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VOLUME 42 • NUMBER 48 • OCTOBER 31, 2024

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

Lucy Heltmach, 94, beloved wife, extraordinary mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away on September 1, 2024 with her three daughters, Julie, Lorie and Connie, by her side. Lucy is now reunited with her husband of 60 years, John (whom we lost in 2014), and her eldest daughter, Chris (whom we lost in 2008).

Prior to meeting her husband, Lucy graduated from Indiana State University with a B.S. Degree in Nursing and studied at St. Louis City Hospital and Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis to complete her nursing curriculum.

Although Lucy hailed from Terre Haute, Indiana and was

Serving Arapahoe County for 42 Years Keep up on your city, people, politics & social events SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Lucy Heltmach

born and bred a “Hoosier,” Colorado was truly her home.

Lucy’s love for Colorado found her learning to ski in her 40s and becoming a long-standing (albeit “spirited”) fan of the Denver Broncos! Lucy was classy, clever, creative, a voracious reader, an incredible cook, a devotee of Sinatra and Streisand, and was loath to ever turn down chocolate or a Margarita.

Through two very good friends of hers, (Freddie and Nan), Lucy was invited to become a member of the P.E.O. Sorority and was elated and Among those who feel her honored to be a part of this very loss deeply are Julie and Dennis meaningful sisterhood where she cultivated countless special Lacerte, Lorie Whalen and Wade Bray, Connie and Marty friendships.

they provided Lucy. And a shout out to Cathy, a true VIP in Lucy’s life, who for many years kept her beautifully coiffed on a weekly basis and whom she adored.

A service for Lucy will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery where she will be interred next to her loving husband, John. A celebration of life will follow, and we ask that you please e-mail Julie Lacerte at jhlacerte@gmail.com to obtain further details.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor are appreciated and may be made to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at https://childrensdiabetes foundation.org/donate.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY C NVERSATIONS Ballots are on their way!

Keep an eye out for yours and make sure to return it by Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

Election Day is coming

VISIT THE

Return your ballot or vote in person by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5!

Visit arapahoevotes.gov for more information.

Get in the holiday spirit!

Join us for a holiday-themed family fun day at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Saturday, Dec. 7. Featuring a Santa meetand-greet, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, make-and-take crafts, petting farm, local craft vendors, festive beverages, food trucks, and more!

Visit arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/visitthevillage

Only $75 Share your passion year Get involved today!

Call today to order your subscription: 303-773-8313

Plumleigh, and “Gigi’s” grandchildren, the Lacerte Boys, Larry (and fiancée, Mia), Jeffrey (and wife, Morgan), Denny and the Plumleigh Triplets, Caroline, John and Julie. Lucy’s love for her children and grandchildren was ever-present and unwavering and she was a true gift to us all.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Terra Bluffs Retirement Community (Assisted Living and Memory Care) and Optimal Hospice Care for the love and compassionate care

Apply now to serve on the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Committee 17 Mile House Open House

Visit arapahoeco.gov/getinvolved for more information.

Discover Our History:

17 Mile House Open House

Join us Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. to learn about the 1859 Colorado Gold Rush and how it shaped the local landscape and Colorado maps of today. This is a free event but reservations are required due to limited space.

Visit arapahoeco.gov/17milehouse.

arapahoeco.gov

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

WEEK OF OCT. 28

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

hinted at that in my column last week but made some ballot endorsements anyway. I As I drive around our sub- do think that we need to keep urban communities these past our political parties intact by few weeks I’m overly “NO” on Prop 131. I impressed by the beauthink we would create ty of our trees. The a huge vacuum where foliage of the late fall only money would colors of the autumn influence candidate leaves is just stunselections rather than ning. I love the poem BY BOB SWEENEY leadership experience PUBLISHER “TREES” written and public service

by Joyce Kilmer written in beyond the holy dollar. I 1913. It begins, “I think that I suggested leaving the courts shall never see a poem lovely intact and leaving the “Cat as a tree…”

Hunting” measure to the ColYes, I see the scattering orado Game, Fish and Wildof political signs reminding life Department who monitor us to vote for certain candiColorado wildlife welfare dates and ballot measures. consistently and carefully.

The signs don’t match the And I don’t believe that prisplendor of the trees. I fondly vate schools or abortion need recall our longtime columto be placed in the state connist and friend Mort Marks stitution on how we govern, talking about a well-known not personal life choices.

City of Centennial council I’m a strong supporter of member accused of lifting public education and feel a few election signs. Mort that mandatory education wisely said, “You don’t steal is one reason that America the signs, you just turn them has been so successful in around.” our nation’s history. We’re a By now voters have been smart, hard-working counprovided the state’s “Blue try, and we want to stay that Book” that won’t make The way. Spending money on Denver Post best seller list local schools is a good infor fiction, or non-fiction. vestment for the present and In reading the national the future. It pains me to see book review listings I see millions of dollars spent on Liz Cheney has dropped off political races rather than the list and Melania Trump homeless assistance, school is number one with her book facilities and teachers’ sal“Melania.” Is that a sign of aries. The same can be said the times? about billions being spent on After reading The Sunday professional sports. Players Denver Post, I see Littleton making multi-millions of columnist Krista Kafer addollars for making baskets vocating a “NO” vote on all and tossing footballs. Tickets to the World Series selling the ballot measures. I rather

Are We Aboard a Sinking Ship?

“We protect Democracy in order to keep the Republic; We keep the Republic so that we can maintain the Constitution; We maintain the Constitution in order to restrain the government and govern ourselves; And we govern ourselves so that we remain free.”

- Bill Banta for $1700 for what is billed as “America’s Pastime.” The games are sold out, some pastime and the Yankees trailing 3-0 heading home to New York.

This election seems to be a war between the TV stations.

I will watch FOX and then turn to CNN to see opposing opinions. Both are biased, so take your pick according to your political views. I think the success of the pay subscriber movie channels is because so many voters have become unaffiliated and grown weary of media bias. Many now just prefer the Broncos, Rockies, and Avalanche along with a vast national menu of sporting events, and outstanding movies.

We have become addicted to sports over politics. We could be on the verge of a third World War with a nuclear catastrophe with Iran close to having a nuclear bomb. Maybe, they already have one purchased from

North Korea that is now sending thousands of troops to assist Russia in their war with Ukraine. Sports are important but elections determine the future of our very lives and nation. We should pay attention! I keep comparing America to the ancient Roman empire that became enthralled with free bread and gladiators at the Coliseum while the barbarians were preparing to destroy them.

Instead of Rome maybe we need to remember dancing on the deck of the Titanic before it hit an iceberg and sank.

Famous Colorado pioneer Molly Brown rescued people from the sinking ship. Is America a sinking ship?

The collapse of our borders is one of the greatest tragedies in our history. We will be reaping this debacle for decades in crime and violence along with enormous fiscal challenges to education and public health.

It is, what it is, and we’ll see what the election unfolds.

The Villager

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

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING Sharon Sweeney sharon@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Gerri 303-773-8313

Maintaining Balance

BY BLAKE BIEGALSKI VICE CHAIR, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FORWARD PARTY - COLORADO

In the Colorado General Assembly, there are 35 seats in the Senate. There is currently a split of 12 Republicans (34.3%) and 23 Democrats (65.7%). As things stand, the Democratic Party is one seat short of having a supermajority in the Senate. And that breaks down to mean that Democrats would not need approval from any Republican Senators and could pass whatever legislation they so choose. Combine this potential situation with the fact that the Democratic Party already has a supermajority in the House of Representatives, and that chief executive Governor Polis is a Democrat, and the Democratic Party is poised to establish a Trifecta. This lock on the legislative structure in Colorado would lead to being able to pass legislation with ease in both the House and the Senate, and all but guarantee a signature from Governor Polis. Democrats could effectively pass whatever laws they see fit for the state of Colorado without any meaningful involvement of or resistance from the Republican Party.

For about 25% of readers, that may seem ideal. If the Party that most aligns with their values is in power, it can seem like a good thing. For another 25% (approximately), it will seem like the worst situation possible, because the political party that they identify with would have no meaningful power. And for the remaining 50%, it’s a bad situation. There may be things they like about the Democratic Party’s values, but there are other issues on which they’d prefer a more conservative approach. The majority of the voters are disadvantaged by such an imbalance in power, having their voice minimized or silenced completely.

To further illustrate the dangers of a supermajority, let’s look at a superpower on the international stage. Officially, China has nine political parties. Eight of them are considered to be minor parties, and the “ruling” party is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The CCP has a supermajority in their legislative control, and the power of the chief executive.

Whatever legislation is proposed by the CCP is passed with no meaningful discourse or resistance from any other party..

Chris Kolker is the incumbent

for the State Senate seat for District 16. His voting record is highly partisan. In a recent questionnaire with Colorado Politics, Mr. Kolker stated that members of the GOP seek him out and ask his help managing solutions to problems. His voting record, however, indicates that he has very rarely supported GOP backed bills.

Despite claims of bipartisanship, he has no endorsements from any organization or individuals on the right side of the aisle. Additionally, he voted to keep secret meetings between lawmakers secret. When Bob Marshal (D) introduced a bill to make secret meetings open to transparency, Mr. Kolker opposed this disclosure to the public and supported a bill to make those secret meetings legal.

The GOP nominee for the Colorado Senate Seat in District 16 is Robyn Carnes. Ms. Carnes is different from your average Republican Candidate, and speaks on the need to be more “Purple” – symbolic of working in a more bipartisan way and “mixing” Red and Blue interests. She talks extensively about collaboration, the fact that no one political party has all the answers, and that no one political party should have all

the power. She strongly advocates working across the aisle, and has made it abundantly clear that her dedication will be to the constituency she represents rather than to party lines. This is the primary factor that secured her Forward Party endorsement.

Ms. Carnes is a clear divergence from typical party politics, understanding and collaborating with Democrats. She is on the front lines in advocating for a lower cost of living and directly addressing the housing crisis that is plaguing Colorado. The unhoused population is on the rise, and she is committed to identifying and addressing root causes rather than applying band-aid solutions to symptoms.

Immigration is another hot button issue this election cycle, and Ms. Carnes presents herself as a problem solver for this complex issue rather than pointing fingers. Additionally, she aligns with Forward Party values by being a supporter of voters and voting rights and understanding the need for election reform. Casting your vote for Candidate Carnes will not be only a benefit for democracy in Colorado, but a step forward in solving the wider issues that face our state today.

EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

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

2024 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK QUOTE of the WEEK Government’s first

duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.

– Ronald Reagan

October 10, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15 October 31, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

INTERESTINGPLACES

Cruising up the Norwegian Coast

After leaving Copenhagen, we flew to Bergen, Norway boarding a smaller cruise ship. This took us on a 6-day journey up the coast to Kirkenes, located at the northern end of Norway near the Russian border.

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is located on the southwestern coast.

It is a hilly city where we spent 24 hours before our IN THE EYES OF BRIAN cruise departed. The city has a history dating back to Bio Retinal specialist, writer, Greenwood Village resident the 11th century. email: joonbug@mac.com

Our Havila cruise ship

One of the most interesting parts was seeing these robotic-looking objects along the sides of the cobblestoned streets, which are pneumatic waste collection bins.

A resident’s key fob opens the bin for recycling, landfill, or compost, sending the refuse to a central processing facility, and eliminating sidewalk rubbish bins and noisy garbage trucks.

Our cruise was on the Havila Voyages line, specifically on the Pollux ship with 179 cabins. It’s a new,

At 1:00 AM, it’s still sunny above the Arctic Circle

eco-friendly, hybrid ship that can run silently on batteries in the fjords.

This was more of a coastal voyage than a typical cruise, with frequent stops in small towns where passengers embark and disembark, resembling a bus journey.

Cabins vary from compact interior rooms to larger suites with a private balcony, where we resided. The vistas from our balcony were breathtaking.

One has the option to dine in the main dining room or the smaller, more intimate fine dining room. The food was excellent, featuring local cuisine that was fresh and locally sourced. Additionally, there is a snack bar so it never got dark at night. Some people available. It’s worth take this cruise in the winter to see the noting that handwashing northern lights, but that far north, there before meals is required, will be perpetual night and it will be much which is a hygienic colder. practice that should be Seasickness was not an issue for us; we adopted in America. occasionally felt the swaying of the boat, What a Amenities comprise a but the sea was generally calm. I brought great way to fitness room, sauna, jascopolamine patches just in case. experience cuzzi, observation decks This was the perfect-sized ship—not Norway! indoors and outdoors, a floating hotel, but large enough to keep a store, and an activity us busy and exploring. There was also desk. The indoor decks adequate downtime to relax, read, and just are furnished with floortake in the beautiful fjords. to-ceiling windows, perfect for relaxation and enjoyWiFi kept us connected to the world, for better or ing the scenery.

There was a laundry room on board, and the ship’s for worse. We met a variety of interesting passengers, mostly from Europe, and had some fascinating service was equivalent to that of a five-star hotel. conversations about world news and politics.

There are shore excursions every day, including This was a fantastic way to experience Norway fjords, hiking, boat rides, and exploring towns along from the sea. We got off the ship in Kirkenes, and in the way. We rode jet boats in Straumoya, e-bikes in my next article, I will share our adventures there beTromso, and saw puffins in Gjesvaerstappan.

On the fourth day, we crossed the Arctic Circle, fore heading to Helsinki.

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

Ready. Set. Decorate.

Carla’s in Southglenn launches Christmas with open houses and holiday spirit

Carla’s A Classic Design has been sharing a wonderland of holiday décor and home furnishings with spectacular vignettes and gifts for decades. This year is no exception. Numerous themed trees loaded with unique ornaments and luxurious ribbons have names such as Palm Springs, Paris, Beverly Hills, Dublin, Iceland, Finland and Scotland.

Not all is red and green. There’s white, blue, natural and even the nostalgic combination of pink and aqua. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree that enters them for a prize drawing. The magic continues, thanks to the amazing staff of talented elves, through Christmas Eve. For further information: carlasaclassicdesign.com or 303.683.0372.

Designers extraordinaire – Carla McElroy is surrounded by her daughter Michelle McElroy Moriarity and her daughter-in-law Shannon McElroy Photoa by Scottie Iverson

Delighted shoppers on opening day included Jan Top, Aldona & Rick Seymour and Marly Dragoo

Colorado’s Got Talent!

Ms. Senior America winner and court boasts three with Colorado ties

Center - Centennial resident Natalie Oliver-Atherton, who was the Ms. Louisiana Ms. Colorado Senior State Pageant Senior titleholder and crowned Ms. Senior America at the recent national pageant, Administrator René Green (who is also an surrounded by her court: 2nd Runner UP Joan Callendo (New York), 1st Runner Up Honorary Ms. Senior America) with Natalie Dr. Rose Cherie Bowe (Virginia), 4th Runner Up Andrea Kehmeier (Colorado) and 3rd Oliver-Atherton in 2023 when Natalie held Runner Up Liz Palmer (California, formerly of Colorado) the title Mrs. Colorado American

From a field of 44 contestants, Colorado was well represented at the national pageant for women celebrating “The Age of Elegance” (60 years and older).

Three unstoppable senior ladies were 3rd Runner Up pianist Liz Palmer (California, formerly of Colorado), current Colorado titleholder and 4th Runner Up Andrea Kehmeier from Conifer - a SAG member whose talent was a singing/

Photos courtesy of René Green/Ms. Senior America Pageant

Photo by Scottie Iverson

acting performance of a Victorian parlor song and the new Ms. Senior America, Natalie Oliver-Atherton. Natalie is a resident of Centennial and competed as Ms. Louisiana Senior. She has over 40 years experience in coaching, mentorship, fundraising and performance through Namaste Works Vocal & Acting Studio and the Namaste Works Foundation. As Ms. Senior America, she plans to use her

platform to inspire others and spread the message of self-empowerment, vitality, resilience and grace. For further information, contact Rene Green: www.colorado sramerica.com or 720.384.6249.

4th Runner Up - Ms. Colorado Senior Andrea Kehmeier (from Conifer) looking glamorous at the Ms. Senior America Pageant

October 31, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

fo l l ow F R E DA

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

b e i n t h e k n ow

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.

ago, 60,000 more Democrats Former GOP leader believes his party years than Republicans voted in the general election, so we need to persuade more unaffiliated voters to have a chance of can win more elections in this state winning. Unfortunately, instead of im-

capital have spent the Mark Hillman last six years ignoring hails from Burlingthe clearly expressed ton, Colorado on the voices of Colorado eastern plains. He was voters on taxes and elected to the State economic issues (that Senate in 1998 and matter to) many of the served as head of his very same voters who party in that body from elected them…They January 2004 to June seem to be daring any2005, first as Majority body to hold them acLeader, then as Minorcountable. They comity Leader. He also stepped in as Acting Mark Hillman Photo by Freda Miklin mand a 46-19 majority in the State House and State Treasurer from a 23-12 majority in the State Senate.

June 2005 until March 2006, when We need to take steps toward taking it Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, who back…” was the elected State Treasurer then, He continued, “With those numtook a leave of absence to return to bers, it’s understandable why the active duty in Iraq with the U.S. MaDemocrats are developing a sense rine Corps. of invincibility. But it remains to be Earlier this month, Hillman came seen whether their recent numeric to the Arapahoe County Republican majority is due to their own popularBreakfast Club’s regular monthly ity or due to the fact that, whether we meeting at Maggiano’s DTC to delike it or not…many folks, especially liver a message “about what we, as Republicans, should be doing in Colo- in the more populated areas of our state, simply don’t care for President rado, not just in 2024, but in years to Trump’s style.” come,” to succeed in statewide office Hillman pointed back to the time and legislative races. following the 2016 election, when, He explained, “I believe that we “Democrats held a bare 34-31 majorihave a winning message, a winning ty in the State House and Republicans Colorado-specific message, but we held an 18-17 majority in the State must get that message, and only that Senate.” He referenced a study from message, to voters, and stop giving respected Republican pollster Magelthe media the opportunity to focus lan Strategies, who, in early 2017, on Republicans fighting with each discovered that, in the most populated other…We feel strongly about many suburban counties of the state, higher things (but) sometimes we would income voters who voted for Mitt rather fight each other over small Romney for president in 2012 were details that seem important in the moment than fight progressive Demo- less amenable to Donald Trump and crats on all the big issues that affect all lower income voters were more amenable to Trump in the 2016 election. of us.”

From that data, Hillman concludHillman went on, “Gov. Polis and the progressive Democrats at the state ed, “There are still white-collar voters

that we need to persuade…voters in the center who feel like they don’t know which party to vote for.”

As evidence of voter confusion, Hillman pointed to how Coloradans have voted conservatively on nonpartisan issues, while they cast ballots for Democrats. “In 2018,” he said, “Voters rejected, by almost 20%, a tax increase to raise $700 million per year for highways and transportation…

(They) said no to Draconian restrictions on oil and gas development…In 2019, voters rejected…a repeal of…

TABOR. The next year…the citizens voted for an amendment that required that any new fee must be approved by voters if it’s going to raise more than $100 million.”

Returning to what he believes is the way forward for Colorado Republicans, Hillman told his listeners, “Since 2016, the share of ballots cast by Republicans and Democrats has fallen, while the share of ballots cast by unaffiliated voters his soared. Elections are about addition. In Colorado, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats can win an election merel y by turning out their own base. Each party has to persuade unaffiliated voters and dissatisfied voters from the other party.”

As proof, he pointed to statistics that showed that ballots cast in 2016 were evenly split between Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters, with each group garnering one-third.

By 2022, Republicans accounted for only 28% of ballots cast, Democrats represented 30%, and unaffiliated voters had jumped from one-third of the total to 42%.

It is an uphill battle. Hillman said, “In our statewide elections, Republicans started with a turnout deficit. Two

proving our strategy to win the hearts and minds of unaffiliated voters, we have fallen farther behind.” After citing statistics that the Democratic presidential candidate won 60% or more of Colorado unaffiliated voters in the last 3 presidential elections, Hillman noted that, “In 2022, Jared Polis won 72% of unaffiliated voters.”

“But it doesn’t have to be this way,” he said, pointing out that his party members need to win to govern, and, “Too many Republican candidates brag about their pristine conservative voting record without mentioning that all those votes were cast on the losing side of the issue.”

He also explained why it is “political suicide” to try to prevent unaffiliated voters from voting in the GOP primary. Currently, voters receive both Democratic and Republican primary ballots, “and they have to choose one of those to return. Devising a way to shut out those voters who want to vote in our primary would leave the Democratic primary as the only game in town…as if our party no longer exists. That would pave the way for even more unaffiliated voters to get into the bad habit of voting for Democrats… Democrats may be many things but when it comes to winning elections, they ain’t stupid. They have truly embraced unaffiliated voters and Republicans have to remember we can’t win elections without their help.”

Republicans can persuade the unaffiliated and moderate Democrats, Hillman believes, by being, “the party that convinces Coloradans to be optimistic about our future and to be proud of our history and our country.”

Why do seven “swing states” determine who will be President?

The United States Constitution states that whichever candidate gets the majority of the electoral college votes is elected president.

There are 538 electoral college votes so it takes 270 (50% plus one) to win.

With the exception of Maine and Nebraska, all the states and the District of Columbia award their electoral college votes on a winner-take-all basis.

History shows us that the outcome of the popular vote for president in many states is usually predictable.

For example, it is expected that the Democratic candidate will win the popular vote and thus all the electoral votes in New York, California, and Illinois. It is similarly expected that the Republican candidate

“lean” red, while Virginia and New Mexico “lean” blue. When tallying where one expects the election to go, those states are “credited” to the party to which they lean.

The seven swing states, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and Arizona, tend to split their votes for president closely, so it is difficult to predict which candidate will win their 93 combined electoral college votes.

Mathematically, some combination of the electoral college votes from those seven states determined the winner of the last two presidential elections, so that is very likely to happen in 2024, as well.

That is why the candidates are so focused on those states.

This map is not complete but it gives an idea how electoral college votes are expected to go in most states.

will win the popular vote and thus all the electoral votes in Alabama, Utah, and Indiana. So, those states are “counted” in the column of the candidate from the dominant party before

votes are even cast.

There are other states that generally go to one party or the other, that are viewed as “leaning” Democratic or Republican. Florida and Texas

Nearly full Class A Lone Tree office building sells at a 57% discount

on the demographic cycle of milKore Investments recently lennials coming to the suburbs.” bought Park Ridge Four at 10375 Pointing to his belief that younger Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree, employees expect to live near their a Class A office building with six work location, Kim said, “This fits stories and 192,359 square feet on that infield suburban thesis. It’s a 13 acres, at auction. They paid $18 top location and a top-quality asset,” million, which was a 57% discount adding, “If you look at three of the from what Principal Financial Group fastest growing cities in the suburbs of Iowa purchased the building for of Denver, it’s Castle Rock, it’s eight years ago. The building is 90% Parker, and it’s Lone Tree. And then occupied. you have all of Highlands Ranch, Park Ridge Four is located in the too…Those are the markets that northwest quadrant of Lincoln Avefeed this location.” nue and Interstate 25, approximately one mile south of the Park Meadows ParkRidge Four at 10375 Park Meadows Drive The most current valuation of the Photo courtesy Douglas County Assessor Mall. It was built in 2001. Accordbuilding by the Douglas County Asmaintained and is nearly 90 percent occuSoutheast Corridor light rail line. ing to www.premisescommercialrealestate. sessor was $36.05 million. pied.” He shared that Kore plans to spend Chad Duncan, director of business decom, “the building features unobstructed Kore Investments also owns the Kore between $1 million and $3 million to spruce Co-Working building at 9250 E. Costilla velopment and investor relations at Kore mountain views, a 4.4:1,000 parking ratio, up the building and its amenities.

Investments, told Business Den that, “We and average floor plates of 33,000 rentable Avenue in Greenwood Village, Re/Max square feet.” It also contains a fitness center, were really pleased with the price. We actuKore founding principal Jack Kim told Plaza at 5075 S. Syracuse St in DTC, and ally underwrote it to a higher valuation,” conference/training center, and onsite café. the Denver Business Journal the decision Peakview Center at 6500 S. Quebec St in noting that the building “has been wellIt is adjacent to the Lincoln Station of the Centennial. to acquire ParkRidge Four was, “based

Three office buildings lined up near GV City hall are in foreclosure

The first line of a recent report in Business Den said, “Orchard Road in Greenwood Village is turning into Foreclosure Lane.”

The three buildings that comprise the imaginary Foreclosure Lane are all near Greenwood Village City Hall, which is located at 6060 S. Quebec Street, just south of the corner of Orchard Road & Quebec Street.

The most recently reported troubled office building of the three is Orchard Falls at 7800 E. Orchard Road. It is listed as a Solarium Building at 7400 E. Orchard Road in Harlequin Plaza at 7600 E. Orchard Road in Greenwood Village current asset on the website of Toma West, Photo courtesy of Loopnet.com Greenwood Village Photo by Freda Miklin located in downtown Denver.

Toma bought it in April 2014 for outdoor plaza and other amenities, including $25,800,000, or $176/sq ft. Toma lists it as a a deli, fitness center, showers, locker room 146,280 square-foot four-story structure built facilities, and covered parking. It was built in 1982. in 1980.

According to Business Den, owners borIn January, The Villager reported that rowed $19 million to buy the building from the mortgage holder for the 170,000 NY-based Ladder Capital, for which Wilmsquare-foot Solarium building at 7400 E. ington Trust is now the trustee.

Orchard Road had filed suit seeking the apThe foreclosure indicates that Toma West pointment of a receiver while they moved still owes $16.33 million of the original $19 Orchard Falls at 7800 E. Orchard Road in Greenwood Village toward foreclosure for non-payment of the Photo courtesy of Toma West million principal. Kenneth Grant, Toma West mortgage.

A receiver was appointed as requested founder and president, was quoted as saying for Harlequin Plaza at 7600 E. Orchard The foreclosure went forward in March and Wilmington Trust initiated formal foreRoad, adjacent to GV’s Carson Park and his company is working on new loan terms. and the distressed loan on the four-story closure proceedings on Harlequin Plaza. The building was sold five months later by CommercialSearch.com shows only three next door to Orchard Falls, because Unico receiver reported on September 30th that the Properties, its owners, were delinquent in available office spaces comprising just over Ready Capital to LBC3 Trust. paying their mortgage.

15,000 square feet available for rent at OrBusiness Den reported on October 15 building was “just over 70% occupied.”

According to reports, none of the $28 chard Falls, so the building is 90% occupied.

Harlequin Plaza is comprised of two low- that LBC3 Trust had taken ownership of the million Wells Fargo loaned Unico for Harle- rise office buildings with 327,900 square On August 1, The Villager reported that property through a foreclosure auction on quin Plaza on May 2, 2014, had been repaid Wilmington Trust, on behalf of Wells Fargo October 2. The price was identified as $11.2 feet of Class B office space on an 18-acre Bank, had requested a receiver be appointed as of June 13, 2024. million. campus that contains a 46,000-square-foot the traffic impact of this project.

More details on plan for 54 townhomes on five estimating To the question raised by City Council, “What happens to the site development plan if you can’t get a specialty grocery acres at former Marilyn Hickey property store?” City Planner French explained, “You On September 19, we reported that the City of Greenwood Village had unanimously approved a proposal by Alberta Development Partners’ founding principal Don Provost to redevelop the 10-acre former Marilyn Hickey Ministries property at 8081 E. Orchard Road. The plan is to build 54 townhomes, a grocery store, and additional retail.

At their meeting on September 16, Provost told the city council he anticipates beginning demolition of the boarded-up building at the site “sometime later this year or early next year,” which he expects to take four to five months. Then construction of the townhomes and commercial buildings would be begun in the summer of 2025 and be completed in one year.

Provost also told GV, “To be clear…we will not be the developers of the residential.

We’re under contract with a best-in-class national single-family builder who we will sell those to and they will build them and execute them.”

As the council absorbed the fact that they did not know who will build the townhomes,

GV City Attorney Tonya Haas-Davidson suggested they condition their support of the plan on future approval of a major subdivision plat and subdivision improvement agreement, which David French, the designated city planner for the project, explained, “will be a separate application that requires higher level construction drawings…(that) will include the full terms of the subdivision improvement agreement (including) all of the developer-provided public improvements.” That was a formal way of saying that some of the details about the townhomes are not yet certain. They know that what they approved is 13 buildings containing 54 units on five acres, a density of 10.8 townhomes per acre, and each unit will have two parking places, plus 32 additional parking spaces for guests around the property.

Mayor Pro Tem Kerber asked if the townhomes could be changed from for-sale to rentals by the developer. The city attorney responded, “You can’t tell someone they can’t rent out their property,” but, “They’re still condominiums.” Pressed to say whether the developer could rent them out, even if

they’re considered condos, if they didn’t sell, the city attorney said yes.

Provost described the unnamed builder with whom he said his company is under contract to sell the residential portion of the project as, “a best-in-class national singlefamily builder (whose) business model is to build them and sell them.”

Kerber also wanted to know whether the traffic engineer for the project had taken into account traffic that will be generated

by The Rider, an eight-story, 380-unit apartment complex, along with 18,000 square feet of retail, currently under construction at 6363 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, one mile south of the Orchard Townhomes project,

by Schnitzer West. Project traffic engineer Steve Tuttle of the Fox-Tuttle Transportation Group in Denver said his firm used the DRCOG (Denver Regional Council of Governments) regional model to estimate future development in the area and relied on 2019 pre-Covid traffic levels, which were higher than current traffic levels, but they had not utilized the traffic study for The Rider, which Kerber pointed out is available, in

couldn’t just build something else,” adding that the developer would have to come back to city council Responding to another question from city council about financing this project, Provost said, “Financing in the real estate world in multifamily, industrial, and residential has been challenging over the last couple of years. But probably the single best asset class to finance is grocery-anchored…We’ve had several conversations with lenders…and they’re all very eager to get through this initial process and then start the underwriting process. I don’t foresee any issues.”

During the discussion leading up to the approval, Kerber, who was on the GV City Council from 2003 to 2011 before returning to it in 2017, said, “This particular piece of property has been, let me say the right word, a curse since 1985 when they built the Beau Monde shopping center (its original use).”

At the end of the discussion, he said, “I’m very excited about this project… We’ve been trying to protect this area for development for 20 years.”

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

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October 31, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

CFP already underway, both CU, CSU still alive The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is five weeks away, and Colorado and Colorado State still have a chance of being part of it. Imagine that.

Even though the first actual playoff games won’t be held until Dec. 20-21, I say five weeks away because the conference championship games are set for Dec. 6-7.

The beauty of the new CFP is that conference championships are tantamount to playoff games, because their outcomes now have such a bearing on the CFP field.

The winners of four conferences will receive first-round byes.

So that makes what happens in November pivotal, especially in this crazy year.

Take the Buffaloes and Rams, for example.

If either makes its conference’s championship game and wins it, they’re in—even though the Buffs have lost twice, and the Rams have three defeats (overall).

Currently, CU is tied for third in the Big 12 with only that 31-28 loss to Kansas State marring its conference record. In all games, the Buffs are 6-2 after clinching a bid to an (as yet-unnamed) bowl last Saturday night by defeating Cincinnati 34-23.

Coach Prime’s crew gets this week off before alternating road games at Texas Tech and Kansas and home games against Utah and Oklahoma State to close the regular season. All are winnable, though not locks.

BYU and Iowa State are both undefeated as of last Saturday and will meet in the Big 12 title game (with one of those byes at stake) unless at least one stumbles. That makes Colorado a longshot.

CSU, meanwhile, is tied with Boise State atop the Mountain West at 3-0 (and is one win away from bowl-eligibility).

Three of the Rams’ four remaining games are against teams at the bottom of the Mountain West standings (Nevada, Wyoming and Utah State). Only Fresno State has a winning record (and still a shot at making the conference championship game).

Win ‘em all, and CSU plays (most likely Boise State) for a first-round playoff berth.

Likewise, conference championships in the rest of the Big Four (what’s left of the Big Five after the Pac 12 imploded) are still up for grabs.

Texas A&M leads the SEC with a 5-0 record, followed closely by four one-loss

teams: Georgia, Texas, Tennessee and LSU. The Aggies end their regular season with the 119th rivalry game against Texas.

In the Big Ten, Oregon, Indiana (yes, Indiana) and Penn State are unbeaten, and Ohio State has one loss. Two of the Buckeyes’ remaining games are at Penn State (this weekend) and at home against Indiana. This year’s Michigan game (the 120th) is in Columbus.

Four teams—Clemson, Miami (Fla.), SMU and Pittsburgh have yet to lose an ACC game. Pitt plays both Clemson and SMU in future weeks, so that should go a long way toward sorting things out.

For years, what has made the college basketball national tournament such a compelling spectacle is its unpredictability. It consistently lives up to “March Madness.”

As we head into this November, the uncertainty of the conference races has brought anticipation and suspense to college football in a similar way.

Bear with me for a moment as I play the old “common opponent” game to demonstrate that anything can happen in the weeks to come.

Already during this season: Old Dominion (the university in Virginia, not the trucking company) beat Georgia

Southern, who beat Georgia State, who beat Vanderbilt, who beat Alabama, who beat Georgia, who beat Texas.

Also, Ball State beat Northern Illinois, who beat Notre Dame, who beat Texas A&M, who beat LSU. What next?

In effect, the CFP is underway almost two months before the first official playoff games.

So predicting which teams will make the field of 12 is a fool’s errand. But here goes: Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State from the Big Ten; Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas A&M from the SEC; Miami and Clemson from the ACC; BYU from the ACC; Boise State from the Mountain West; and still-independent Notre Dame.

And who will win it all?

I’d say Old Dominion, since the season’s dominoes show they could do it. But the Monarchs, though first in the Sun Belt Conference standings, are 4-4 and won’t make the field.

As for CU and CSU, the playoffs seem a bridge too far.

At least they’ll both play in bowl games. ________________ Denny Dressman is a veteran of 43 years in the newspaper business, including 25 at the Rocky Mountain News, where he began as executive sports editor. He is the author of 16 books, nine of them sports-related. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast. net.

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PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

Department of Revenue announces how much Coloradans will receive in TABOR surplus sales tax refunds The Colorado Department of Revenue today announced how much eligible Coloradans can expect to receive in TABOR surplus sales tax refunds in 2025.

Eligible Coloradans who fall in the following adjusted gross income ranges will receive:

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October 31, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Because the public has a right to know 1st place - 2018, 2nd place - 2023

1st place - 2018

SPECIAL DISTRICTS ___________________________ NOTICE OF 2025 BUDGET HEARING HOLLY HILLS WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT DENVER AND ARAPAHOE COUNTIES, COLORADO

CENTENNIAL AIRPORT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that during a regular meeting which begins at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Board of Commissioners of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority will hold a Public Hearing at which all interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard concerning an Application Under Centennial Airport’s Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities from Epic Aviation Inc., d/b/a Epic Flight Academy to conduct Flight Training as described under Part 3 Section (9).

The hearing will be conducted as Virtual Public Meeting via GoTo Meeting, in order to view the board meeting or participate in the public hearing visit the following link and follow the instructions to join the meeting: https:// centennialairport.com/board-of-commissioners.

Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11626 ___________________________ EAST VIRGINIA VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE CONCERNING 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT AND PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the necessity has arisen to amend the East Virginia Village Metropolitan District 2024 Budget and that a proposed 2025 Budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the East Virginia Village Metropolitan District; and that copies of the proposed Amended 2024 Budget and 2025 Budget have been filed at the District’s offices, 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, Colorado, where the same are open for public inspection; and that adoption of Resolutions Amending the 2024 Budget and Adopting the 2025 Budget will be considered at a public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. This District Board meeting will be held via Zoom without any individuals (neither Board Representatives nor the general public) attending in person.

Zoom Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86267550643?pwd=V3RnRGRtWkRyUlZZc1V MWTJFZjFHdz09 Meeting ID: 862 6755 0643 Passcode: 987572 Dial In: 1-719-359-4580 Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the Resolutions to Amend the 2024 Budget and adopt the 2025 Budget, inspect and file or register any objections thereto.

EAST VIRGINIA VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By /s/ Peggy Ripko Secretary Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 116 ___________________________ NOTICE AS TO PUBLIC HEARING RE PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND AMENDED 2024 BUDGET NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed 2025 budget has been submitted to the GREENWOOD NORTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, for the fiscal year 2025. A copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the District’s legal counsel, Seter, Vander Wall & Mielke, PC, 7400 East Orchard Road, Suite 3300, Greenwood Village, Colorado, 80111, where same is open for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the Greenwood North Metropolitan District to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. If necessary, an amended 2024 budget will be filed in the office of the District’s legal counsel and open for public inspection for consideration at the regular meeting of the Board. The meeting will be held at 7400 E. Orchard Road, Suite 3300, in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Any interested elector within the Greenwood North Metropolitan District may inspect the proposed and amended budgets and file or register any objections at any time prior to the final adoption of the proposed 2025 budget and if necessary, amended 2024 budget.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: GREENWOOD NORTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ SETER, VANDER WALL & MIELKE, P.C. Attorneys for the District Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11629 ___________________________ NOTICE AS TO PUBLIC HEARING RE PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND AMENDED 2024 BUDGET NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed 2025 budget has been submitted to the HILLS AT CHERRY CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT for the fiscal year 2025. A copy of such proposed budget and, if necessary, an amended 2024 budget have been filed in the office of Simmons & Wheeler, P.C., 304 Inverness Way South, Suite 490, Englewood, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection. Such proposed budget and, if necessary, amended budget, will be considered at a special meeting of the Hills at Cherry Creek Metropolitan District to be held at 4:15 P.M. on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The meeting will be held at 7400 East Orchard Road, Suite 3300, Greenwood Village, Colorado. Any interested elector within the Hills at Cherry Creek Metropolitan District may inspect the proposed budget and, if necessary, the amended budget and file or register any objections at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 budget and, if necessary, the 2024 amended budget.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: HILLS AT CHERRY CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ SETER, VANDER WALL & MIELKE, P.C. Attorneys for the District Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11631

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to §29-1-106, C.R.S., as amended, that a proposed Budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Holly Hills Water and Sanitation District, Denver and Arapahoe Counties, Colorado (“District”), for calendar year 2025. A copy of said proposed Budget, which includes a summary of fund balances, revenues and expenditures of the District, is available for public inspection at the District’s office, 405 Urban Street, #310, Lakewood, CO 80228.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the Holly Hills Water and Sanitation District will consider the adoption of its 2025 Budget after a public hearing on the proposed budget is conducted during a regular meeting of the District’s Board of Directors on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

If you would like to attend this meeting the following meeting information: Meeting ID: 763 670 3470 or by dialing 720-707-2699.

Any interested elector of the Holly Hills Water and Sanitation District may inspect the proposed Budget for 2025 and file or register any objections or comments thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of said Budgets.

Dated this 16th day of October, 2024.

HOLLY HILLS WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT By:

/s/ Linda Rhea Secretary/Treasurer

Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11632 ___________________________ NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed budget for the year of 2025 has been submitted to the INOVA Aero Metropolitan District (the “District”). Such proposed budget will be considered at a meeting and public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held on November 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible via telephone as noted below. To attend and participate by telephone, dial 1/669-254-5252 and enter passcode 630119. Information regarding public participation by videoconference will be available at least 24 hours prior to the meeting and public hearing online at https://inovaaeromd.com.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an amendment to the 2024 budget of the District may also be considered at the above-referenced meeting and public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District. A copy of the proposed 2025 budget and amended 2024 budget, if required, are available for public inspection at the offices of Spencer Fane LLP, 1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000, Denver Colorado. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to final adoption of the 2025 budget and the amended 2024 budget, if required, file or register any objections.

INOVA AERO METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ Tom N. George, Legal Counsel Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11633 ___________________________ NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND NOTICE CONCERNING 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT MANSFIELD HEIGHTS WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget for the ensuing year of 2025 has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Mansfield Heights Water & Sanitation District and that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a public hearing during a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the District to be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 3:00 PM via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82233932408?pwd =YdJwLheqKq2nMQ12Q0QdZtiKEZlmJJ.1 Meeting ID: 822 3393 2408 Passcode: 751906 One tap mobile: +17193594580,,82233932408# US NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an amendment to the 2024 budget of the District, if necessary, may also be considered at a public hearing held during the above-referenced special meeting of the Board of Directors.

Copies of the proposed 2025 budget and, if necessary, the proposed amendment of the 2024 budgets are on file in the office of the District located at Community Resource Services of Colorado, LLC, 7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E, Greenwood Village, Colorado and are available for public inspection.

Any interested elector of the District may file or register any objections to the proposed 2025 budget and the proposed amendment of the 2024 budget at any time prior to the final adoption of said budget and proposed budget amendment by the governing body of the District.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MANSFIELD HEIGHTS WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT /s/ COMMUNITY RESOURCE SERVICES OF COLORADO Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11634 ___________________________ NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND NOTICE CONCERNING 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT MARVELLA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget for the ensuing year of 2025 has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Marvella Metropolitan District and that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a public hearing during a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the District to be held Friday, November 8, 2024, at 12:00 PM via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86416364966?pwd=s6fIKtmERocC j1LKOtID7nmp3M5iaq.1 Meeting ID: 864 1636 4966, Passcode: 378775, Telephone: +17193594580,,86416364966# US

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an amendment to the 2024 budget of the District, if necessary, may also be considered at a public hearing held during the above-referenced regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

Copies of the proposed 2025 budget and, if necessary, the proposed amendment of the 2024 budgets are on file in the office of the District located at Community Resource Services of Colorado, LLC, 7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E, Greenwood Village, Colorado and are available for public inspection.

Any interested elector of the District may file or register any objections to the proposed 2025 budget and the proposed amendment of the 2024 budget at any time prior to the final adoption of said budget and proposed budget amendment by the governing body of the District.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MARVELLA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT /s/ COMMUNITY RESOURCE SERVICES OF COLORADO Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11635 ___________________________ PINEY CREEK VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE CONCERNING 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT AND PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the necessity may arise to amend the Piney Creek Village Metropolitan District (“District”) 2024 Budget, if necessary, and that a proposed 2025 Budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the District; and that copies of the proposed Amended 2024 Budget and 2025 Budget have been filed at the District’s offices, 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, Colorado, where the same is open for public inspection; and that adoption of Resolutions Amending the 2024 Budget and Adopting the 2025 Budget will be considered at a public meeting of the Board of Directors of the District on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. This District Board meeting will be held via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5469119353?pwd=SmtlcHJETFhCQUZEcVB BOGZVU3Fqdz09 Meeting ID: 546 911 9353 Passcode: 912873 Dial In: 1-719-359-4580 Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the Resolutions to Amend the 2024 Budget and adopt the 2025 Budget, inspect and file or register any objections thereto.

PINEY CREEK VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By David Solin District Manager Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11636 ___________________________ NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDED 2024 BUDGET OF THE SUNDANCE HILLS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an amended 2024 budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Sundance Hills Metropolitan District for the year 2024; that a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the District located at Circuit Rider of Colorado, 1100 W. Littleton Blvd., #101, Littleton, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection; and that such proposed budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the District to be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sailfish Room, 5626 S Galena Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the amended 2024 budget, inspect the budget and file or register any objections thereto. This meeting is open to the public.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SUNDANCE HILLS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT /s/ Circuit Rider of Colorado, Manager Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11637 ___________________________ NOTICE CONCERNING PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET FOR VERMILION CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE is hereby given that proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Vermilion Creek Metropolitan District for the ensuing year of 2025; that a copy of the proposed 2025 Budget has been filed in the office of the District’s accountants, Simmons & Wheeler, 304 Inverness Way South, Suite 490, Englewood, Colorado, where the same is open for public inspection; and that consideration of such proposed 2025 Budget will be considered at a public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held on December 5, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom through the following access information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82368175552 Or One tap mobile: +17193594580,,82368175552# US Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 Budget, inspect the budget and file or register any objections thereto.

VERMILION CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By /s/ A Sue Birkhead Secretary Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11638

Continued on next page

PAGE 14| THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

LEGALS

Cherry Creek Innovation Campus teacher wins $100,000 prize for excellence in teaching infrastructure engineering

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

Mike Degitis, a teacher in the infrastructure engineering pathway of the Cherry Creek Schools’ Innovation Campus (CCIC), is one of only five teachers across the country who won the prestigious Harbor Freight Tools for Schools 2024 Grand Prize for Teaching Excellence of $100,000.

Of the total, $70,000 is awarded to the program and $30,000 is awarded to the teacher. CCIC is a public school for 10th to 12th graders at 8000 S. Chambers Road in Centennial that provides educational experiences in seven pathways leading to innumerable careers.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program began in 2017 to increase understanding, support, and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools.

Each year, $1.5 million is awarded to 25 outstanding public high school skilled trades teachers in the fields of agricultural mechanics, carpentry, construction, electrical, HVAC, manufacturing, plumbing, transportation mechanics, and welding. Teachers are selected who inspire students to learn a trade that prepares them for life after graduation. Of the 25 who win, only five are selected for the grand prize.

To date, 6,041 teachers have submitted applications for these prizes that go through three rounds of

Superintendent Chris Smith congratulated Mike Degitis on his big award.

Photos by Freda Miklin Mike Degitis reacting to the announcement that he won $100,000 for his school from Harbor Freight.

Harbor Freight Tools District Manager Lorenzo Rivera

Mike with his students and pathway lead Don Rauh in infrastructure engineering at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC).

Scott Springer, retired principal and Education Advisor, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, with the $100,000 check won by Mike Degitis and CCIC.

judging by independent evaluators. As of this year, 160 teachers (including nine from Colorado) from 42 states have been awarded a portion of the $9,000,000 that has been distributed.

Tools for Schools Excellence in Education is funded

by Smidt Foundation, created

by Eric Smidt, the owner and founder of Harbor Freight

Tools “to reflect his deep respect for the people who build, repair, and strengthen our communities.”

Enhancing the value of the program, prizewinners participate in a four-day summer seminar where they share best practices and develop new ideas to advance high school skilled trades education.

Two other Colorado

teachers won two of the five nationwide $100,000 grand prizes in 2020. Brian Manley of CCIC won it in the automotive technology program of the transportation pathway and Mike Shallenberger of the STEM School Highlands Ranch won it for his work in teaching manufacturing.

Lorenzo Rivera, district manager at Harbor Freight Tools, explained to the folks gathered at CCIC on October 8 to see Mike Degitis receive his prize, “Harbor Freight Tools for Schools believes in

the value of the education for the skills trades because it’s a direct path…to careers in a workforce that’s greatly in need…We honor the teachers, the programs, the instructors that are molding the next generation to be able to engage and be part of their communities.”

He shared that there were over 900 applications for the 25 combined regular and grand prizes for 2024 and each application went through

COURTS DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 (303) 645-6600 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner, IN THE INTEREST OF: ALEENA RAE HALE, BRYCE RYKER SCHUCKMAN, MYLA RENAE SCHUCKMAN, ROWAN RUSSELL SCHUCKMAN, AND HAISLEY ROSE SCHUCKMAN, Child, and concerning KATLIN NICOLE HALE, CODY RUSSELL SCHUCKMAN AND JOSHUA HENDERSON, Respondents.

Division: 34 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENT, JOSHUA HENDERSON PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT JOSHUA HENDERSON is set for November 7, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in Division 34 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you.

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

Jordan Lewis, Reg. #50198 Assistant County Attorney 14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 303-636-1883 (F) 303-636-1889

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

Case No: 24JV124

MISC. PUBLIC NOTICE The 2023 annual financial report for the Cibrowski Family Foundation is available for Public Inspection during regular business hours from today’s date through April 30, 2025, at the Office of Deon E Fitch, Chairman, Cibrowski Family

Foundation, 6947 S Madison Way, Centennial, CO 80122.

303-740-9497, 1-720-815-3426 (Fax).

Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11640 ___________________________

•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.

PAOLA GONZALEZ-ARREDONDO, Children,

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 code 2594 408 0614 #.

GENESIS ARREDONDO-SALAZAR AND DAVID GONZALEZ, Respondents.

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

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.

Dated: October 21, 2024.

Jordan Lewis, Esq. #50198 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 116 ___________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: GERARDO GONZALEZ AND

and concerning,

Erinn Walz, Esq. #43200 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: (303) 636-1821 Fax: (303) 636-1889 Case No: 24JV147 Division: 22 NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATION HEARING FOR DAVID GONZALEZ SET FOR NOVEMBER 18, 2024, AT 3:15 PM IN DIV. 22 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above-captioned matter has been set for a DEFAULT ADJUDICATION HEARING for Respondent, David Gonzalez, on November 18, 2024, at the hour of 3:15 p.m., in Division 22, at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. The Court requests that you be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin, for you to discuss the case with an attorney and/or caseworker if you wish to do so. 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 children dependent and neglected and enter into a treatment plan by default in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation.

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

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

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

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

YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to appear before the Court at said time and place, either in person or by phone. If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Dated October 23, 2024.

Erinn Walz, Reg. #43200 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11625 ___________________________

Continued on page 16

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024, AT 6:30 P.M. FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING A SITE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR BRAVE ACADEMY TO INCREASE ENROLLMENT TO A MAXIMUM 208 STUDENTS (K-12) AT 3651 S. COLORADO BOULEVARD. THE APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80113 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. OR YOU MAY CALL 303-783-2729 FOR MORE INFORMATION. PROTESTS OR COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80113 OR PWORKMAN@CHERRYHILLSVILLAGE. COM ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING, OR

BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE PUBLIC HEARING. Published in The Villager Published: October 31, 2024 Legal # 11639 ___________________________

October 31, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

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REPUBLICAN ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY TUE. NOV. 5, 7:00 PM Hosted by Advance Colorado and Senate Majority Fund at Rock Bottom Brewery, 9627 E. County Line Road in Centennial. No cost to attend. Light Appetizers and Cash Bar. Must RSVP: Amy@WestbrookeGroup.com DISCOVER OUR HISTORY; 17 MILE HOUSE OPEN HOUSE, SAT. NOV. 5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Learn about the 1859 Colo. Gold Rush and how it shaped the local landscape of Colo. maps of today. FREE event but reservations are required due to limited space. Visit arapahoeco.gov/17milehouse or look for QR code on Page 3 , Oct. 31, Arapahoe ad.

40TH ANNUAL CERAMIC SALE & EXHIBITION NOV. 7-10. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC Denver). Main lobby of Community Center. 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver. Info: 720-425-2580.

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MILE HIGH HOLIDAY MART SPONSORED BY JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DENVER NOV. 15-17 at Gates Field House Univ. of Denver.

Enjoy a unique boutique holiday shopping experience while supporting the community and local businesses! Proceeds support the Junior League of Denver’s efforts to develop the potential of women and improve the community. Visit JLD.org for show hours, to purchase tickets and info on VIP Shopping.

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Meet Santa, horses-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, make-and-take crafts, petting farm, local craft vendors, food trucks and more.

FRIENDS OF NURSING’S CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON Friends of Nursing’s Christmas Luncheon will be DECEMBER 7 at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Restaurant in Greenwood Village. The program, “Nurses Make a Difference”will include reflections of Randy Gradishar and his wife Beth, who IS a nurse. Their fireside chat will describe the influence of nursing in their lives.

Rick Crandall will introduce soprano Christie Conover to entertain with Christmas music. For information, please call 720/891-3412 THIRD ANNUAL LATKES AND LIGHTS HANUKKAH CELEBRATION SUN. DEC. 15, 10 a.m. Hosted by Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC Denver).Two latke

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competitions, craft fair, live music, Hanukkah games and more. All ages invited. Tickets limited at https:/ www.jccd DEenver.org/portfolio-items/latkes-andlights/

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.

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW PARADE JAN. 9 12 noon. Downtown Denver.

WHAT’S NEW? Carla’s is decorated for the Holidays! SHOP LOCAL! Unique & festive holidays decor from vintage to modern. A magical experience for 29 years. The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Ste., 233, Centennial.

SOUTH SUBURBAN GOLF COURSE 50TH ANNIVERSARY 7900 S Colo. Blvd., Centennial. Five leagues have joined together to raise funds for “Nourish Meals on Wheels”this month. Nourish delivered more than 200,000 meals and groceries in 2023 to those in need.

Concerts and karaoke nights throughout the year. Info: 303-70-5500.

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.

WHAT’S NEW? - BRIA BLAIR CREATIVE NOW OPEN! The Streets at Southglenn, 6853 S. York St., 123.

(Across the street from Carlas.) Open Monday by appointment or Tuesday-Sat. 10-5 p.m.

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CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO HOLIDAY SHOPPING NIGHT WED., NOV. 20, 4-8 p.m. Glenmoor Country Club, 110 Glenmoor Dr., Cherry Hills Village. Live entertainment, Signature Cocktails, Tantalizing Appetizers and Delicious Desserts. Entry ticket - $10.

ATHE POLAR EXPRESS - 20TH ANNIVERSARY NOV. 22 TO JAN. 1, 2025 at Gaylord Rockies Resort. Carved from 300-pound blocks of ice to fill 17,000 s.f. frozen attraction with the temperature maintained at 9 degrees. Coats provided for the tour.

The ice artisans are from Harbin, China where they will carve 2 million pounds of ice to recreate the classic Holiday event in Colorado’s largest indoor frozen attraction. Starting with 6,000 massive ice blocks, the carvers work approximately six weeks- more than 12,000 man-hours. Some of the events: Cirque: Frost; Festival of Trees, Mistletoe Mile Scavenger

2025 Hyundai Tucson Is Home Run Winner

The South Koreans know how to build classic cars. This new 2025 Hyundai Tucson hybrid is outstanding. The many safety features set this vehicle above many cars driven this past year.

The clarity of the photos from all angles, including vertical are vital to parking and backing on crowed streets and parking lots.

The appearance is sleek with sloping lines and “Deep Sea,” dark blue shimmering paint.

The roof has a panoramic sunroof with side rails sloping back to a hand’s free rear power trunk.

LED lighting front, rear, and running lights with excellent dimming controls. The Tucson rides on 19” inch alloy wheels.

Four drive modes control the 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with eco, my choice, sport, and snow drive

selections. The hybrid component works in harmony in the power train to provide a spirited drive with 35 mpg. over-all fuel economy. I used the sport mode climbing up U.S.70 and the eco mode coming back down from the mountains. The snow mode would be ideal for a wet highway or upcoming ice and snowy

roads. Steering wheel paddle shifters work well for gear selection with the five-speed automatic transmission. The gear shift is a simple stud lever dial indicating R/P/D components with paddle shift choices for select gear driving situations.

Another gold star is the comfortable ride and the strong

suspension system for a firm drive. A center console 12.3” inch color screen controls the Bose sound system and displays the surround view monitor with clear pictures of the surroundings. The signal lights show the trailing driving lanes along with warning lights on the panel to show cars in the blind spot space.

Safety features galore with the rear view mirror showing traffic, forward alert warnings lights, and collision avoidance braking to prevent hitting a forward object. Air bags galore, on the side, front, window and rear, making the cabin ultra safe for all passengers.

The smart phone charger located near the center console is easy to use and green lights indicate that the phone is in the right position to charge quickly.

All the safety and luxury

By H. Throttle

features are included in the manufacturer’s suggested list price of $42,550, a very competitive price for an all-wheel drive SUV sedan. The Tucson carries a 100,000 mile/10-year power train warranty that is one of the best in the business. The vehicle is assembled in Ulsan, South Korea with both engine and transmission pridefully built in the country of origin.

One thing that I didn’t like, no spare tire, just a tire mobility kit in lieu of a spare tire. The spare tires are starting to disappear in many new cars. This is a smart vehicle loaded with safety and comfort features, with all-wheel drive, heated seats and steering wheel for winter driving.

The price is right, and the vehicle is outstanding.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • October 31, 2024

Retail therapy

Students practicing their construction skills in the infrastructure engineering pathway at CCIC. Photo by Freda Miklin

Teacher wins $100,000 prize Continued from page 14

three rounds of judging by “industry experts, philanthropists, and educational leaders across the country.”

Rivera shared a quote from Mike’s application, “As a skilled trades teacher, what I love most is the opportunity to ignite a passion for craftsmanship in my students. I am deeply passionate about sharing not just the technical skills, but also the values of dedication, precision, and creativity that are inherent in the trades.”

Cherry Creek Schools’ Superintendent Chris Smith presented Mike with a congratulatory letter from Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko and said, “Mike, you are an incredible teacher…You care about your kids like no other and that’s why they are going to be successful.

That’s why this program is successful.

Thank you.”

Scott Springer, education advisor for the Tools for Schools program, shared a thought from Eric Smidt, its founder: “Our future will be built by students in today’s skilled trades classrooms. We appreciate the outstanding teachers who

are preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals across the United States.”

Scott Springer told us, “In Degitis’ classroom, learning begins with addressing a real-life challenge, such as proposing a solution for the unhoused in Denver. For the past five years, students built five tiny homes each year, at material cost, for a village in downtown Denver that provides housing and wraparound services, such as career counseling and mental health care. Now students plan to build a double wide trailer for the unhoused in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Berthoud, Colorado.”

Asked by a reporter, “What makes this so compelling, to be able to do these projects and have this impact on kids’ lives?” Mike Degitis responded, “It’s an impact not only on the kids, but on our community. We’re talking about generational change in these kids. They are not only going to learn the value of hard work. They’re going to see that if they put their blood, sweat, and tears into something, they can create someone’s home.”

Colorado National Guard Blackhawk drops in to Greenwood Elementary to give some importance advice On October 23, the Colorado National Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration brought a Blackhawk helicopter to Greenwood Elementary School and landed it on the front grass field along Holly Street. The students got to take a close look at the helicopter and received advice from the DEA agents who were along for the ride to the school about the importance of staying healthy and not taking drugs.

Photos by Freda Miklin

Sometimes when I’m feeling down, I go shopping. I don’t buy shoes or clothes or furniture like some people do when they indulge in retail therapy though. Oh no. I head to the grocery store. I read the product labels, make my choices and by the time I leave, I’m feeling happy and optimistic. Also I have my grocery shopping done.

If shopping for groceries doesn’t cheer you up, you’re probably not reading labels properly. Follow me as I wander into the snack aisle and I’ll show you what I mean. Here’s a box of crackers that actually says, “Snack with purpose.” Then on the back it says, “Food has the power to transform how you feel. To help you live your life to the fullest.” The label doesn’t come right out and say these crackers will help me live my fullest life, but I think it’s implied. I put the box in my cart. I feel better already.

A bag of kettle-cooked potato chips has the words, “no trans fats” in big, red letters across the label. They may have more salt than a jar of pickles and more calories than a Thanksgiving dinner, but at least they don’t have trans fats. That practically qualifies them as health food and they taste good besides. I grab two bags.

The cereal aisle is a really happy place for me. The boxes are all so pretty and colorful—just like many of the cereals inside of them. Here’s one that boasts “all natural ingredients.” I choose it because I’m a responsible shopper—a responsible shopper with a sweet tooth.

And sugar is one of this cereal’s natural ingredients.

I’m thrilled to find that so many products in the beauty aisle are new and improved, and I hope to be too once I use them.

I pick a hand lotion that promises to “even my skin tone, improve its texture and give it radiance.” That’s exactly what I need. Radiance.

I select a deodorant that claims to have “seven times the odor elimination versus no product.” It doesn’t say how

that’s measured and I’m not sure I want to know. But who among us wouldn’t prefer to be seven times less smelly? And who among the people we come in contact with wouldn’t prefer that we be that way too?

I choose the toothpaste that promises to make my teeth whiter in just 30 days.

Then I grab the shampoo that claims it can “restore bounce and shine” because, as the label says, “when your hair shines, you shine.” I don’t really need shampoo today but I do want to shine.

That way I’ll match my teeth.

Before I leave the beauty aisle, I grab one more item: hair spray that guarantees it will make my hair more manageable. I figure today my hair, tomorrow my life!

I move on to the household aisle where all the products come with fragrances like mountain fresh, springtime, ocean breeze and tropical. It’s almost like being on vacation.

I choose a dishwashing liquid that smells like lavender and promises 50 percent less scrubbing. It doesn’t say 50 percent less scrubbing than what—no soap at all, a competitor’s brand or the same product before it was new and improved. Who cares? The idea of less scrubbing brightens my day almost as much as my purposeful crackers, my colorful cereal and my healthful kettle cooked potato chips.

After all that positivity, I wander over to the produce aisle. The fruits and veggies promise nothing. They have no stickers bragging about their lack of trans fats or artificial colorvs and preservatives. I stock up anyway. I appreciate their humility. Besides, they’ll make my cart look better if I run into someone I know at the grocery store.

Dorothy Rosby is an author and humor columnist whose work appears regularly in publications in the West and Midwest. You can subscribe to her blog at www.dorothyrosby.com or contact at www.dorothyrosby.com/contact.