Denver Herald Dispatch March 28, 2024

Denver’s Whittier Cafe: A vital hub for community, justice awareness and action

BY KATIE SALE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

It’s 2 p.m. and you need a pickme-up.

Denver’s Whittier Cafe, 1710 E. 25th Ave., can o er way more than an average cup of jo. Its African espresso bar is the only African-owned of its kind in Denver and provides purely African bean blends of co ee. ese co ee beans come from many African nations such as Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.

“We only use African beans and that’s sort of our claim to fame,” said Millete Birhanemaskel, owner and founder of the Whittier Cafe who prefers to go by M. “We select beans as availability o ers, but we only use African beans.”

M added that co ee was rst discovered in East Africa. It went from East Africa to South America, then through the Middle East, and eventually spread around the world.

“Not everyone knows that coffee originated in East Africa, which is partly why I opened the co ee shop – to teach people about an amazing part of Africa,” M said.

ough the co ee beans the shop carries come from many di erent African countries, it hasn’t been able to carry Ethiopian co ee beans because of the on-going genocide in Tigray, Ethiopia, M said. at is one reason why M came to the U.S. – she is Ethiopian.

More than co ee

Within the Whittier Cafe, there’s the activists’ cafe – the shop’s microcosmic, dynamic tight knit social community – and the messages, education and repower impact that come from it.

New bill could help Colorado transfer students retain college credits

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Two years into college during the pandemic, Larry Blackshear wanted a little bit of normalcy.

Hoping a move closer to home would help, he decided to transfer in 2022 from Colorado State University Pueblo to the University of Colorado Denver — a 15-minute drive from where he grew up in Aurora.

But even though he wanted to pursue the same Spanish and political science degrees he studied in Pueblo, not all of his credits transferred with him. Of the 82 credits he had earned, only 64 were accepted at the Denver university.

“If CU Denver had accepted my credits,” Blackshear, 23, said, “I’d be preparing to graduate at the end of this (school) year.”

Instead, he’s likely a year and a half away from earning his degree. And, while he’s not sure of the exact amount, he estimates he’s spent thousands of dollars trying to catch up.

Colorado was a pioneer in working to remove such obstacles with transfers, but students statewide still run into problems when they try to switch between public colleges, pointing to the need to update rules to re ect changes in the way students earn credits and progress through college.

State leaders hope new legislation will provide that update, so that students like Blackshear don’t lose time, money and credits when they decide to change schools.

All the co ee served at Denver’s Whittier Cafe is made from purely African beans.

SEE CAFE, P5

BY JASON BLEVINS THE COLORADO SUN

Skier visits are down 9.7% at Vail Resorts’ 37 North American ski areas so far this winter, with snowfall 42% lower than the start of the previous 2022-23 winter, when the company reported a record 17.2 million visits.

Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch called the start of the season “incredibly challenging,” but said improved snowfall — and a higher-than-usual

percentage of the 2.4 million skiers who have already bought Epic passes and lift tickets but not used them — indicates visitation will rebound.

Despite the challenges with snow and declining visitation, Vail Resorts reported an annual 7.7% increase in earnings for the three months that ended on Jan. 31. e company reported $1.1 billion in revenue for those three months, a slight decrease from the previous season.  e stability of earnings and a

small drop in revenues after a slow start to the season and declining visits re ects Vail Resorts’ overarching strategy to harvest 75% of its liftticket revenue from skiers who buy long before the snow falls. Before the emergence and proliferation of advanced purchase season passes and lift tickets in the late 2000s, a poor snow year and downturn in skier numbers would have dealt blows to bottom lines.

e Vail Resorts second-quarter report showed fewer skiers spending more on lessons, dining and gear at the company’s retail and rental stores. ( e company does not break out visitation or spending by individual resorts or even by state or region.)

“ ere is no sign they are pulling back on spending, but they are pulling back on visitation,” Lynch told investors, noting that she was anticipating a strong spring as conditions improved at its resorts in all its regions — the Northeast, California, the Rockies and Paci c Northwest.

Vail Resorts told investors to expect earnings between $847 million and $889 million on close to $3 billion in revenue for the scal 2024 year that ends July 31, which gives Vail Resorts an earnings yield of about 30% on its revenue. In September the company told investors to expect earnings between $912 million and $968 million with a margin around 31%. In January, the company told investors that visits were down 16.2% compared to the previous season and estimated the year’s revenue would fall into the lower half of the September guidance.

e company reported access to $1.4 billion, with $812 million in cash on hand and $409 million in loan availability. e company reported $2.8 million in debt.

In November, Vail Resorts acquired a majority interest in the Crans Montana ski area in the Swiss Alps for $135 million. e company announced plans to invest $34 million in the resort in the next ve years and the resort is expected to deliver an additional $17 million in earnings a year. e purchase price

was about eight times the resort’s expected cash ow, which is along the lines of traditional resort valuations over the years. (So Vail Resorts did not spend crazy money on its second European ski hill.)

We don’t know how much Vail Resorts’ competitor Alterra Mountain Co. paid for its most recent acquisition, Arapahoe Basin, because the company is privately owned. One investment representative asked if Vail Resorts looked at acquiring Arapahoe Basin.

Lynch reminded the investor that Vail Resorts sold Arapahoe Basin in the late 1990s due to federal antitrust concerns with its purchase of Breckenridge and Keystone. Vail Resorts had a 20-year partnership with Arapahoe Basin before the ski area in 2022 ended its partnership that allowed unlimited access for Epic Pass skiers.

“It makes a lot of sense to us that Alterra appears to be pursuing a strategy that might be more similar to our strategy of an owned and operated model,” Lynch said.

Alterra Mountain Co. and Vail Resorts last week released prices for the 2024-25 passes, with annual increases around 8%, which is similar to the rate of increase in previous seasons.

e Ikon Pass, with access to 58 ski destinations and April skiing for early-purchasers at several resorts including Steamboat and Winter Park, starts at $1,249 and the more restrictive Ikon Base selling for $869.

Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass is selling for $982 for 2024-25, with unlimited access to all 42 of the company’s ski areas, plus seven days at Telluride ski area and access to partner resorts in Canada, Europe and Japan. e company’s Epic Local is o ered for $731 with holiday restrictions and unlimited access to 32 ski areas. e company’s Epic Day passes sell for as little as $52 for non-peak days at 22 resorts to $129 for unrestricted access to all 42 ski hills.

is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

Skiers hike up towards Peak 8’s summit from the top of Imperial Express Superchair on Breckenridge ski area on Jan. 27, 2024, in Summit County. The ski area is owned by Vail Resorts.

PHOTO BY HUGH CAREY/THE COLORADO SUN

Senate Bill 164 includes three different parts to bolster the state’s transfer system. e bill is a priority of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and is sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.

e bill would update the state’s student bill of rights — a list that says what students can expect from colleges — for the rst time since 2008. e updates would include a requirement that schools tell students whether their credits transfer and what a transfer to another school entails. ey would also have to clarify that students have the right to appeal if an institution decides

their credits won’t transfer, and the legislation lays out a process for an appeal.

e bill would require colleges to give students information about college costs, including fees and other expenses.

And the bill would require a state report on transfer outcomes, such as how many students transfer statewide and how transfer credits were applied by colleges toward a student’s transcript.

Colorado’s pioneering transfer policies falling short

Colorado was an early adopter of common course numbering, which standardizes certain class numbers across colleges and universities, so that they’re more easily recognized by the receiving college and the cred-

its transfer seamlessly. e state also has other policies for transfer students, such as agreements between two-year and four-year colleges and universities that help students stay on track to earning a degree.

But not all Colorado colleges have such agreements, especially when students transfer between four-year universities. And the system hasn’t evolved fast enough to keep up with changes over the past decade, said Kim Poast, the Colorado higher education department’s chief student success and academic a airs o cer.

More students are taking college courses in high school, and the state has more workforce training programs that teach college-level skills. State leaders have also recognized that students move between colleges and universities in ways not

accounted for within the current system, which is built around the idea that most students would move from community college to a fouryear university. Students take much more winding paths than that and can end up attending multiple universities before they graduate, Poast said.

Statewide groups have also taken notice of issues with the state’s transfer system, especially as national data has shown more than a third of all students transfer. Colorado’s

e Attainment Network recently released policy suggestions for the state to update its transfer policies, such as ensuring certain credits transfer into programs and collecting data on how the system works. ADVERTISEMENT

Here Are My Thoughts About the Media Coverage of the Recent NAR Settlement

It has been interesting to observe how the mainstream media has covered the recent $418-million settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In addition to the monetary settlement (which can be paid out over a four-year period), NAR agreed to end its rule requiring the inclusion in the MLS of compensation for brokers representing buyers.

It should be obvious by now that there is little understanding of why that rule existed and how it benefitted sellers to incentivize brokers outside the listing agent’s office to show and sell their homes.

ing or showing agents on clients who never sell or never buy.

It’s not a unique concept. Cruise lines and resorts, among others, offer a commission to travel agents to get them to promote their cruises and resorts, etc. Car dealers pay auto brokers who produce a buyer who otherwise wouldn’t visit their showrooms. (That’s how I bought my 2012 Chevy Volt back when I needed help finding that brand new model. I couldn't have found the one dealer who had one in transit to Aurora without my broker’s help.)

Similarly, offering a commission to other members of the MLS is how listing agents maximize the exposure of their sellers’ homes to the buying public. That exposure is compounded by the fact that every brokerage and consumer-facing website gets its listings from the MLS.

The public and the media have long quoted 6% as the “standard” real estate commission — as have some brokerages offering 1% listing commissions, with small print saying “plus co-op commission to buyer’s agent.”

That error continues and is compounded now with the media stating that 3% is the “standard” co-op commission paid by sellers to the agents representing buyers.

Worse, some media have been reporting that NAR mandates the infamous 6% commission, which is not at all true. Neither was a 3% co-op commission ever mandated, merely that some offer (as low as zero) had to be included in every MLS listing.

A reader sent me an analysis ordered by one of the Federal Reserve branches, which really got me laughing. A page from that analysis is reproduced at right. The purpose of the study was to calculate the reduction in agent earnings and the gain in social benefit if the “standard” 6%/3% system were modified. Not factored in at all was the time spent by list-

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades this column has appeared in the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate, You can search that archive, listed by headline and downloadable with a single click at www.JimSmithColumns.com

My July 20, 2023, “Real Estate Today” column carried the headline, “Unlike Most Professionals, Real Estate Agents Work for Free Most of the Time.” In it I made the following observation: “As it is, the average member of the National Association of Realtors earns less than $50,000 in gross commission income per year — before accounting for car, phone, MLS fees, Realtor dues, computer hardware & software, E&O insurance, and more.”

Business doesn’t come to most agents sitting in their office. They have to make themselves known, publish community newsletters in their “geographic farm,” hold open houses that may generate no sale or new clients. Myself, instead of prospecting, I spend an equivalent percentage of my time writing this column, which I then pay to have published in 23 weekly newspapers and the Denver Post. As my favorite quote at the bottom of each ad says, I “concentrate on giving and let the getting take care of itself.”

Successful real estate agents find other ways to give to their communities and thereby earn their patronage.

Yes, on occasion I will get an easy payday — a buyer who comes to me with a specific home to buy, we make an offer and close the transaction. Bingo! But that only compensates for the great amount of work done serving other buyers and other sellers plus those members of the public who ask for advice or a home valuation and never give me the opportunity to earn a pay check. I don’t resent that at all — it’s part of my giving, knowing I will be compensated in other ways. It actually makes me happy. (Call me anytime!)

Too many people enter our profession under the same misconception that I have described above, that real estate is an easy career to earn lots of money. They watch TV shows about million-dollar

listings or they see me driving my Tesla and other agents driving their BMWs and Mercedes. But we are the exception.

The public’s general impression is that real estate is a high-paying career. Keep in mind that NAR membership is optional, so agents who are willing to pay roughly $500 every year to be a NAR member are most likely the ones who take the business seriously, although many members work part-time in real estate because they can’t make ends meet solely from their commission income.

The most recent survey of NAR members included the following facts regarding median gross compensation and expenses (emphasis in original:

Realtors with 16 years or more experience had a median gross income of $80,700 — down from $85,000 in 2021 — compared to Realtors with 2 years or less experience that had a median gross income of $9,600 — an increase from $8,800 in 2021.

The largest expense category for most Realtors was vehicle expenses, which [averaged] $1,710.

I have estimated that the 80/20 rule applies as much to real estate agents as it does to other professions, although I think it’s closer to 90/10. Namely, 10% of us earn 90% of the money.

(Golden Real Estate’s broker associates and I are in the 10% because we work hard and smart.)

Too often, new agents spend a year

spinning their wheels, making cold calls and spending $10,000 or more on tools of the trade only to end the year with one or no transaction, so they give up, having lost that investment and wasted a year of their professional life. It’s really sad to watch.

It takes time to get established in the real estate profession. My broker associates and I have passed that tipping point and will renew our licenses when they expire, unlike the majority of new agents.

Some real estate agents are quite upset about the part of the settlement which removes buyer agent compensation from MLS listings beginning in mid-July, assuming the court approves the settlement.

A Wall Street Journal article posted on March 20th describes how buyers are getting off the fence before the new rules take effect in July requiring them to pay their own agent. That makes sense to me; it also means that now is a good time for potential sellers to get off the fence and list their homes for sale.

How Will ThisAffect Buyers & Sellers?

Not having co-op commissions on the MLS will require agents to talk to each other before submitting offers, to clarify whether the seller is offering compensation to the buyer’s agent. I discuss that and the other effects of the NRA settlement in the posting of this article at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com, where you can also ask me questions.

Boulder Home Backing to Pond Is Back on Market

This fantastic 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,350sq.-ft. home at 820 Racquet Lane is at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in east Boulder’s Meadow Glen neighborhood, backing to a community pond and Boulder’s outstanding biking trail network. Foothills Parkway, Baseline Road and Hwy 36 are nearby. Inside are hardwood floors throughout, a beautiful staircase with custom wrought iron railing, and lots of sunlight thanks to the open floor plan. There are two bedrooms with walk-in closets on the main level while the primary bedroom is located on the 2nd floor with a huge walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The kitchen features custom cherry cabinets, granite counters and a topnotch Viking refrigerator and range. There are two living rooms (main floor and upper floor) and a dedicated home office. Outside is a large and private fenced patio. The 2car garage also has a spacious attic for extra storage. Get more details and take a narrated video tour at www.GRElistings.com, then call listing agent Chuck Brown at 303885-7855 to request a private showing.

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous

Poast said the state worked with two national organizations to create recommendations for updates, some of which are re ected in the new legislation.

e goal of Senate Bill 164 is to help more students when they run into issues and identify and x where schools are running into issues applying transfer credits, Poast said.

“I think it’s so important for students to have agency and be able to see how to navigate that system in the most e ective way possible,” she said.

Barriers cost students time and money

Katherine Harvey’s experience typi es the challenges the new legislation seeks to address.

Harvey, now 27, graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019. But she took a winding route. She started college in California, then transferred to Front Range Community College. She had some credit from Advanced Placement courses in high school, but her California credits didn’t transfer properly.

She ended up having to retake a math class, because her California math class counted for only 2.7 credits. She needed three to meet graduation requirements.

When she eventually transferred to CU Boulder, the school again needed to independently review all of her transcripts, including the credits she earned from Front Range. is time, she kept a detailed record that she gave to advisers.

“Even though that was like all

within Colorado, it was so confusing, and I never really got guidance,” she said. “And then you’re paying extra money, and you’re a poor college student.”

e bill is expected to be heard in committee for the rst time on March 20. It has support from colleges and advocacy groups statewide, although several are asking for changes.

Katie Zaback, Colorado Succeeds’ vice president of policy, said the bill is a step in the right direction. But her organization wants to see a requirement that the state publicly report information, such as the challenges schools encounter with accepting credits and how the state is responding to those issues. Colorado Succeeds brings together business leaders to advocate for improving education and training.

For Blackshear, the changes can’t come fast enough. He’s not sure when he will graduate. And nancial aid he once relied on has run dry, meaning he has to nd more money for college.

He plans to testify in support of the bill, because he doesn’t want other students to run into the same issues he has faced. He hopes his testimony can show that the transfer system needs updates to help students who are falling through the cracks, most of whom are students of color and the rst in their family to go to college, he said.

“I hope that my story is able to alert students about the challenges and perils of transferring from institution to institution without having all of the knowledge that they need to be successful,” he said. “And I hope it can show just how detrimental the transfer processes are.”

Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.

Larry Blackshear plans to testify in support of the bill that would help Colorado transfer students retain college credits. COURTESY OF CHALKBEAT COLORADO

e conversation is stimulating, enlightening and often a call to action. It’s a place to share how social justice makes an impact on the local community and society as a whole. It is a place to process trauma born from the brutal injustice of tragedies, and speci cally, how they impact the well-being and wholeness of the Denver community and beyond. e crux goal of the activists’ cafe is to provide a place of community, healing and restoration for all.

The heart and soul of the business

M is the only African woman to own and curate an authentic African espresso bar in Denver, and is the heart and soul of the business. M, along with the community, celebrated 10 years of successful business last year.

M came to Denver in the 1980s, and also serves the community as a real estate agent.

She has a positive attitude and is cheerful and kind, and welcomes everyone to the co ee shop.

So much so that she has implemented a justice fund, where she and her sta prepare and serve coffee for free during marches and rallies – and for anyone, anytime, who may be unable to pay.

“We don’t want anyone to miss out on the festivities of celebrating community and African traditions, and how they bring people together to make a di erence,” M said.

Sharing authentic African traditions e magic of the Whittier Cafe is its authenticity by staying true to its African roots and sharing African traditions. e African co ee ceremo-

ny is an example of just that – proof of an amazing business, and Whittier Cafe’s commitment to hospitality in hosting, inviting and engaging events like the co ee ceremony.

In Africa, children learn about the ceremony and the whole process as early as 5 years old, M said.

ey learn from their mom, aunt or grandmother, depending who is their caregiver. e ceremony can last an entire day, including extensive, yet fun, and made-from-

scratch ceremony preparations.

At the Whittier Cafe, M and her crew take some shortcuts with the ceremony, such as machine grinding the beans versus hand grinding like they do in Africa. At Whittier Cafe, the co ee is served in clay pots, similar to the way they do it in Africa. Whittier Cafe’s co ee ceremony takes place every Sunday afternoon and includes other goodies. e fellowship between customers and sta during the ceremony helps

maintain the cafe’s community.

At her core, M is a social activist and the Whittier Cafe is her pride and joy. M is happy to share the amazing parts of Africa by serving African co ee and so much more, and is excited about the authenticity of providing not a business, but an experience.

Colorado budget could be squeezed by $2 bn in taxpayer refunds

BY BRIAN EASON

THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado budget writers may be headed back to the drawing board.

Slower population growth and rising fee revenue could trigger upwards of $300 million more state taxpayer refunds than expected in the current budget year, under economic forecasts presented to the Joint Budget Committee in mid-March.

e latest forecasts leave top lawmakers well short of what they expected to be able to spend in next year’s budget, with less than a week left to nalize the 2024-25 spending plan before it has to be submitted to the General Assembly for consideration.

Under Colorado Legislative Council Sta estimates, the budget committee could need to cut or reject as much as $267 million in spending requests to balance the budget for next scal year, which starts July 1. Even under a more optimistic scenario presented by the governor’s O ce of State Planning and Budgeting, lawmakers could still face a gap of $150 million or more without major budget balancing maneuvers.

State economists present revenue forecasts to the legislature every three months. But the March update takes on special importance, because the estimates determine how much the legislature has to work with when it adopts the annual budget, known as the long bill.

For months, lawmakers and governor’s o ce o cials have insisted this year would represent a return to a “normal” Colorado budget after years of booming growth coming out of the pandemic.

at return to normal could be even more challenging than expected — but not because of any economic turbulence.

Instead, the budget will be squeezed primarily by two seem-

ingly minor factors.

One, U.S. Census estimates now say the state’s population grew by less than the state’s demographer had anticipated. at means the state revenue cap under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which tracks in ation and population growth, can only increase by 5.8% this budget year rather than the 6.1% legislative forecasters were expecting.

Two, the state is now expected to collect $185 million more in road usage fees and retail delivery charges

this year than last, under the legislative sta estimates.

Taken together, the two forecast changes mean state lawmakers could have to issue larger than expected TABOR refunds to Coloradans next year, leaving the state with fewer General Fund tax dollars to spend on public services.

Under the legislative sta forecast, Colorado would have a $1.8 billion TABOR surplus this budget year, while the governor’s o ce expects $2 billion in excess revenue. at would

translate to a nearly $400 refund for the average single- ler in 2025 under the current refund formula, which is tiered based on income. ( is year, all single- lers received $800.)

Reductions in this year’s cap spell trouble for the 2024-25 spending

e JBC has pushed to increase spending signi cantly on Medicaid providers and state workers to combat sta ng crises that continue to linger after the coronavirus pandemic. And lawmakers have major decisions yet to come before the long bill is introduced in the House — like how much to increase spending on

Economic forecasters expect the state’s economy to continue to grow — just more slowly than in years

Wages have been rising faster than in ation in recent months, a positive change from 2022 and early 2023, when the cost of goods and housing more than o set the pay increases workers received. Real disposable income grew 4.2% after adjusting for in ation, according to the governor’s o ce forecast. at’s the highest mark since 2020, after Coloradans’ spending power fell 6% in 2022 due

Wage growth has led to strong consumer spending, even as in ation fell to 3.5% year-over-year, forecasters said.

Nonetheless, unemployment ticked up to 3.4%. And while forecasters don’t expect an imminent recession, governor’s o ce analysts said it may feel like one in some industries over the next year.

e governor’s o ce expects 2.2% GDP growth in 2024, slowing to 1.5% in 2025.

is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

The Colorado State Capitol Building.

PHOTO BY ERICA BREUNLIN/THE COLORADO SUN

Ink, paper and printing take over the Arvada Center for Print Jam

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

March means Mo’Print, a celebration of printmaking in the state of Colorado.

e crux of the celebration is Print Jam, o cially named 528.0 Regional Juried Printmaking Exhibition, held at the Arvada Center.

Co-founder and organizer Emily Moyer explained that the 528.0 part of the name has two separate meanings.

One is for Denver’s “Mile High” altitude and the other de nes the region that the exhibition covers.

“It’s open to artists that are within 528 miles,” Moyer said. “It’s a region that often gets ignored.”

Moyer explained that the region is known for its open spaces and outdoor attractions, but not the print art.

“ ere’s an incredible amount of really wonderful printmaking happening here,” Moyer said. “And so, the show is really intended to highlight this region.”

e event lled the history museum and main gallery with print art displays and demonstrations of several di erent types of printmaking. ere were 83 pieces of art on the walls and two oversized displays that lled two of the rooms of the main gallery.

Moyer said that Print Jam/528.0 Exhibition has come a long way since it started in 2014 as a separate event run alongside Mo’Print.

“528.0 used to run, every other year, opposite Mo’Print,” Moyer said. “ en, the Invisible Museum was the one that was actually like running that show.”

e Invisible Museum is the nonpro t organization that Mo’Print used to be under, according to Moyer. She said Mo’Print and Invisible Museum still work closely together, but Mo’Print now puts on the 528.0/Print Jam show.

e reason is simple. Mo’Print is now self-sucient and has its own nonpro t status.

“We’re at a point where we were supporting ourselves, and so we were really, really no longer under what Invisible Museum was doing,” Moyer said. “ ey gifted 528.0 to us when we broke o because it made sense for 528.0 to stick with Mo’Print and printmaking.”

Print Jam is now a key fundraiser and public event for Mo’Print.

“It’s our show that we do,” Moyer said. “It’s supposed to function as a fundraiser.”

e funds come from fees and the sale of black and

white prints from featured 528.0 artists.

Aaron Cohrs, cofounder of Indy Ink in Denver, the event was a celebration and also a way to stay connected to the print community.

“Having people here with an interest in printmaking is really cool and all the different types of printmaking that are represented here,” Cohrs said.

He also marveled at the range in the types of printing styles represented.

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PERIODICALS

POSTMASTER:

Aaron Cohrs, co-founder of Indy Inks in Denver, demonstrated screenprinting on t-shirts and totes bags during Print Jam at the Arvada Center.

Judy Gardner demonstrates printing with her own 3-D sketches. Print Jam participants got to create their own print, as Gardner guided them through the process.

PHOTOS BY JO DAVIS

Kim Rivera, from the Art Student’s League of Denver, demonstrates linoleum prints while talking to the crowd about her unique process. SEE

Bill could amend end-of-life medical aid

Centennial residents make case for support, but Colorado Catholic Conference is opposed

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Colorado’s End-of-Life Options Act could become more accessible to people with terminal illnesses, say advocates who are supporting a bill that is winding through the state legislature.

e bill would remove requirements on Colorado residency and waive mandatory minimum waiting periods for patients likely to die within 48 hours of requesting to end their lives.

ose are some of the major features of Senate Bill 24-068, which would make changes to the state’s End-of-Life Options Act. e proposal allows terminally ill individuals in Colorado with six months or less to live to request medication from a medical professional that would end their life.

post their policy on their website.”

e bill is advancing with some bipartisan support. On March 8, it cleared the Senate by a vote of 24-11 and is expected to be heard by the House Health and Human Services Committee in the weeks ahead.

e bill has attracted some opponents, however, including the Colorado Catholic Conference. In a statement emailed to the Centennial Citizen, the conference said that the bill is making “additional expansions to the unjust physician assisted suicide” law.

“ e Catholic Church opposes Colorado SB24-068 for its promotion of a culture of death, and making bad law even worse with expansions that are both unconstitutional and unethical,” the statement says. “Physician assisted suicide targets the most vulnerable in our society, corrupts the medical practice and distorts the patient-doctor relationship by violating a doctor’s commitment to the health of his patients.”

Meghan Reese, of Centennial, supports the bill because of her mother, Kathleen McDaniel, who wanted to utilize medical aid in dying, but was unable to access it.

“Her last days were painful and traumatic, and I will continue advocating on behalf of other terminally ill patients to honor her life,” Reese said.

She added that the bill “is important because every individual should be aware of and have access to medical aid in dying as an end-of-life option, since it is legal in Colorado”

Gina Gentry, campaign manager for Compassion and Choices, an advocacy group for the cause, said the bill would also allow certain registered nurses with prescriptive authority to act as the attending and consulting provider and reduce the waiting period between the rst and second oral request from 15 to seven days.

“I think it’s important to add – no patient, doctor, nurse, or pharmacist – would be required to participate,” Gentry said. “Health care facilities can opt-out and would be required to

e statement also raised concern that vulnerable people, such as the elderly, those with disabilities and those who are ill are viewed as burdens.

“SB24-068’s expansion on an already unjust law to reduce the waiting period from 15 days to 48 hours, allow nurse practitioners to prescribe life ending drugs, and remove the requirement for Colorado residency, continues to violate human dignity and equality,” the statement concludes.

Dr. Cory Carroll, national medical director of Compassion and Choices, said the shorter wait time in between requests is important for patients and said the bill is a natural evolution for the act, which was passed eight years ago.

“I don’t think the bill will discourage those currently participating,” Carroll said. “As the years pass from 2016 more and more physicians have agreed to participate and I think this trend will continue.”

Reese hopes “that one day the stigma of having end-of-life options dissipates and terminally ill patients are able to access any option they feel is best for them.”

Meghan Reese of Centennial with her mother, Kathleen McDaniel, who died while waiting for medical aid in dying medication. COURTESY OF MEGHAN REESE

MEDICAL AID

“I think we have further to go in ensuring terminally ill patients are not prohibited or deterred by others in deciding what their end-of-life journey looks like,” Reese said. “I hope that the beliefs of medical professionals do not impede the choices of patients.”

Jacob Shannon, of Centennial, also wants lawmakers to pass the bill.

“I support the bill because it’s going to help expand access to people who want to make this as a choice at the end of their life,” Shannon said.

His mother, Lynda Shannon Bluestein, lived in Connecticut where there

PRINT JAM

FROM PAGE 7

is no access to medical-aid-in-dying services. Shannon said his mother utilized services in Vermont in January after suing the state. He said she assisted in changing Vermont’s law to allow people out of state to utilize its services.

“My mom was a force of nature in a lot of ways,” Shannon said. “She was able to do that because it’s simply a constitutional matter for outof-state residents.”

Shannon said while his mother ended her life on her own terms, it was still hard for her.

“She wanted this decision and this autonomy over her body and deciding how her life was going to end so much that she sacri ced one of the most important things – being in her home, in her neighborhood, with

“Some of the presses they have here, not a lot of people actually know how to do that kind of printing,” Cohrs said. “ e old equipment’s hard to nd. You got to source it or make it yourself and x it and that’s pretty cool, too.”

Cohrs demonstrated commercial silk screening at his booth. He gave away free tote bags and tees with a free preset design that Cohrs applied right there in the main gallery. Other print businesses include Burning Dog Graphics, with a demo by Dale Tanis. Tanis printed and gave away cards that he printed there in the main gallery.

Print Jam and 528.0 Regional Juried Printmaking Exhibition is an event that happens every other year in the month of March. It’s only one of several events o ered under Mo’Print March in Colorado. For more information, go to MoPrint.org.

States that have decreased their waiting periods for medical aid in dying have seen an increase in ser-

In a study by Kaiser Permanente, 33% of qualifying patients who requested to use California’s End of Life Option Act died before completing the eligibility process in 2018, including 21% during the then mandatory 15-day waiting period between

After lawmakers changed the waiting period in 2021 from 15 days to 48 hours, data shows nearly 50% more qualifying, terminally ill people were given access to aid-in-dying medica-

For more information on the bill visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB24-068.

The 528.0 Regional Juried Printmaking Exhibition featured two room-sized installations. One of them was Brady Smith’s “To Fold and Divide,” a screenprint with metal folding chairs.

PHOTO BY JO DAVIS

The vital role of ER teamwork

Ski resort hospital emergency rooms stand at the intersection of adventure and safety, catering to the needs of winter sports enthusiasts who seek thrills on the slopes. ese unique medical facilities face a distinct set of challenges, from treating skiing and snowboarding injuries to managing cold-related conditions. In such an environment, teamwork emerges as a cornerstone of e ective care delivery, ensuring that patients receive prompt and comprehensive treatment to enjoy the snowy playground safely.

In the midst of snow-capped peaks and bustling ski resorts, hospital emergency rooms serve as vital hubs of medical care. Skiers and snowboarders ock to these facilities for treatment of injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures and head traumas. In this fast-paced and dynamic setting, teamwork is not just a luxury but a necessity. Healthcare professionals from various disciplines collaborate closely to address the unique medical needs of winter sports enthusiasts.

One of the primary bene ts of teamwork in ski resort hospital emergency rooms is the ability to respond swiftly and decisively to skiing and snowboarding accidents. Winter sports injuries can occur suddenly and unpredictably, requiring immediate attention and intervention. rough e ective teamwork, emergency room sta can triage patients e ciently, prioritize treatments based on the severity of injuries, and mobilize resources to

Dprovide timely care. is coordinated approach is essential for minimizing delays and optimizing patient outcomes in critical situations.

Moreover, teamwork fosters a culture of communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals in ski resort emergency rooms. Clear and open communication is crucial for ensuring that everyone is aligned on treatment plans, sharing pertinent information about patient injuries, and coordinating care seamlessly. Whether it’s consulting with orthopedic surgeons about complex fractures or collaborating with radiologists to interpret imaging studies, e ective communication enables the entire team to work together cohesively, enhancing patient safety and satisfaction.

In addition to communication, teamwork promotes mutual support and shared accountability among emergency room sta . Ski resort hospital emergency rooms often operate under challenging conditions, including extreme weather, high patient volumes, and limited resources. In these demanding environments, team members rally around each other, o ering assistance, encouragement, and empathy. Whether it’s assisting with patient transfers, helping colleagues navigate complex cases, or simply providing emotional support during stressful

situations, the camaraderie among emergency room sta strengthens their resilience and ability to deliver exceptional care under pressure. Beyond its immediate impact on patient care, teamwork in ski resort hospital emergency rooms also fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement. rough regular training sessions, simulation exercises, and debrie ngs, emergency room sta have the opportunity to enhance their skills, re ne their protocols, and stay abreast of the latest developments in winter sports medicine. By sharing experiences, analyzing case studies, and identifying areas for enhancement, the emergency room team can continuously elevate the quality and e ciency of care delivery, ultimately improving outcomes for patients on the slopes.

Teamwork is the linchpin of ski resort hospital emergency rooms, enabling healthcare professionals to provide prompt, comprehensive, and compassionate care to winter sports enthusiasts. From triaging patients and coordinating treatments to communicating e ectively and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, teamwork is essential for navigating the unique challenges of winter sports medicine. By working together seamlessly, emergency room sta can ensure that skiers and snowboarders receive the care they need to enjoy the thrill of the mountains safely and responsibly. In ski resort emergency rooms, teamwork isn’t just important—it’s indispensable.

Reasons to have a premarital agreement

id you know that the most popular month to propose, not only in the U.S. but world-wide, is December according to theknot.com (2019) followed by February and August? What is the most popular month to get married? October, followed by September in second place, according to theknot.com (2023). Now that December is over, these newly engaged couples are beginning to think of everything that needs to be done in order to plan a wedding: the location, the guest list, the reception, the invitations, the wedding dress and the honeymoon. But don’t forget the prenuptial agreement. It may not be the most sexy or glamorous topic to discuss, but it could be the most important conversation throughout the entire wedding planning process.

GUEST COLUMN

Act e ective July 1, 2014, which sets forth the formation requirements, when the agreement is effective, what are unenforceable terms, the right of each party to be represented by an attorney and who pays for the attorney, and the determination of adequatenancial disclosure.

A premarital agreement is not necessary in all situations; however, if any of the following scenarios apply, you probably need a premarital agreement:

• Either party has children from a previous relationship

• A party owns a business or is involved in a family-run business

In Colorado, premarital agreements as well as marital agreements are controlled by the Uniform Premarital and Marital Agreements

• Either party has signi cant assets that they want to protect

• One party is concerned about the other party’s debt

• A party is giving up a lucrative career to get married I don’t view premarital agreements as negative or that having one leads to divorce, rather I view a premarital agreement as a positive in which the parties discuss today while they are in love, not angry or driven by emotion to jointly make the rules that will control tomorrow if the marriage does come to an end.   e conversation may be uncomfortable or may be a delicate situation indicating lack of trust. However, the conversation should be addressed earlier rather than later. Each party needs ample time to discuss the subject at length, review the other party’s nancial disclosures, and obtain legal counsel in order to reach an understanding together. It is never a good idea to take a lastminute approach in the preparation of a premarital agreement because that could give the appearance of one party trying to coerce the other to sign the agreement without adequate time thereby making the

agreement null and void.

Having a premarital agreement can be a powerful tool not only in the divorce process if it comes to that but it can be a powerful tool in the estate planning strategy of each spouse. Having a formal agreement will allow each party to maintain control over their assets and can serve as protection against state law that may otherwise dictate the estate distribution upon your passing.

A premarital agreement can provide both parties peace of mind. Contact Duncan Legal to schedule a consultation to discuss planning for your marital future.

Carolyn Moller Duncan’s Duncan Legal, PC is located in Centennial with a practice emphasis on estate plaanning, probate and trust administration. Carolyn has over 22 years of experience practicing law in Colorado. Carolyn is a member of the Colorado Bar, Trust & Estate Section, Family Law Section and Denver County Bar Association.

Good advice for your golden years

Your nancial future should not be left to fate. Many pre-retirees may think that the stock market will control their standard of living in retirement. at would create a signi cant level of uncertainty, perhaps causing you to be too cautious or try to overcompensate for volatility.

Yes, there are always circumstances out of your control, such as interest rates, market cycles, Social Security, taxes, and job loss to name a few. Part of building a prudent retirement plan is understanding those things are not predictable and instead focusing on what you do have control over.

Ideally you have control over when you retire, how much you were able to save, how to invest and how much to spend. And you have the choice to choose a nancial advisor, a duciary to help navigate those unpredictable things in life. Yet, according to a recent study, only 29% of Americans work with a nancial adviser.¹

NORTON

I wrote this column because recently I was a patient at the Vail Valley Hospital. And this past week, I actually had to go twice in three days. I watched in amazement as

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

• Email your letter to csteadman@ coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not

FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

Choosing a nancial adviser is a major life decision that can determine your nancial trajectory for years to come.

e value of working with a nancial adviser varies by person and advisers are legally prohibited from promising returns, but research suggests people who work with a nancial adviser feel more at ease about their nances and could end up with more money to spend in retirement.2

A recent Vanguard study found that, on average, investors could earn more on their investments under the care of an adviser compared to self-management over a period of 25 years.3

Building a strategy should not be only about returns though. Look

the team in the ER handled all types of serious injuries with professionalism, compassion, speed, and accuracy. e teams that cared for me, Kacy, Laura, Mary, Ashley, Brandon, Megan, Emily, Chris, Jason, Becca, and Drs. Stone and Zeller were beacons of all took amazing interest in my care and getting me released. A huge shout out to you

send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s

at tax savings, estate planning, risk management and other solutions that can save you over time. Perhaps the best advice may actually be to seek good advice. But how do you get a good adviser?

Here are some guidelines to think about:

• Consider choosing a duciary, one who is ethically bound to act in your best interest and must disclose any con icts of interest.

• Meet with more than one adviser to learn di erences, areas of expertise or the best personality t for you and your family. is should be a lifelong relationship, so those things count in both good and di cult times.

• Consider working with an independent adviser who has no other agenda other than to serve you.

• Always ask about experience, education, and certi cations. For example, an advisor who has studied and earned the Certi ed Financial Planner mark has met speci c education,

all, I appreciate you so much. Sometimes when we are the patient, we lose our patience, and I would just ask you to try and understand the bigger picture. I would love to hear your story of hospital ER appreciation at gotonorton@ gmail.com and when we can understand the levels of stress these terms work under to deliver exem-

newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should

experience and ethical standards required by the CFP Board of Practice Standards annually.

Now the hard part. Be open-minded to your advisor’s recommendations. ey likely have access to tools and resources to help design complex portfolios over multiple market cycles. It is important to collaborate and express your wishes but also be willing to accept good advice and stick to your plan over time.

ere will always be things out of your control. Seeking good advice may help you navigate those uncertainties throughout your golden years.

1. smartasset March,2024

2. Planning & Progress, Northwestern Mutual 2022

3. Vanguard: Putting a Value on your Value

Patricia Kummer is a Certi ed Financial Planner and is a director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

plary care, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

not be submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

Unique desserts hidden across the metro area

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ere’s something nostalgic about going to the local ice cream shop or bakery when in the mood for a sweet treat. Let’s face it, everyone has their go-to dessert shops and local businesses they like to support.

But sometimes, it’s fun to explore. And there are places across the Denver metro area that serve up delicious desserts for anyone’s preference.

With unique desserts being discovered all over the area, it would be nearly impossible to list every dessert shop. Here are a few that have made their way into people’s hearts and stomachs over the years.

Bahama Buck’s

8204 S University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122

3003 W 104th Ave., Suite 500, Westminster, CO 80031

ere are not many dessert spots in the metro area that specialize in shaved ice, making Bahama Buck’s unique, especially with the original avor pairings the business plays with.

It’s more than a place to get a brightly-colored sweet treat. It’s a place for people to leave their troubles at the door, enjoy themselves in a lowpressure atmosphere and hang out with friends, said Adam Cotton, owner of the Centennial location.

“It’s kind of a mini vacation for all our guests,” Cotton said.

Bahama Buck’s encourages people to get creative by choosing from over 100 original gourmet avors and toppings. e company’s avor team has even worked with di erent companies to incorporate Oreo’s and candies such as Nerds with their desserts.

Staying true to the island vibe, common avors include mango, peach and blue coconut. One of the signature “snos” is the Shark Attack Sno, which is a berry colada avor with Sour Patch Sauce in the middle.

Just as guests can get creative and build their own by choosing what avors and toppings they want, the Centennial employees have the authority to play around and come up with di erent concoctions, which often become avors of the week.

Bahama Buck’s can’t share its secrets to its perfectly smooth shaved ice, other than the fact that the ice is made on site and there was a lot of time put into the shaving process, Cotton said. Bahama Buck’s encourages friendly gather-

ings by o ering card and board games to play. e business also has island smoothies in which guests can choose from a variety of cream blends, or if they want a healthier substitution, fresh fruit blends.

Other menu items include Acai Bowls, Red Bull Infusions and Bahama Sodas.

For Cotton, what makes Bahama Buck’s suc-

cessful are the people who help make the island experience come alive.

“What makes our product excellent and what makes our place excellent are the people we have working for us,” Cotton said.

Yonutz! is a dessert shop that smashes ice cream and donuts together. It opened its Greenwood Village location March 15.

PHOTO FROM YONUTZ INSTAGRAM

SWEET TREATS

Heaven Creamery

6955 S York St. #420, Centennial, CO 80122

7181 W. Alaska Drive, Lakewood, CO 80226

Heaven Creamery rst opened its doors in 2020 on the Streets at SouthGlenn in Centennial and has gained millennial and Gen Z attention. Since then, the store has expanded to include locations at Cherry Creek North, Five Points, Lakewood, Avon, Boulder and coming soon to Arvada.

With over 500 avors in constant rotation for customers to try, Heaven Creamery aims to educate and introduce people to healthier frozen desserts, according to its website. Heaven Creamery doesn’t use processed sugar or articial colors, avors, additives or ice cream llers, according to its website.

Instead, stevia, monk sugar, agave, cane sugar and/or honey are used as sweeteners for the ice cream, gelato, fruit pops, vegan gelato and sorbet.

“Our gelato, ice cream and sorbet is made with 70% less sugar than traditional ice cream,” the website states.

Each Heaven Creamery location has unique specialty desserts, including ice cream served with crepes, in a pineapple or coconut and more.

Mochinut

7530 S. University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122

2222 S. Havana St., Unit A2, Aurora, CO 80014

At Mochinut, it’s about bringing diversity to American desserts.

e Mochinut franchise originated in Los Angeles and is popular for its Korean hotdogs and bubble tea, but it is also known for its mochi donuts. e franchise came to Aurora nearly three years ago and recently opened a second location in Centennial.

“I think that they’re a little bit more special than other donuts because they’re made with rice our,” said Erin Chung, manager of the Aurora location. “If you taste it, it’s very chewy like mochi, but then you can also feel the donut as well.”

A mochi donut is a fusion of the Japanese rice cake, also known as mochi, and American-style donuts.

Constructed with eight small, round dough balls in the shape of a circle, the mochi donut has a crisp exterior, but a soft and chewy inside due to the main ingredient: sticky sweet rice our.  ey are then coated and glazed with rotating avors and toppings such as cookies and fruits.

One of the most popular avors is Ube, which is a sweet potato base, topped with fruity pebbles. Other popular avors are the caramel churro, chocolate churro and the strawberry funnel.  With avors changing weekly, Chung said there are so many to choose from.

“A lot of people like to try di erent avors every week,” Chung said.

Customers can get a single mochi donut or a box of three, six or a dozen. Additionally, the Aurora location serves mochinut balls as well as soft serve in a cone or bowl.

Mango Mango Desserts

1133 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246

From a classic tiramisu to wa es to hot desserts, Mango Mango Desserts’ mission is “to make edible incredible.” Mango Mango Desserts in Denver is a franchise from New York’s Chinatown.

While dining in an elegant store, guests can partake in sophisticated desserts utilizing the mango. Some of the most popular dishes include Mango Mochi, Durian Dessert Bowl, Green Tea Mille Crepe and the Coconut Mango Infused Smoothie.

In addition to uniquely layered crepe cakes, Mango Mango Desserts have traditional avors mixed with modern desserts.

Mango ice cream can be paired with snow white mango juice sago and pomelo or strawberry mango juice sago and lychee jelly. Other dishes include a rice or watermelon ball, herbal jelly, mustang king durian, black rice and more.

Yonutz!

7939 E Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, CO 80112

Having to choose between ice cream or donuts won’t have to be an option thanks to Yonutz!, a colorful dessert shop that smashes the two desserts together. Yonutz opened its Greenwood Village location March 15.

e now-viral sensation, Yonutz SMASHED Donut, was created in 2018 in South Florida when someone asked Tony Bahu how he was going to make his dessert shop di erent from others.

“We ended up creating the smashed donut,” said Bahum Founder and CEO of Yonutz. “We’ve done donuts and ice cream before, but we never did it like this. It’s so decadent and fun and grand.”

It’s simple. You slice it, ll it, smash it, top it and eat it.  e donuts are made fresh in the store and then sliced in half. Guests can choose which avor of ice cream they want inside the donut before it’s smashed in a hot press and topped with any toppings such as chocolate sauce or candy.

“We know that people are looking for an expe-

rience, looking for something di erent, something fun, and so it just kind of all came together,” said Bahu.

After winning multiple Dessert Wars – even winning the national championships – and being featured on CNN’s Great Big Story, Bahu said the store was on people’s bucket lists, inspiring them to continue to expand their brand.

Some of the most popular avors are the Nutella Crunch, which was the creation that helped them win Dessert Wars, as well as Strawberry Shortcake and Bisco Cookie Butter.

Bahu wanted to come up with something more simple and recently came up with the Simple Smashed Donut. It is a smashed donut with any avor of ice cream inside, but instead of cutting it in half and decorating it with toppings, the donut is rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Although the ice cream is not homemade, Bahu said Yonutz! typically nds something that’s local or regional and works with that brand. e menu also includes Yonutz SMASHED Shakes and mini donuts.

“We’re really excited to be able to expand in Colorado,” Bahu said. “ ere’s so much liveliness and action going on there.”

Bahama Buck’s is a tropical hang-out that serves up airy shaved ice in over 100 flavors with a variety of toppings, island smoothies, Bahama Sodas and more. Guests can choose from crafted menu items or get creative and mix their own flavors.

Mochinut is a franchise from Los Angeles that has made its way to Colorado in recent years. What makes a mochi donut di erent is the use of sticky sweet rice flour, giving the donut an airy and chewy feel. Rotating flavors allow guests to enjoy more unique pairings.

PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA

Virginia Lorbeer, veteran spirit coach and CHSAA volunteer, dies

Area coaches, o cials remember

beloved local legend

BY STEVE SMITH SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

A well-known gure in the Colorado high school coaching and volunteer ranks has passed away after an illness. Virginia Lorbeer, who helped spirit become a sanctioned sport in the 1990s, was 82.

Lorbeer coached the rst 5A state championship squad at Montbello High School when the meet was for cheerleading only. e Colorado High School Activities Association said through her e orts, spirit became sanctioned in 1991, the same year that Standley Lake High School won the state poms title. She was the coach for the Gators at the time.

Peers took to social media with words of praise and thanks as news of Lorbeer’s passing on March 15 spread.

One said, “She was a coach who epitomized what it means to be a coach. Not just of her own team, but of everyone she met. She was so thoughtful, encouraging, and steadfast. She met everyone with kindness and that beaming smile.”

She was born May 31, 1941, in Denver, to Earl C. and Alice L. (Schlemeyer) Lorbeer. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education and English from Fort Hays State in Kansas in 1963 and a master of arts in secondary school administration from the University of Colorado in 1973. Lorbeer did post-grad work at the University of Northern Colorado from 1977 to 1979.

Teaching, coaching in her DNA

Lorbeer was a teacher of business education and a sponsor of the school pep club and cheerleaders at Manual High School from

1964 to 1981. She moved over to Montbello High School, where she taught business education and was the director of student activities for the school. She also spent time as a passenger relations agent for Trans World Airways at the old Stapleton Airport.

According to the Canon City Record, Lorbeer’s name adorns a coaching scholarship handed out at the state spirit tournament each year. e scholarship honors a spirit coach “whose dedication to their program and support of school and community sets them apart from others in the sport,” the Record reported in 2022.

She was on the board of the Colorado High School Coaches Association, which inducted her into its hall of fame shortly before Lorbeer died. She received the organization’s Don DesCombes Award for distinguished service in 2022. The Colorado High School Activities Association inducted her into its hall of fame in 2000.

Helping where help was needed

Volunteering was part of Lorbeer’s history with CHSAA as well. She volunteered at the state basketball tournament from 1973 until last year. She was in charge of the volunteers who ran the statistics program.

“She rotated games among the (stat) teams,” said veteran basketball and football official Mike Contreraz. “If you worked the semifinals one year, you worked the title game the next year. I enjoyed working for and working with her.”

Rick Hergenreder, a retired veteran basketball official in Colorado, worked with Lorbeer at the state high-school basketball tournament – “close to 30 years,” he said.

“She was always very organized and ready to go and one of the last to leave,” Hergenreder said. “I also worked with her at the state track meet. She worked the gate checking in athletics and always had a smile for all those who came

“She was a coach who epitomized what it means to be a coach. Not just of her own team, but of everyone she met.”

Anonymous peer of Virginia Lorbeer

through.”

For her volunteer efforts, CHSAA presented Lorbeer with its Distinguished Service Award in 1995.

“She was very concerned that the individual did the job right,” Contreraz said. He and Lorbeer worked the state tournament for close to 30 years. “She didn’t come down hard. She pointed out the concern and encouraged you not to make the same mistake.”

Not just a figure, but a friend

Outside the world of poms, volunteer work and cheerleading, she was a friend.

“From the first day I met you, I felt like I had been in your life as long as I can remember,” said Skyview High School girls basketball coach Chris Kemm. “Your support, your genuine being, and genuine love and support. I will miss all the cards and notes you leave behind every event, and your constant support that only a coach knows how to give.”

“She was a very kind, very caring person,” Contreraz said. “She was an easy person to talk to, and it was easy to get to like her. She had a soft voice. You had to strain your ears to hear her.”

Funeral services are pending through Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel in Hays.

“You fought so valiantly to be there for everyone, and there is no telling how far your reach went,” Kemm said. “Heaven needed a new coach to coach the coaches. And boy, heaven got the best one.”

“She volunteered at CHSAA for many state championships,” Hergenreder said. “She seemed to have endless energy with everything she did. I will miss seeing her this year at track.”

“She was more concerned that you did everything right for your benefit,” Contreraz said. “If you did it right and worked hard, it was for you. It was the only way you were going to be successful. She had a big heart, and she cared about you. at’s what she wanted.”

Lorbeer COURTESY PHOTO

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Fri 4/05

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Woman launching nonprofit to aid crime victims, families

Lindsie Grass honors mom Darlene, who was lost to violence

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In February, Lindsie Grass gave an emotional victim’s impact statement at the sentencing of her mother’s killer. After that, she wasn’t sure what to do next.

“I remember after we got the sentencing done, I looked at my lawyer

when we were sitting in the room and I said to her, ‘So, now what?”

Grass said. “She said, ‘You move forward and you build your nonpro t and start your healing journey.”’

So, with a camera in her hands and the memory of her mother in her heart, Grass is starting a nonpro t called Focused Halos, that

“My mom always told me that I was going to make a di erence in the world and for a long time I had no idea what that looked like,” Grass said. “She just really believed in me with my passion and what I like to do with helping people.”

Her mother Patricia Darlene Grass, known a ectionately as “Darlene,” was killed in Englewood in September 2022.  e perpetrator pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Grass said she had a di cult time not only in the healing process, but the legal aftermath as well.

“With her death, I was impacted greatly with struggling on how to gure out services for myself,” Grass said.

She explained in the beginning that she had plenty of help from victim advocacy resources, but once her mother’s case went to court, that assistance dwindled.

“I was kind of left on the sidelines,” Grass said. “I even stated in my victim’s impact statement that I was not provided with what I felt was proper victim’s assistance for my mom’s court case … that to me inspired me to make the change.”

So, the mother of two decided to start a nonpro t called Focused Halos. Her intention is to combine her passion for photography with helping others.

“Essentially I would do photos for someone, they would make a donation to the nonpro t and then, in turn, the money raised from my photography would then be provided to victims of violent crimes for

Grass said those support and services include housing costs, therapy, funeral services and anything else impacted by the crime.

“ is is something that is near and dear to me,” Grass said. “I don’t want another family to have to suffer and struggle to nd services and support the way that I have. I want to be able to provide that support to someone.”

If she were here, Grass said her mom would be proud of her.

“I’m hoping to help a lot of people and photos were something that were very important in our lives,” Grass said. “I have tons and tons of photos of my mom and of my children and our friends and family.”

Grass said over the last several months she has learned that not a lot of people actually have a lot of photos of their loved ones and she wants to ll that void with her nonpro t.

“ at’s something that I cherish because that’s literally all I have left,” Grass said. “So to be able to provide someone with the gift of a forever memory they can cherish and pass down for generations, I also get to help someone else that is struggling to be able to have the support and services they deserve in the worst time of their lives.”

Grass was inspired to name the nonpro t Focused Halos because it combines her love of photography and the fact that it was born out of honoring her mother.

She hopes her organization helps people know that they are not alone.

A landscape photo taken by Lindsie Grass, who is using her photography skills to start her nonprofit Focused Halos.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSIE GRASS

Apprentice of Peace opens new youth center in Denver

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization Center recently opened the doors of a brand-new youth center and headquarters at 2245 Curtis St., Suite 200, in Denver. e youth leadership and wellness organization has been serving the Denver Metro area for the last 10 years.

About 100 people attended the recent grand opening of the center in Denver. e celebration included wellness demonstrations, Tai Chi, Zumba, nunchuck demonstrations, live music from Los Mocochetes and several food trucks to feed the crowd.

“We are excited to open the doors of our new youth center, which represents the culmination of 10 years of dedication and support from our community,” said D.L. Pos Ryant, the executive director of AOPYO. “ is space will provide a safe and welcoming environment for young people to learn, grow and thrive, and will also serve as a behavioral health hub for families in Denver and surrounding areas.”

Ryant was joined by co-founder Ronnie Qi and community organizer Andre Carbonell in cutting the ribbon on the new center. According to Ryant, the partnership with the City of Denver will allow the center to extend space and services to the youth in Aurora, Denver, Je co and surrounding areas.

“As AOPYO celebrates its 10th year of empowering youth and families, the opening of this center marks a signi cant milestone in the organization’s mission to engage the community through a holistic approach, centering

mental health and youth leadership development,” Ryant said. According to the announcement,

the new headquarters and youth center will include:

• e “home” base of AOPYO’S youth programs, community classes and events;

• Multipurpose rooms for workshops, classes, career resources, arts and cultural events; and

• A dedicated wellness area.

According to the announcement, the center will o er youth and families in the Denver metro area, “access to behavioral and mental health counseling and therapeutic services through a partnership with Center for Trauma Resilience and Paragon Behavioral Health. AOPYO plans to o er enrichment programs, language immersion classes and somatic healing workshops.”

According to the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization, the goal of the programming is to take a holistic approach to helping the area youth. e leadership classes and mental health services come together with the wellness, career and arts to help the teens today. is includes arming them with the tools and skills needed to engage their peers and their communities.

“We will be looking to further engage with the community in a broader sense through movement classes and language learning, community market exhibitions and educational opportunities to create a vibrant environment where creativity, learning and connection can happen,” Ryant said.

e organization will continue its 10th anniversary celebration at an evening gala event on Friday, May 10 at the Museum of Nature and Science. For more information, visit AOPYO.org.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call

303-566-4123

Legal Notice No. DHD2047

Legals

City and County

PUBLIC NOTICE

Date: March 21, 2024

Holders of first mortgages (as shown on the recorded deeds of trust or assignments in the Denver County records) on Units in the Cheesman Towers Condominium are hereby advised of a proposed Amendment to Condominium Declaration for Cheesman Towers Condominium to amend the Condominium Declaration for Cheesman Towers Condominium recorded on April 6, 1984, at Reception No. 043360 as amended, in the records of the Denver County Clerk and Recorder. This notice has been sent by certified mail to first mortgagees along with a consent form and a copy of the proposed Amendment to Condominium Declaration for Cheesman Towers Condominium. A copy of the proposed Amendment to Condominium Declaration for Cheesman Towers Condominium and consent form can be obtained by contacting attorney Kelly McQueeney, 1445 Market Street, Suite 350, Denver, CO 80202, (720) 221-9655.

Legal Notice NO. DHD2055

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Published in Denver Herald-Dispatch.

Notice to Creditors

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Martha Rebecca Espinoza, a/k/a Martha Rebbeca Espinoza, a/k/a Martha R. Espinoza, a/k/a Martha Espinoza, a/k/a Martha Rebecca Garcia, a/k/a Martha R. Garcia, a/k/a Martha Garcia, a/k/a Martha Rebecca Chavez, a/k/a Martha R. Chavez, a/k/a Martha Chavez, Deceased

Case Number: 24PR30139

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 21, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Shirley A. Anaya, Personal Representative c/o Rutherford Law Center 8795 Ralston Road, #115, Arvada, CO 80002

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Donna Mae Hoger Steele, a/k/a Donna H. Steele, a/k/a Donna M. Steele, a/k/a Donna Mae H. Steele, a/k/a Donna M. Hoger Steele, a/k/a Donna M. H. Steele, a/k/a Donna Steele, Deceased.

Case Number: 2024 PR 30218

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver County Probate Court, 1437 Bannock Street, Suite 230, Denver, Colorado 80202

on or before Monday, July 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

DeAnn Joy Eison, Personal Representative

11616 Shaffer Place, Unit S-102 Littleton, Colorado 80127 303-237-5020

Legal Notice No. DHD2063

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Eileen R. Lerman, Deceased

Case Number: 23PR31554

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 21, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Alisa Lerman, Personal Representative

1107 Lancaster Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15218

Legal Notice No. DHD2046

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of ALVINO RICHARD GALLEGOS, JR. Deceased

Case Number 2024 PR 30225

All persons having claims against the

above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado, on or before July 28, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Nicole R. Gallegos, Personal Representative

4787 Cody Street Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Legal Notice No. DHD2062

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Wilhelmina G. Goldsborough, aka Wilhelmina Goldsborough, and Willy Goldsborough, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30170

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Roland P. Middelraad

Personal Representative

6590 E. Bethany Place Denver, Colorado 80224

Legal Notice No. DHD2048

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Gregg Pooley, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30204

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Douglas Pooley, Personal Representative

8199 S. Madison Way Centennial, CO 80122

Legal Notice No. DHD 2061

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatchv

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Rebecca Jean Saxton, Deceased

Case Number: 2024 PR 030096

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 14, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

John Nicoll

Co-Personal Representative

3331 Thistlebrook Circle Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Gabriel Nicoll

Co-Personal Representative 21845 E. Ninth Place Aurora, CO 80018

Legal Notice No. DHD289

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of CHARLES PATRICK SZYMCZAK, a/k/a CHARLES P. SZYMCZAK, a/k/a CHARLES SZYMCZAK, DeceasedCase Number: 2023PR31341

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 21, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mary Lynn Brinks, Personal Representative

1983 South Washington Street Denver, CO 80210

Legal Notice No. DHD2049

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of JANET S. SITZMANN aka JANET SUSAN SITZMAN

aka SUSIE SITZMANN , Deceased

Case Number: 2024 PR 30252

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 14, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Public Notices

Donald W. Knoop

Personal Representative

4302 W. Union Avenue

Denver CO 80236

Legal Notice No. DHD293

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Daniel Leigh Smith, aka Daniel L. Smith, and Daniel Smith, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30141

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 15, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.

Charles Lee Wathier

Personal Representative

1403 E. Iris Place Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57103

Legal Notice No. DHD2045

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of BEVERLY MARIE MOORE, aka BEVERLY M. MOORE, aka BEVERLY MOORE, Deceased

Case Number: 2024 PR 30191

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 14, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Myles Moore

Personal Representative

c/o Katz, Look & Onorato, PC 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80203

Legal Notice No. DHD290

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Charles Lee Whiton, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR84

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Shannon Whiton, Personal Repre -

sentative

718 Washington Ave N, Ste. 612 Minneapolis, MN 5540

Legal Notice No. DHD2059

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Matter of the Estate of: RONALD EUGENE CRAMER, aka RONALD E. CRAMER, aka RONALD CRAMER, aka RON CRAMER, Deceased

Case Number: 2023-PR-31504

All persons having claims against the Above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Denver County, Colorado on or before Monday, July 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Dated this11th day of March, 2024.

NANCY LEE BAKER-CRAMER

Personal Representative to the Estate 1245 S. Wolff Street Denver, CO 80219

Phone: (720) 987-8244

Legal Notice No. DHD2051

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Irene N. Heider, a/k/a Irene Nannette Heider, a/k/a Irene Heider, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30193

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

RICHARD P. HEIDER

Personal Representative

3255 S. Saint Paul Street Denver, CO 80210

Legal Notice No. DHD2053

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Vera Durfee, Deceased

Case Number: 24 PR 84

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 14, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Charles Durfee, Personal Represen-

tative

882 Sunridge Place Erie, CO 80516

Legal Notice No. DHD2044

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of ALYCE MARIE BRAMER, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30155

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday July 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Julia M. Bramer, Personal Representative

3946 Saint Johns Avenue, #1006

Jacksonville, FL 32205

Legal Notice No. DHD2043

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Michael Calascione, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR030268

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 21, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Name of Person Giving Notice: Timothy Michael Calascione, Personal Representative c/o Katherine Fontenot, Esq., Attorney for Personal Representative Robinson & Henry PC 7555 E Hampden Ave, #600 Denver, CO 80231

Legal Notice No. DHD2052

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

JOHN A. LUND, aka JOHN ALAN LUND, aka JOHN LUND, aka JACK LUND, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30276

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 22, 2024 (date)*, or the claims may be forever barred.

Cheryl Penny, Personal Representative 4540 E. 24th Street Casper, Wyoming 82609

Legal Notice No. DHD2050

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Jason Michael Friedlander, a/k/a Jason Friedlander, a/k/a Jason M. Friedlander, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR31645

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Robert Friedlander, Personal Representative 31787 Buffalo Park Road Evergreen, CO 80439

Legal Notice No. DHD2056

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Maureen H. Beekman, a/k/a Maureen Beekman, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30233

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City & County of Denver, Colorado or on or before Monday, July 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Douglas H. Beekman, Jr.

Personal Representatve 1200 Humboldt St., #1204 Denver, CO 80218

Legal Notice No. DHD 2057

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Patrick Anthony King Dizon a/k/a Patrick King Dizon a/k/a Patrick Dizon a/k/a Patrick A. Dizon a/k/a Patrick A. K. Dizon, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30073

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Joyce Del Rocio Dizon

NONPROFIT

“We are survivors and even though hatred has been presented into our heart because of what has happened to us, at least for myself, I am choosing to nd love out of that and show compassion for others,” she said. “ ere’s too much hate in this world and it really needs to stop.”

Grass feels this project is helping her to heal and move forward from the tragedy of losing her mother and then going through the court process.

“Photography has always been an outlet for me and it’s very therapeutic for me to sit down and look through those photos and edit them and just really capture that moment,” Grass said.

She said it was di cult after 13 months of living court date by court date to know what to do next, but the nonpro t gives her a direction forward.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing where this goes and helping as many people as we can,” Grass said.

Right now, Grass is o ering her services throughout Colorado.

She said money raised at the moment is being used to build the nonpro t, but once she’s more established she will start contributing to support and services.

Grass hopes to have all her necessary paperwork and licensure from the state by the end of April.

To set up a photo session people can visit the Focused Halos Facebook page at tinyurl.com/ focused-halos, and to donate people can visit her GoFundMe at gofund.me/b5bbbc4e.

Public Notices

Personal Representative

2921 Fulton Street Denver, CO 80238

Legal Notice No. DHD292

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Clarence B. Williams, a/k/a Clarence Buford Williams, Deceased

Case Number 2024 PR 30263

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Paul A. Williams, Personal Representative

C/O Joyner & Fewson, P.C. 3100 Arapahoe Ave. Ste. 410 Boulder, CO 80303

Legal Notice No. DHD2060

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Richard Carlson, a/k/a Richard H. Carlson, a/k/a Richard Hogarth Carlson, Deceased

Case Number: 2024 PR 30046

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 28, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

/s/ David F. Steinhoff

Estate of Richard Carlson

c/o Stephen G. Carlson & Diane E. Vyhnalek, PRs

Attn: David F. Steinhoff, Esq.

Solem Woodward & McKinley, P.C. 750 W Hampden Ave, Suite 505 Englewood, CO 80110 dave@solemlaw.com

Legal Notice No. DHD291

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Matter of the Estate of: ROBERT THOMAS CHISHOLM, aka ROBERT T. CHISHOLM, aka BOB CHISHOLM, Deceased

Case Number: 2024-PR-30140

All persons having claims against the

Colorado on or before Monday, July 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Dated this 18th day of March, 2024.

BRIAN CHISHOLM

Personal Representative to the Estate 1660 Willow Street Denver, CO 80220 Phone: (303)514-1137

Legal Notice No. DHD 2058

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of: Claire Ludlam Pitko, a/k/a Claire L. Pitko, a/k/a Claire Pitko, a/k/a Claire Natalie Ludlam, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30210

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 21, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Rose Mary Zapor, Esq. Attorney to the Personal Representa-

7475 W. 5th Ave Ste 202 Lakewood, CO 80226

Legal Notice No. DHD2054

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: April 4, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Audrey B. Medina, also known as Audrey C. Medina, also known as Audrey Medina, also known as Audrey Bertha Medina, Deceased

Case Number: 2024 PR 03011

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 14, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Suzanne E. Gillmore_and Lorraine E. Ferstle

Co-Personal Representatives

c/o Pearman Law Firm

4195 Wadsworth Blvd Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Legal Notice No. DHD294

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch ###

Lindsie Grass with her mother, Patricia Darlene Grass, who was killed by her neighbor in September 2022. In honor of Darlene and after her own experience, Lindsie is starting a nonprofit called Focused Halos to help victims of violent crimes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSIE GRASS

Botox is not just for the face — it’s for the bladder, too

Botox is not just for cosmetics anymore. Women receive Botox treatment in the bladder to help with overactive bladders, urgency incontinence and other urinary dysfunctions.

In the U.S., 25 million people suffer from some type of urinary incontinence. Of those people, 75-80% are women because urinary incontinence is a common side e ect of pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. is condition a ects women of all ages, from 20 to 90 years old.

What initiates the involuntary loss of urine is when the muscles in the bladder begin to spasm. Botulinum toxin (also known as Botox) injec-

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

symptoms and improvement in quality of life.

tions prevent muscles from moving for a limited time by blocking chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract.

Dr. Terry Dunn

ere are a variety of expected bene ts that bladder Botox provides. ese include the reduction or elimination of urinary incontinence episodes, severe urgency and the number of pads used for urinary incontinence. Around 70-75% of patients report a signi cant decrease in

It has been my experience that this treatment can be life-changing. In one case, a patient who was a marathon runner, saw results in her racing times after her Botox treatments because she was able to focus on running instead of her bladder and searching for the next restroom. ose are the kinds of changes that make a real di erence.

A standard injection procedure is performed under a local anesthetic, where a gel is applied to the urethra.

e medical professional examines the bladder and then the Botox is injected into the muscles.

Something to consider when decid-

ing if bladder Botox is the right treatment for you, is timing. Injections are a routine procedure because Botox is a temporary x. e e ects of bladder Botox can last as few as three months or as long as a year. To maintain the bene ts of bladder Botox, the injections need to occur regularly. Botox in the bladder is just one treatment to help with urinary incontinence issues. Don’t hesitate to ask your physician on how best to treat your symptoms.

Dr. Terry Dunn is the owner of Foothills Urogynecology, a Denver-based practice specializing in women’s health. To learn more, visit www.urogyns.com.