attorney 14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012

Case No: 25JV14 Division: 34

NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENT ISAIAH BARLOW

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT FATHER is set for June 25, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. in Division 34 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot

Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:

•https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div34

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

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

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

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

Dated June 1, 2025.

Tamra White, Esq. #22049 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Aurora, CO 80012

Published in The Villager

Published: June 5, 2025 Legal # 11882

inspection at the offices of Shea Properties 8351 E. Belleview Avenue, Denver, CO 80237 or contact Hannah Boldt at Hannah.Boldt@sheaproperties.com. Any interested elector within the above Districts may, at any time prior to final adoption of the amended 2024 budgets, file or register any objections.

GOLDSMITH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT and GOLDSMITH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT BLOCK K SUBDIVISION

By: /s/ Peter Culshaw, President

Published in The Villager

Published: June 5, 2025 Legal # 11883

NOTICE OF INCLUSION

NOTICE is hereby given to all interested persons that a Petition for

Inclusion of Real Property has been filed with the Board of Directors of the Southeast Public Improvement Metropolitan District (the “District”).

The Board of Directors has fixed June 17, 2025, beginning at 12:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, at 5613 DTC Parkway, Suite 150 Greenwood Village, CO, as the date, time and place of a public meeting at which said Petition shall be heard.

The name and address of the petitioner and a legal description of the property mentioned in such petition are as follows:

Petitioner: City of Lone Tree Address: 9220 Kimmer Drive, Ste. 100 Lone Tree, CO 80124

Legal Description:Tracts AJ and AQ, RidgeGate SW Village Filing No. 1, Douglas County, Colorado, excepting therefrom the portions of said tracts previously incorporated into the District.

The area sought to be included into the District is located entirely within Douglas County and does not include property within any other county, and the District currently encompasses property in Douglas County, and therefore no notice of the proposed inclusion under Section 32-1-207(2), C.R.S., as amended, is required.

Accordingly, notice is hereby given to all interested persons to appear at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the District at the date, time and location noticed above, and show cause in writing, if any they have, why such petition should not be granted. The failure of any person in the exist-

ADOPTION

District Court

Arapahoe County, Colorado Court Address: 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112 IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF: Roxann Rene Tademy FOR THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD: Ezekiel Barry Woods

A hearing will be held July 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m Case Number: 2025JA33 Division: 12 ORDER FOR PUBLICATION AND MAILING

The Court, having considered the Motion and Affidavit of the Petitioner(s), is satisfied that the Petitioner(s) has/have used due diligence to obtain personal service on the Respondent(s) and Father Unknown/John Doe at any address available; and that such efforts have failed or efforts to obtain same would have been to no avail,

that the Respondent(s) cannot be found for personal service, and that the address of the Respondent(s) remain(s) unknown. Therefore, the Motion is granted. A hearing will be held July 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in Division 12.

The Court orders that the Petitioner(s) shall complete service by publication in a newspaper published in this county or as otherwise specified by the Court. Such publication shall be made as follows: Notice of Hearing shall be served by publication for five consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in Arapahoe County.

Date: April 17, 2025

Judge H. Clay Hurst

Published in The Villager

First Publication: May 1, 2025 Last Publication: June 5, 2025 Legal # 11869

ing District to file a written objection shall be taken as an assent on his part to the inclusion of the property described in this notice.

Southeast Public Improvement Metropolitan District.

By: /s/ Ronald Fano, Attorney for the District

Published in The Villager

Published: June 5, 2025

Legal # 11884

NOTICE OF EXCLUSION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there has been filed with the Board of Directors of the Southeast Public Improvement Metropolitan District, in the City and County of Denver and the Counties of Arapahoe and Douglas, State of Colorado, a petition praying for the exclusion of certain lands from such District.

1.The name and address of the petitioner and a legal description of the property mentioned in such petition are as follows:

Petitioner: BPP Holland Milehouse LLC

Address: P.O. Box 87407 Chicago, IL 60680-0407

Legal Description: Block A, Belleview Station Filing No. 1, City and County of Denver, State of Colorado (Schedule No. 0708400205205).

2.The prayer of the petition is that the above property be excluded from the Southeast Public Improvement Metropolitan District.

3.Accordingly, notice is hereby given to all interested persons to appear at the public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 5613 DTC Parkway, Suite 150, Greenwood Village, Colorado, and show cause in writing, if any they have, why such petition should not be granted. The failure of any person in the existing District to file a written objection shall be taken as an assent on his part to the exclusion of the area described in this notice.

SOUTHEAST PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: Ronald Fano, Attorney for the District

Published in The Villager

Published: June 5, 2025 Legal # 11885

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION AND CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL

WESTRAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 1-13.5-513(6) and 32-1-104(1), C.R.S., by the Westray Business Improvement District (the “District”) of Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the regular election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby canceled and the following candidates are hereby declared elected: Seth Ivanoff to a 2-year term (2025-2027) Connor Pettengil 4-year term (2025-2029) Peter

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

MOBILE CONCERT SERIES FOR GV RESIDENTS

EVERY THURSDAY IN JUNE , 6-8 p.m. Bring a blanket & chairs for live music at a different GV park. Free to attend.

PLAY DATE AT DOVE VALLEY

JUNE 6, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Arapahoe Public Works event at Dove Valley Regional Park, 7900 S. Potomac St., Centennial. Info: arapahoe.gov/ publicworks

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. 8 a.m. Shotgun at Meridian Golf Club, 9742 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood. Free breakfast, BGQ lunch and an awards ceremony. Sign up at 303-795-0142 or info@ bestchamber.com

BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE HOSTS ANNUAL HOPE CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARS

MONDAY, JUNE 9. Shotgun start at 10 a.m.. Opens at 8 am. at Colorado Golf Club, 8000 Preservation Trail, Parker. Info: call 720-524-2061 or visit www.bhghcoloado.org

STATE OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY ADDRESS

TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 8-10 a.m.

Streamed live on Arapahoe County Facebook page. Scan QR code on page 3 of May 29 Villager.

DISCOVER THE HISTORY - CHERRY CREEK VALLEY 17 MILE HOUSE OPEN HOUSE

SAT., JUNE 14, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 8181 S. Parker Rd.., Centennial. Free event but reservations required. Register at arapahoecco. gov/17milehouse

FRONT RANGE PASSENGER RAIL

ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS

ONLINE OPEN HOUSE

Live until Sunday, JUNE 15. Selfguided opportunity to learn about progress made to advance FRPK. Visit FRPK Website.

RECYCLE YOUR PAINT

SAT., JUNE 28, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hosted by P.E.O. Chapter 1J. St. France’s Cabrini Church, 6673 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton. (Corner of Chatfield Ave. & S.Pierce St.) Recycle for free. Cash donations appreciated and will fund scholarships for women. Taking Paints: Oil, acrylic, latex - 5 gal. cans or smaller. Unlimited amounts. Original, labeled, non-leaking containers. Info: Visit www.circular. eco/event/Littleton628

U.S. SENIOR OPEN

JUNE 25-29 at The Broadmoor. Ticket info: ussenioropen.com

CENTRAL CITY OPERA FESTIVAL

JUNE 28-AUG. 3 Seville, The Knock, Once Upon a Mattress, CCO in Concert: Opera’s Greatest hits. Call 303-292-6700 for dates and ticket sales.

TEEN ART SHOW DEADLINE JULY 1

Arapahoe Libraries is calling all artists, ages 12-18 to submit their original art for display at Smoky Hill Library. For details and entry form, visit arapahoelibraries.org/teen-art

CITY OF AURORA SUMMER VIBES

WED., JULY 16, 5-9 p.m. Free event series for local preteens & teens, 10-17 years old. Sports Night at Utah Park, 1800 S. Peoria St. Lie DJ, local food trucks, arts & crafts.

Park. Celebrate 75 years of GV with carnival games, rides, food truck, live music and a fireworks show. For GV residents. Get tickets at the City of Greenwood Village.

119TH ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR

JULY 24-27. Details arapahoecountyfair.com

LITTLETON’S DEPOT ART GALLERY FIBER ARTISTS COMPETITION

Show dates: SEPT 9 TO OCT 11. Littleton’s Depot Art Gallery is posting a competition for all fiber artists in Colorado. Check on CaFE (Callforentry.org) for details and the prospectus. The Depot is located at 2069 West Powers, Littleton. For inquiries, contact fiberart@ depotartgallery.org

OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH

FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts 49 years. American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25. Call Frank 303-7s5s99232 for a free breakfast. Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.

EXPAND YOUR LOVE OF BRIDGE

New games specifically for Novice and Intermediate players. Tech Center Bridge is located at 6161 S. Wabash Way, Greenwood Village. Call 303-915-1229. 1st & 3rd Thursdays 12:30-3:45 p.m. Cost is $8. Need a partner? Check the online list bredgewebs.com/ techcenterbridge Also ask about Denver Metro Bridge at 5250 Leetsdale Dr., Denver. 303-7574774.

DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS

“WHAT’S NEW?” CENTRAL CITY OPERA IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE PRESTIGIOUS 20252026 EQUITY IN ARTS LEARNING FOR COLO YOUTH GRANT

Administrated by “Think 360 Arts for Learning.” Innovative mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiative.

WHAT’S NEW?

FIDDLER’S GREEN NOISE COMPLAINT LINE

Greenwood Village Police Dept. maintains a dedicated phone to respond to noise complaints related to Fiddler’s Green. To file a complaint, call 303-486-8275.

WHAT’S NEW?

EMILY GRIFFITH TECHNICAL COLLEGE NEWS

Randy Johnson - Executive Director - has announced that

ANNOUNCEMENT: WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT TO RETURN

Returns July 2026 as they celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th Anniversary of Colorado’s Statehood.

ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS

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

WHAT’S NEW? RENEW YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Renewal kiosks are fast, easy and issue you tags on the spot? Go to COMVExpress.com to find a location near you.

WHAT’S NEW? - ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING EVENTS

being offered. Info: anna.smith@ emilygriffith.edu or call 720-423-

2025 Volkswagen Jetta is an affordable pleasure

I’ve owned and driven a half-dozen VWs ranging from the historic “Beetle” that swept the American car market in the last century. My last model was a “Hatchback” that was almost a miniature of today’s SUVs. The test car over the past week has been a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL that performed admirably with a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine linked to an eight-speed auto matic Tiptronic transmission. It was a drive back in time taking the Jetta for a moun tain spin up the Golden Gate Canyon highway to Black Hawk. The steep and curvy uphill climb was a perfect test drive for the well-equipped front wheel drive Jetta. With the turbo engine and versatile transmission, the steep in cline was a breeze, taking the sharp curves along the scenic

drive modes ranging from eco, normal, to sport. The final assembly is in Mexico with the engine from Mexico, the transmission from the United States, and some parts from Canada. It all blended, making a fine vehicle that was almost like a more expensive sports car with a far higher

Loaded with options, both with Volkswagen’s advanced airbag protection safety system and all-around weather options of heated outside mirrors, seats, and steering wheel. Safety systems are many, ranging from lane assist, pedestrian alerts, blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert for those tailgate drivers.

Upscale dining, engaging events and activities, indoor pool, pet friendly. Call 720-684-5913 to schedule a tour and enjoy lunch on the Village. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.

Volkswagen has a 4-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty, (whichever comes first) and a 7-year, 100,000 for body corrosion. Other features include a power sliding/ tilt sunroof, all weather tires that grip good on curves, along with rear view cameras, and a radio subwoofer. This is almost the perfect car for that student going off to college for economy, performance and safety.

Volkswagen has really gone all-out to make a very reliable, affordable, high-performance, four door sedan, loaded with options at a very competitive price.

I really enjoyed driving the Jetta bringing many VW memories.

By H. Throttle