Denver Herald Dispatch February 13, 2025

OF FEBRUARY 13,

Denver Roller Derby keeps sport thriving 20 years on

BY ERIC HEINZ ERIC@COTLN.ORG

e Denver Roller Derby squads are gearing up for their next seasons, and to start the year o , various teams that play out of the Overland neighborhood rink competed against one another in late January in friendly exhibition matches.

ere are several levels of travel teams that practice and compete under the Denver Roller Derby umbrella as well as junior levels. Denver Roller Derby was established in 2005.

Skaters at the January opening weekend events at the 2375 S. Delaware St. rink said they got involved with roller derby because of the great community and competitive nature of the sport. e stands were packed for the opening event.

Elizabeth Borre, also known by her derby name “Ell on Wheels,” said when she moved to the city a little more than three years ago, she started researching roller derby leagues and found her south Denver spot.

“I like just the community, the fact that there’s so many people and we’re all involved in so many di erent things in Denver,” said Borre, who mainly plays in the jammer position for the Denver Roller Derby C-tier home team. “It’s great to just have connections, and also just have, like, a family. It’s just a giant family.”

One of the skaters for Denver Roller Derby’s Mile High Club team, the top tier travel team, is “Miss Tea Maven,” originally from New York City. Maven said she has been competing in roller derby for nearly 20 years, and she said she will try to compete for a spot on Team England during the upcoming Roller Derby World Cup.

“It’s really the only sport in the world right now, or one of the only ones, that is women-centric, and women- rst, or for people that identify as a woman or nonbinary,” Maven said. “ e women’s version is more popular than the male version, and I feel like it’s one of the few sports that actually celebrates women being just as awesome.”

King Soopers takes steps to handle strike

Grocer hires temp workers to keep stores open

BY

As day one of a planned twoweek walkout began, about a dozen King Soopers employees were up before dawn on ursday, pacing in front of their store in Centennial. Some walked the perimeter on the sidewalks as cars passed by. All carried white signs with red lettering asking customers to not patronize their employer.

eir union representative with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 forbade them to speak to a reporter, even as one employee questioned why not? Why aren’t they allowed to tell the people why they are outside the store instead of inside?

At a Safeway parking lot across from a King Soopers on ursday, union o cials held a news conference and said the workers at the two Pueblo stores would join the strike starting Friday. Local 7 President Kim Cordova said she spoke for the workers, who feared repercussions by the employer. Intimidation is part of the union’s multiple unfair labor practice claims against the Kroger-owned chain.

“King Soopers has some big problems. I mean when you have 96 to 100% of the workers vote to strike, there’s real issues,” Cordova said. “And here we are for the second time in back-to-back bargaining cycles. Here we are with another unfair labor practice dispute against King Soopers.”

More than 10,000 King Soopers employees in the Front Range are involved, which is a few thousand more than three years ago when King Soopers walked out in January 2022. More contracts have expired. ey’re protesting unfair labor practices, which allege surveilling and disrupting discussions between workers and union reps. A “last best and nal o er” from the company was rejected in mid-January.

Members of the Denver Roller Derby junior teams compete in January during an event to kick o the year.

PHOTO BY ERIC HEINZ

TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN

Parents: New tax credit could net you thousands

Find out what you need to know

BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT

A new state tax credit worth thousands of dollars is now available to many Colorado families with children under 17.

It’s called the family a ordability tax credit and is expected to help hundreds of thousands of cash-strapped families across the state. Lawmakers and advocates who championed the credit during last year’s legislative session see it as a chance to address Colorado’s high cost of living and pick up where the federal government left o when its expanded child tax credit expired in 2021. at expanded tax credit helped cut child poverty in America nearly in half to a historic low of 5.2% in 2021. By 2023, child poverty rates jumped to 13.7%.

Since then, several states have expanded or created their own child tax credits. Colorado, which already had a child tax credit for families with young children, created the family a ordability credit to provide more nancial help to families already getting the child tax credit and give new aid to lower income families with older children.

Here’s what you need to know about the new credit.

What is the family a ordability tax credit?

It’s a new state tax credit for lower income Colorado families with children under 17. It was created during the 2024 legislative session and is now available for the rst time to families ling their 2024 tax returns.

Eligible families can get a tax credit of up to $3,200 for each child who was 5 or younger as of Dec. 31, 2024, and up to $2,400 for each child who was 6-16 years old as of Dec. 31, 2024. e size of the credit goes down as family income goes up, eventually phasing out when single tax lers hit an adjusted gross income of more than $85,000 a year and joint tax lers hit an adjusted gross income of more than $95,000 a year.

How is it di erent from Colorado’s child tax credit?

e family a ordability tax credit is much bigger than the state’s child tax credit and includes families with older children. For example, a single mother who earned $30,000 in tax year 2024 and has a 4-year-old and 7-year-old would receive a family a ordability tax credit of $4,445 and a state child tax credit of $600. ( e state child tax credit is only available to lower income families with children under 6.)

It’s also worth noting that, unlike the state child tax credit, the family a ordability credit may not be available every year. at’s because lawmakers decided to o er it only in good economic times when the state collects enough surplus tax revenue to fund it. During bad years when the state collects too little surplus tax revenue, the state will reduce the amount of the credit or refrain from o ering it at all.

How do I know if I’m eligible for family a ordability credit?

Use the tax credit calculator from Get Ahead Colorado, which is run by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. e online tool asks a few questions about your income and the number of kids you have and spits out a list of state and federal tax credits you may be eligible for, including the family a ordability credit.

e tax credit calculator is available in dozens of languages by clicking on the “Select Language” button in the top right corner.

Eligible families can get up to $3,200 per child under 6 and up to $2,400 per child from 6 to 16. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

I don’t make enough to pay income taxes. Am I still eligible?

Yes, the family a ordability tax credit is refundable. at means that even if eligible families owe nothing in taxes, the state will pay them the amount of the credit as long as they le a state tax return.

Families who earn enough to pay income taxes may still get money back if their family affordability credit exceeds the amount they owe the state.

I don’t have a Social Security number. Am I still eligible?

Possibly. Parents who don’t have a Social Security number may be eligible for Colorado’s family a ordability tax credit if they have an Individual Taxpayer Identi cation number — or ITIN — and their eligible children have a Social Security number.

ITIN numbers are available from the Internal Revenue Service to certain individuals who are categorized as resident aliens or nonresident aliens, regardless of immigration status.

Will getting the family a ordability tax credit reduce my SNAP benefits?

No. Tax credits are not considered income and will not negatively a ect most bene ts, including SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid.

Are there other tax credits for Colorado families with children?

Yes. Both the federal government and the state have earned income tax credits, which are available to lower income families with or without children. Both also o er child tax credits, with the federal version available to qualifying families with children under 17 and the Colorado version available to qualifying families with children under 6.

How can I get help filling out my tax returns?

You can use myfreetaxes.com, an online program o ered through United Way. It’s also available in Spanish.

Another free option is getyourrefund.org/en, which allows lers earning under $67,000 a year to get online assistance from certi ed volunteers. It’s also available in Spanish.

For free in-person help from certi ed volunteers, consider the Colorado Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, also known as VITA. Check this list for VITA sites, hours, and other details.

Finally, Get Ahead Colorado has a variety of other tax ling resources available.

Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

In

Education leaders take closer look at multilingual learners

Decline in overall fluency level created challenge

BY YESENIA ROBLES CHALKBEAT

e number of Colorado students who are learning English as a new language is expected to continue to increase — and State Board of Education members are taking a closer look at their performance.

e Colorado Department of Education recently presented a State of the State on multilingual learners — the term the state uses to identify students who need services as they learn English as a new language, formerly referred to as English language learners. e presentation signals a greater interest from the state board in how those students are doing.

In the 2023-24 school year, Colorado identi ed 114,482 multilingual learners, up from 109,780 in 2022-23, but still lower than 122,976 identi ed in 201920. ose latest numbers mean about 13.4% of all Colorado students are learning English as a new language, similar to 13.9% in 2019-20.

One di erence in the population, however, is that a larger portion of those students are considered not-English pro cient, meaning they are at the lowest level of uency, just starting to learn English. In 2023-24, there were 38,036 students identi ed as not-English pro cient, up from 29,147 in 2019.

e update reiterated some previous data that shows that this group of students has struggled to recover academically from disruptions at the beginning of the pandemic compared to other students.

It also showed that statewide, fewer students are reaching English pro ciency test levels that allow them to be considered to exit the need for federally-required

support services.

But it also showed that students who do reach English pro ciency and exit services typically score similarly to native English speakers, although a gap remains on the SAT test high school students take.

When state board members asked about the challenges districts face in educating these students, Education Commissioner Susana Cordova said one of the largest is in nding enough highly quali ed sta members who are trained or bilingual for certain models.

State board members suggested that one of the ways to look at the e ectiveness of school programs to educate English learners would be to look at how students move through language prociency levels.

Students who are learning English as a new language take a test each year that determines their language abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are placed in levels one through six depending on how much English they understand.

Sta for the Colorado Department of Education said Jan. 8 they believe it takes students about ve to eight years to reach uency in English at a level adequate for academic learning. ey said the department is taking a closer look at tracking students who get stuck and might take longer than that to learn the language.

e department is also attempting to highlight more good work schools are doing with English learners. O cials started by highlighting the Denver Language School, a charter school that focuses on an immersion model and has about 12% of its students identi ed as English learners. e school has high ratings and has been improving, o cials said.

Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

the 2023-24 school year, Colorado identified 114,482 multilingual learners, up from recent years but still lower than the 2019-20 school year.

PHOTO BY ELAINE CROMIE/CHALKBEAT

Colorado Environmental Film Festival Returns to Golden on February 21-23

There’s excitement building about the possibility of the Sundance Film Festival coming to Boulder, but we already have a nationally renowned environmental film festival that takes place every February right here in Golden.

The Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF) is a juried film festival that lives up to its name, bringing all kinds of film — long-form, shorts, children’s films, and animated films — for a weekend run that includes awards, filmmaker Q&As, and more.

I recommend the All Access pass for $99, because it not only includes entry to all screenings but also includes streaming access for most of the films for seven days after the festival. Buy it at https://ceff.net/tickets. There are three screening rooms at the Green Center on the Colorado School of Mines campus, so that’s the only way to see your favorite films which might be scheduled simultaneously. Go to https://ceff2025.eventive.org/films for a complete list of the films.

Denver which manufactured the plutonium triggers for thousands of nuclear weapons.

As an aside, one of our broker associates, Kathy Jonke, was an environmental geophysicist for the contractor working onsite at Rocky Flats during the cleanup. She recommended this film before I saw it was on CEFF’s schedule. Ask her sometime about her work.

are family-friendly and free. Bring the kids!

Opening night is Friday the 21st at 7:00 in the Green Center’s auditorium, featuring an 86-minute feature film, “Bring Them Home” about a small group of Blackfoot people who established the first wild buffalo herd on their ancestral lands. It is followed by a discussion with Executive Producer Melissa Grumhaus.

My choice of screenings at 10 a.m. on Saturday is the one which includes “Our Movement Starts Here,” a documentary about the fight against a toxic landfill in North Carolina.

At Sunday's 12:15 p.m. Lunch & Learn session, hear from members of the Denver Electric Vehicle Council and get the inside scoop on a variety of electric vehicles. Talk to the owners about their real life experiences driving an EV in Colorado and check out several models in the Electric Vehicle Roundup outside the Green Center from 9:15 to 3:30.

For the 1 p.m. screenings on Sunday, I have chosen the set which has five films focusing on sustainable home construction. This includes the “Heart of a Building” PBS program about John Avenson’s net-zero home in Westminster which was aired in January on Channels 6 and 12.

The closing set of screenings starting at 3:30 on Sunday includes the “Half-Life of Memory” mentioned above, plus two other films: one about lead poisoning of birds and

Attendees will have plenty to choose from at this year’s CEFF, including 9 films with ties to Colorado, 60+ feature-length and short films from 17 countries, and ten world premiere screenings. The weekend also promises thoughtful discussions with filmmakers, panels, and a vibrant Eco-Expo in which to connect with environmentally conscious brands and organizations.

Golden Real Estate has been a sponsor of CEFF for most of its 16 years, so you’ll see our ad in the program inviting you to visit our nearby office in downtown Golden. We’ll also have a booth at the Eco-Expo in the lobby of the Green Center where we’ll have an up-to-the-minute display of all the active solar powered homes in the Denver MLS. We’d be happy to take you to see any of them!

It makes sense that we’re the only real estate brokerage sponsoring CEFF, because we are experts in all aspects of “green” building, and half of us drive electric cars. We have also become experts in “hardening” homes to resist wildfires, so please ask us questions or read some of my previous columns on those topics at www.JimSmithColumns.com

CEFF groups films by several categories, including Activism & Environmental Justice; Adventure; Consumption & Waste; Energy & Climate Chaos & Fossil Fuels; Health & Food; Land Use & Conservation; Wildlife; and Water, Rivers & Oceans

Among the films at this year’s festival, I’m personally looking forward to a few particular films. First on that list is “Half-Life of Memory: America’s Forgotten Atomic Bomb Factory,” a 55minute documentary about the sloppy operation and incomplete cleanup of Rocky Flats, the government’s plant between Boulder and

My choice of screenings at 1 p.m. is the one with three films about forests in Canada, Tasmania and on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. screening of four different films includes “Way the Wind Blows,” a short documentary about one family’s journey of recovery from the 2022 Marshall Fire in Boulder County, which destroyed 1,000 homes. That set also includes two interesting films about glaciers.

Between the 3:30 screenings and the 7:15 screenings on Saturday will be an “Evening Soiree,” a party with drinks and plant-based foods. Tickets for either of those screenings (or the All Access pass) includes an invitation to this party. This is when the awards for the best films will be presented in the Green Auditorium, along with the world premiere screening of “The Snake and the Whale,” a 90-minute investigative documentary that uncovers antiquated dams on the Lower Snake River that are driving the extinction of fish and killer whales.

I’m going to attend the 7:15 set of three films, one of which is “Responsible,” about the interplay of capitalism and environmentalism. The subtitle of the film is “There Is No Business to Be Done on a Broken Planet.”

On Sunday morning, I have chosen the screenings which include an animated short about invasive fauna and flora in Hawaii, a bird oasis on an abandoned golf course, overgrazing versus regenerative grazing in Nevada, a Tibetan nomad with a camera, and a threatened wetland between the banks of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Both of the Sunday morning film screenings

animals who feed on the carcasses of animals killed with bullets containing lead; plus one about the large amount of water consumed in the manufacture of computer ships.

A big part of CEFF’s mission is to educate, with a yearly focus on young filmmakers and films aimed at school age children from grade 4 through high school. These programs are always free, too. So, starting at 10 a.m. on Friday the 21st, prior to the festival’s opening, there is a “CEFF 4 Classrooms Field Trip” in the Bunker auditorium at the Green Center. It is for schools, youth organizations, home schools and more, designed to share a variety of youth-friendly environmental films. In addition to showing nine short films, two of them by young filmmakers, it includes a Q&A session with filmmakers and other field experts related to the film topics. Register at info@ceff.net,

ADU Law Enables Homeowners to Invest on Their Own Lot

Beginning in July, homeowners in Colorado will be able to create an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) within their home (preferably a walk-out basement), over their detached garage, or by building a tiny home or casita in their backyard.

The enabling law was HB24-1152. Until this law was passed, local zoning regulations made it difficult to get approval to build an ADU; but now local governments can not block ADU development using zoning regulations, although other local laws, such as building codes, still apply.

Many homes, such as single-story homes with no basement on a small lot with no detached garage, will not be able to take advantage of this law, but many others can, and that’s the purpose of the law — namely, to increase the housing supply through increased density. Before this new law, there wasn’t much that Colorado homeowners could do to increase the housing supply. Now they can, and increase their wealth in the process.

In September Colorado Biz had an article that described how the law works: “ADUs add housing units with minimal impacts to infrastructure and with increased compact infill development. They provide intergenerational living options and enable child or eldercare and aging in place. Because they’re small, ADU rents are typically low.”

The financial information for a specific ADU varies greatly, dependent on the particular ADU and site costs. That makes the numbers used in the article only rough estimates. The cost of an ADU is dependent on choices made by the homeowner who is installing the unit. It can be very expensive, but there are ways to keep it reasonable. Regardless, the article is a helpful summary.

One of the many reasons cited for expanding the use of ADUs is to increase the availability of affordable housing, although this rationale has been questioned. There are many things that can make ADUs costeffective, thus increasing affordability (both for purchase and rent).

Two of the factors that contribute to affordability are the size of the units and the cost of the land. ADUs are small but not uncomfortably small, and day-to-day life is unchanged. They tap into a trend of smaller living spaces.

For a homeowner considering putting in an ADU, it’s one real estate investment that includes no cost for land. ADUs use space that is, at best, underutilized, and already owned. This is a big plus where the value of land is high.

As part of the new law, the legislature appropriated money and tasked the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to develop programs to enable homeowners with moderate means to afford construction of an ADU. The idea is to jump-start ADU finance in the private sector.

Finally, units assembled off-site (referred to as manufactured, modular, or prefab) can reduce cost significantly, and have other advantages such as shorter lead times, far less on-site construction, environmental benefits, etc. A Colorado company that specializes in manufactured detached ADUs is Verdant Living (www.verdantliving.us). The owner of that company, John Phillips, is happy to discuss ADU options with you. Because of the huge variety of situations where ADUs are possible, he tries to recommend options that might work, often not involving his company. He can be reached at 303-717-1962 (voice or text).

His is a Denver business. Another player in the field of manufactured housing on the national level is Boxabl (www.boxabl.com), which specializes in factory-made homes that literally unfold after being delivered on a standard width flatbed trailer. Its “Casita” is a 361-square-foot modular home, offering a stylish, efficient living space with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. It’s delivered with all-electric appliances (including laundry) and 100-amp electric service. It is currently priced at $60,000. It must be installed on a foundation prepared with electrical and plumbing hookups. It is built to meet building codes.

Recently, the company introduced the “Baby Box,” a 120-square-foot living space built to RV standards. Easy setup, no special equipment or foundation needed. The MSRP of Baby Box is $30,000 with introductory pricing of $19,999. It comes, like a mobile home, on a frame with permanent wheels. It too has a bathroom and kitchen, but with water tank and waste tank like any RV. It is intended for delivery to mobile home parks.

BY CAITLYN KIM DENVERITE

Johnston to talk ‘sanctuary’ laws with Congress

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is going to Washington.

He’ll testify in front of the Republicancontrolled House Oversight Committee, along with the mayors of three other Democratic cities, about their policies around new immigrants.

A spokesperson for Johnston says the mayor and the committee reached agreement for him to appear, noting: “For the last two years, Denver has shown the country that you can be a compassionate and welcoming city without sacri cing public safety or core services. We look forward to discussing with the committee.”

Johnston joins New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu — who gave birth to her third child on Jan. 13 — in agreeing to appear on March 5. Originally they’d been called to appear on Feb. 11.

Kentucky Rep. James Comer is leading an investigation into what he called “the policies of sanctuary jurisdictions and their impact on public safety and federal enforcement.”

“Sanctuary mayors owe the American people an explanation for city policies that jeopardize public safety and violate federal immigration law by releasing dangerous criminal illegal aliens back onto the streets. ese reckless policies in Democrat-run cities and states across our nation have led to too many preventable tragedies,” the Republican said in a statement announcing the hearing. “ e policies in Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City prioritize criminal illegal aliens over the American people. is is unacceptable and their leaders must be held accountable.”

Denver is considered a welcoming city for immigrants, not a “sanctuary city.”

State and local laws limit how the police can work with federal immigration forces. Cooperation is generally allowed in criminal cases, but o cers can’t turn

over people based on their immigration status alone.

Any restrictions aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants have been in the crosshairs for Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration. And the hearing will likely be a combative one.

Colorado has one member serving on the Oversight Committee: Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, an immigration hard-liner.

In a social media post on Jan. 29, Boebert wrote, “the days of sanctuary states like Colorado and sanctuary cities like Denver are quickly coming to an end under President Trump!”

Johnston may see another Colorado face in Washington. Rep. Gabe Evans, who was recently elected to Congress to represent the 8th Congressional District, said he was set to join the committee that day.

is story is from Denverite, a Denver news site. Used by permission. For more, and to support Denverite, visit denverite. com.

Denver mayor vetoes city council bill to expand needle exchange sites

BY ERNEST GURULÉ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

ere will be no additional sanctioned needle exchange sites in Denver, despite a Denver City Council vote to expand that number.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston made sure of that by announcing a veto of the council vote just a day after the mid-Jan-

uary vote passed. He called it “the wrong solution at the wrong time.”  ere are currently three city-sanctioned needle exchange sites in Denver and, for now, that number will remain unchanged. Each site also o ers information about drug treatment options as well as mental health information. Drugs are not available at the locations and no drugs are used or available on site.

At the January meeting, the city council voted 8-5 on an ordinance that would have allowed an increase in the number of locations where used needles could be turned in and where clean needles could be obtained.

Wording in the proposed new ordinance would have allowed new sites in areas zoned for medical o ces. e new law also erased a provision establishing

a 1,000-foot bu er between each site and schools or day care centers.

“I could not support it,” District 7 Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez said. e ordinance, she said, “removes the cap on the number of needle exchanges without tying it to any demonstrable need.”

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston presents his priorities for 2025 during a public meeting at Denver Public Library’s central branch. Jan. 29, 2025. PHOTO BY KEVIN J. BEATY FOR DENVERITE

Colorado tied for most educated state

Massachusetts pulls even for residents’ credentials

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT

Colorado residents are still the most educated in the nation, but Massachusetts now shares the top spot, according to a report released in January.

is year’s Stronger Nation Report found that 63% of Colorado residents age 25 and older had an educational credential beyond a high school diploma in 2023,

matching Massachusetts. at’s above the national average of 54.9% of residents who have earned college degrees or certi cates or an industry certi cation.

e gure is mostly unchanged from 2022, when about 62.9% of Colorado’s residents held a college credential. However, the percentage of Native American Colorado residents with college degrees or credentials has fallen, a troubling sign after years of steady increases.

e annual report from the Lumina Foundation aims for a national goal of 60% college attainment. (Lumina is a funder of Chalkbeat.)

Having an education beyond a high

Denver in 2023. Of that number, 1,298 were men and 567 were women. e age group 39-44 showed the highest number of overdose fatalities with 481.

school diploma matters because it is crucial for state economic growth and individual nancial success, as high-wage jobs typically require a college credential. Disparities persist

Colorado has long been among the most educated states, but racial disparities persist. While most racial group data remained steady, Native American college attainment fell for the second consecutive year.

About 30.5% of Native American residents in 2023 held a college credential — a 3.2% decline from 2022. e drop stems from fewer college graduates aged 25-34.

death in the United States for both men and women in that same age group.

Only 22.3% of Native American residents in that age category have education beyond high school, now the lowest of any racial group in Colorado. Hispanic residents had for years been the least likely to have a college education, but steady gains have changed that. Now, 30.6% hold a postsecondary credential.

Meanwhile, 41.7% of Black, 63.1% of white, and 66.1% of Asian American residents have a credential or higher.

Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Alvidrez said it also eliminates safe zones for day care facilities and schools. She said she would not risk children’s safety. Safety bu ers were also a reason for a “no” vote from Councilmember Kevin Flynn, who represents council District 2. While Flynn said he supports relocating Capitol Hill’s Harm Reduction Action Center as a needle exchange site, a provision in the ordinance, “I am open to raising the cap on the number of programs, but not removing it entirely…that is not what the bill did.”

Drug overdoses have long plagued the country, and Denver and Colorado are no di erent. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there were 1,865 fatal drug overdoses in the state, including 467 in

Following Denver in fatal drug overdoses were El Paso County (220), Arapahoe County (209) and Adams County (198).

Overdose deaths by ethnicity included 1,325 non-Hispanic, 425 Hispanic and 176 African American.

Drug overdoses in Colorado in 2023 touched all age demographics. e state recorded four overdoses of young people 14 and younger. ere were 31 overdose deaths of people age 75 and older.

Last year’s overdose fatality statistics are not yet available. It is unlikely they will show a jump like the one recorded between 2019 and 2020 when the state had its biggest jump. at 12-month period showed overdose deaths jumped 38%.

Drug overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are the number one cause of

In 2021, the U.S. recorded the highest number of drug overdoses ever with more than 106,000 fatalities. Synthetic opioids were the leading cause of death with slightly more than 70,000 attributed to fentanyl. Methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine were also among the leading overdose drugs. e CDC said African American drug overdoses skyrocketed by 44% between 2020 and 2021.

Newly elected Denver District Attorney John Walsh, who also served as the U.S. attorney for the District of Colorado from 2010 to 2016, endorsed the mayor’s veto of the needle exchange expansion.

“Needle exchange programs serve a valuable role,” Walsh said. e new city prosecutor said they reduce harm from dangerous drugs and prevent the spread of disease transmission. But, he said,

“It’s not clear to me that Denver’s existing program needs to be expanded at this

point beyond the three existing needle exchange sites.”

Currently the three needle exchange sites in the city are the Harm Reduction Action Center in Capitol Hill, the Colorado Health Network in Uptown and LifePoint, a mobile-only site.

Used needle disposal inside the Harm Reduction Action Center, Aug. 30, 2017.

PHOTO BY KEVIN J. BEATY/DENVERITE

STRIKE

Not all union members walked out on day one. Workers in Colorado Springs voted last Friday to authorize a strike. But some of their contracts have not yet expired so they could join in the coming days, union o cials said. Find an updated list of a ected locations at public. ourish.studio/visualisation/21490216.

Grocer preps for strike

ere are 77 Denver-area stores involved in ursday’s work stoppage. Because of that, King Soopers hired temporary workers to keep the stores open, spokesperson Jessica Trowbridge said Wednesday.

“We have an obligation to the community to make sure they have access to fresh and a ordable food and pharmacy services, so we’ve gone ahead and hired temporary sta to come and help us serve the community at this time,” Trowbridge said.

SEE YOURSELF ON STAGE

All stores will remain open, though locations impacted by the strike will operate on limited hours. Stores will open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m, with pharmacies open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week.

On Saturdays, pharmacy hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch. Pharmacies will be closed on Sundays.

All other stores in the state, including City Markets, will stick with their normal hours.

Other King Soopers stores remain open

Not all King Soopers in metro Denver are unionized. ere are nonunion stores in Brighton, Castle Rock, Erie and Firestone. ere are also two ornton locations — at 13700 Colorado Blvd. and 13525 Quebec St. — that aren’t part of the strike. Other nonunion stores farther out include Bennett, Conifer and Windsor.

Union stores outside of Denver remain open, though they could join the strike at a later date. Besides Colorado Springs workers who are ready to join the strike, others could take a strike vote soon. Labor contracts in Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont and Loveland expire Feb. 15.

Also, many locations only have some of the sta in a union, such as the meat departments in Boulder and Parker. But those stores are still impacted by the strike and limited hours.

Local 7 also represents workers at four Western Slope City Markets, including two in Grand Junction, one in Fruita and one in Clifton. No strike vote has been announced yet.

Unproductive

negotiations, heated accusations

Negotiations began in October on the new contract, which expired Jan. 5, and stopped inde nitely on Jan. 16. No further meetings were scheduled.

In unfair labor practice claims led with the National Labor Relations Board, the union said King Soopers was “illegally threatening members with discipline” for wearing union clothing or union buttons, surveilling workers in discussions with union sta and “gutting $8 million in retiree health bene ts for wage increases for active workers.”

To get the union back to the bargaining table, Cordova said, “We need the company to engage in good and fair bargaining, and they need to resolve the unfair

labor practices. ey have to provide information that we need around sales.”

King Soopers pushed back on all the allegations. In a statement, the company said it responded to all the union’s requests, and even “dedicated six hours to answering every question raised,” during a one negotiation session. e company has “acted in full compliance with both the law and collective bargaining agreement obligations.”

It led its own unfair labor practice claims against the union for causing disruptions, such as mentioning a strike on Dec. 17, and rejecting company o ers without providing their own proposal for the workers. ( e union said it has made proposals.)

e company had hoped to avoid a strike, like the one three years ago. Earlier this week, King Soopers President Joe Kelley asked Local 7 to “reconsider their approach and prioritize the best interests of our associates, their members and the communities they serve.”

King Soopers has publicly shared its o er to workers and urged employees to look and vote on the proposed contract, instead of voting on unfair labor practices.

King Soopers o ered raises to boost store clerks’ hourly wage by $4.50 over four years, with top clerks earning above $27 an hour by 2028. Adding in health care and pension bene ts, that would be $29.48 an hour. e current wage is $22.68, the company said.

The union’s sticking points

While making sure grocery workers can make a livable wage is a big concern, Cordova said the top concern is inadequate sta ng, and that impacts consumers.

“Our ght over understa ng is real. Every customer sees that they’re waiting in long lines. ey’re seeing empty shelves. And there’s not a supply chain issue here. All the product is in the back room. ere’s just nobody there (to restock),” Cordova said. “ ey don’t have enough sta in the stores to properly change the price tags or prices in the system. So many customers’ experience (is) the price they’re paying is higher than what’s advertised. And that’s a big issue when people around the country are already upset about the high cost of groceries.”

Reyna Carpenter, the seafood manager at a King Soopers in Pueblo, said she joined the company a decade ago when there were four people working a shift in her department at a time. Now, there’s two. And sometimes she gets pulled over to the meat department to help.

If one of the shift workers is tagging items or restocking, that means there’s only one employee helping customers. And that’s what’s happening storewide, she said. When check out lines get longer, cashiers abandon the other chores. at means store shelves aren’t getting restocked or properly tagged with the new pricing for the week. Or there’s no shopping carts, so another sta er has to run out and gather them up in the parking lot.

“On ad days, it’s ridiculous,” said Carpenter, who is also on the union’s bargaining committee. “You have to rearrange everything. … at takes time. We used to have people that came in and worked with us. We had more sta ng in the morning and throughout the afternoon.”

Kroger owns 118 King Soopers and 32 City Market stores in Colorado. Not all are unionized.

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.

Employees on strike hold signs outside of a King Soopers store in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood on Feb. 6.

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

AdventHealth Parker fights human tra cking

Facility trains nurses in ways to spot victims

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As the FBI continues to monitor the rise of human tra cking in Colorado, particularly cases involving youth, various agencies and organizations across the state are working to combat the crime.  But one sector is on the frontlines.

“I think healthcare workers come across human tra cking victims more than any of us,” said Janelle Goodrich, founder and executive director of From Silenced to Saved, a nonpro t organization that supports victims of sexual exploitation.

Research, including studies published in the National Institute of Health, shows that more than 60% of those being tra cked had visited an emergency room while being exploited.  at reality was brought to Mary Marnell’s attention during the COVID-19 pandemic while working in the emergency department at the Medical Center of Aurora.

hides in plain sight, Goodrich said.

“Any type of vulnerability that’s compounding, such as poverty, homelessness … just adds to that vulnerability for them to be trafcked,” Goodrich said.

She said if nurses could learn only one thing from the training, it would be that the movies aren’t reality — that human tra cking victims might look like every other person who walks into the hospital.

And, if it’s a minor, it’s a mandatory child abuse report.

Nurses learn about what needs to be reported, as well as how and when. e nurses are given tools to help identify youth who are at high risk for commercial sexual exploitation and what necessities emergency departments should have.

Another important topic is what to say versus what not to say to potential victims, Goodrich said. One example of what not to say is “why don’t you just leave?,” she added.

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While working outside alongside a coworker, two young girls approached them. After they walked away, Marnell’s coworker told her that those two girls were likely being tra cked — sparking Marnell to want to learn more about human tra cking in the area.

When Marnell began working as an emergency room nurse at AdventHealth Parker shortly after, she wanted to bring more awareness to human tra cking, but noticed there weren’t a lot of resources that were easily accessible.

“ e sheer number of people that are seen by healthcare sta members — and that’s including registration, EMTs, not just nursing — aren’t o ered resources,” Marnell said.  rough training with Goodrich with From Silenced to Saved in Castle Rock, Marnell learned that the amount of knowledge that her sta didn’t know about human tra cking was huge.

Whether it’s the dentist, an OBGYN or an emergency room nurse, the average victim is seen in a healthcare setting about nine times before they are discovered

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

or disclosed, said Goodrich, adding that sometimes the emergency room or an urgent care serves as their primary care.

To further train emergency room nurses on how to identify and support potential victims, AdventHealth Parker has teamed up with From Silenced to Saved.

From Silenced to Saved

For about a decade, Goodrich, a certi ed family trauma professional, has focused on victims and survivors of human tra cking, sexual exploitation and other related violent sex crimes. Six years ago, she founded From Silenced to Saved.

e nonpro t is a third-party case management organization that provides assistance to government agencies in domestic sex-tra cking investigations.

Additionally, it’s the only nongovernmental agency currently approved to respond on scene alongside local, state and federal law enforcement in Colorado.

“We are referred and brought in by law enforcement only,” said Goodrich. “(We) start from recovery all the way through the case with the named victim, and help them kind of weave through the court process and make sure that

The FBI defines human tra cking as the illegal exploitation of people. There are three main kinds of human tra cking listed on the FBI’s website. They are:

they’re getting all their needs met.”

Goodrich, who also serves on the Colorado Human Tra cking Council, works with community partners to help bridge the gap with law enforcement to provide needed services to victims.

“A majority of victims are not disclosed, they are discovered,” said Goodrich. “You show up to what’s happening to them.”

Disclosed means to make information known while discovered means to nd something previously unknown.

Having helped nearly 300 victims and survivors since its inception, From Silenced to Saved provides trauma informed mentorship, and helps fund housing, food and transportation for victims. Goodrich also attends court appearances and trial preparation sessions.

e organization also partners with FBI Denver’s Child Exploitation and Human Tra cking Task Force, which includes sheri ’s ofces across the metro area. Since the task force formed in 2012, it has recovered nearly 700 minors.

Recognizing human tra cking

Human tra cking is not blurred by gender or any type of sexual identi cation, and is a crime that

ere are many situations, often complicated, for which those being tra cked stay. It could be because of a concern for their safety, manipulation and more, Goodrich said.

Understanding that not every victim is ready to make a report during a visit to a healthcare professional, Goodrich emphasized the importance for nurses to take detailed notes, photographs, encourage the preservation of evidence and provide them with useful resources.

“ ose types of pieces of evidence that can be preserved for minor and adult cases to make sure that a case can move forward and that law enforcement o cers and district attorneys can do their job,” Goodrich said.

During the training with AdventHealth Parker, one nurse brought up the fact that there is a blurred line between what nurses can and cannot do, and felt that they were not properly trained on human tra cking before meeting Goodrich.

“In nursing school and hospital onboarding education, they give you just the tip of the iceberg with ‘this is what mandatory reporting is, this is not necessarily mandatory reporting,’” Marnell said.

To learn more about From Silenced to Save, visit fsts.org.

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• Sex tra cking: A person is compelled by force, fraud or coercion to engage in commercial sex acts.

• Labor tra cking: A person is compelled by force, threats or fraud to perform labor or service.

• Domestic servitude: A person appears to be a nanny, housekeeper or other type of domestic worker but is being controlled and exploited. According to the latest Common Sense Institute Colorado report, Colorado had the 10th highest overall number of human tra cking incidents nationwide in 2023. While some might think that human tra cking primarily results from being kidnapped or the use of physical force, many tra cking situations result from psychological means and threats. For example, tra ckers may convince their victims that they are in love with them, or make them dependent on their tra cker for basic needs.

Human tra cking di ers from human smuggling as tra cking does not require any movement and victims can be tra cked within their town.

The average entry age into human tra cking is 12-14 years old, according to the National Human Tra cking Hotline’s 2021 polaris review. This entry age is why local law enforcement encourages parents to monitor their children’s phones and social media, as sextortion and child exploitation can lead to human tra cking. You can report tips to the Colorado Human Tra cking Hotline to 1-866-455-5075.

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Janelle Goodrich, founder and executive director of the nonprofit From Silenced to Saved, speaks with emergency room nurses with AdventHealth Parker to learn how to identify and support potential human tra cking victims that come into the hospital.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

ROLLER DERBY

Although camaraderie and empowerment are what Maven said she likes best about the sport, she also enjoys the challenge and the physicality that comes with roller derby. e Denver Mile High Club has been ranked regionally by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, which sanctions the league in which the team competes.

“As a girl, you can nally hit someone, and it’s like you don’t have to be dainty and feminine and all that,” Maven said. “You can just really enjoy beating up and hitting on your friends, and everyone loves it.”

Janna Sims, the public relations director for Denver Roller Derby and a board member of the organization, skates under the name “Royal TenenBomb.”

Sims said she’s looking forward to the upcoming travel team tryouts in late February and early March, “Which is something the standbys have never done before.” Standbys are part of the developmental teams that help skaters improve their skills.

For anyone who hasn’t been to a roller derby match before, Sims said people should expect a “very high energy.”

“I would say it’s very high energy,” Sims said. “It;s a lot of fun. It’s a great community with probably like the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life. It’s super-high-impact, high-energy. So if you like full contact, that’s what we do.”

More information about Denver Roller Derby can be found at denverrollerderby.org.

DERBY SCHEDULE

Feb. 22: Juniors and Adults Home Team Doubleheader March 22: Juniors and Standbys vs. Boulder Doubleheader April 5: Juniors and Denver vs. Fuego Latino Doubleheader May 3 and 4: Altitude Adjuster Tournament May 24 and 25: Colorado Chaos Tournament

June 14: Standovers Doubleheader

Aug. 23: Adult Mixer and MHB vs Santa Cruz Doubleheader

Sept. 27: Juniors and Adults Home Team Doubleheader

Oct. 3 and 5: Goose Bumps Tournament

Oct 25: Juniors and Adult Mixers Doubleheader

Nov. 22: Juniors and Adult Home Team Doubleheader

Dec. 13: Juniors and Adult Home Team Doubleheader

Thu 2/20

Elias Hix

@ 7pm

Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Sta‐tion, 1338 1st St, Denver

Forty Feet Tall @ 7pm

Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver

Michigan Rattlers

@ 7pm

Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

Chris Daniels w special guests Mark Oblinger and Linda Lawson

@ 7pm

Gilpin Street House Concert, Denver

Zoe Stroupe

@ 8pm

Wild Beautiful Orchestra: It's My Head! @ 7pm The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St, Den‐ver

Live @ The Rose - 6 Million Dollar Band @ 7pm / $25

Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Av‐enue, Golden. information@buf falorose.net

Bathe: Cymande US Tour @ 7pm

Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver

Sat 2/22

Athena @ 8pm

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Spitting Image

@ 8pm

HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver

Ew

@ 9pm

The Black Box, 314 E 13th Ave, Denver

Fri 2/21

Orenda

@ 8pm

Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

Roman Flügel

@ 10pm Club Vinyl, 1082 N Broadway, Denver

Vintage Valentine Tea @ 9:20am / $45

Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania, Denver. asalutz@historic denver.org

Playback Denver @ 7pm

Mis�ts Sports Bar And Grill, 11475 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood

Braeburn Records Showcase - Suicide Cages / Iran Nox / Chew Thru / TalkingxPoint @ 8pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver

NASAYA @ 7pm

Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Sta‐tion, 1338 1st St, Denver

Paramount Theatre Club Seating - Aziz Ansari @ 9:30pm / $75 Paramount Theatre, Denver

Sun 2/23

Escape the Fate @ 6pm

Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver

MARO @ 7pm

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Escape the Fate @ 7pm Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave, Denver

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Missio - I Am Cinco Tour @ 7pm / $25 Marquis, Denver

Mon 2/24

Camping in Alaska @ 7pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Tue 2/25

Escuela Grind @ 7pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Opera Colorado - La Boheme @ 7:30pm Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street, Denver Pink Sweat$ @ 8pm

Paramount Theatre Denver, 1621 Glen‐arm, Denver

Aqyila @ 8pm

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Den‐ver

Wed 2/26

Saliva @ 7:30pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Dan Spencer @ 8pm

Skylark Lounge, Denver

Watch the di erence 100 days can make

Alittle more than 16 years ago, I faced an interesting situation at work. e most outgoing and social member of our leadership group was taking a di erent job and leaving. is meant there was no one on the team who was comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers and building relationships with those unknown members of the school population. It was obvious to me that the team needed someone who could be that outgoing extrovert.

I am not sure why, but I decided I should become that outgoing person the team needed. So, this reserved, quiet with strangers, most comfortable with family, pseudo introvert decided that he was going to become an expert at interacting with strangers.

I decided that I would call my experiment “100 days of Smiles” in a nod to my youth when AM radio stations like KIMN would mark summer with “100 days” promotions. I determined that over those weeks, I would go out of my

OWORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Jim Roome

way each day to talk for even a few minutes with someone I did not know. It would mean taking chances that were uncomfortable. I simply was not the kind of person who would out of the blue say something to a total stranger. But I stepped into it and started intentionally nding new people to talk with each day.

e rst two weeks were painful. I often felt awkward and ill-equipped for such an undertaking. But I plodded on. It got easier as the weeks progressed, and then one day, near the end of my experiment, my wife, Beth, and I were on a walk around our neighborhood. Because it was close to Halloween, there was a family out decorating their front yard. I stopped walking and struck up a conversation with the parents as they worked

on the decorations. I told them how much I appreciated seeing their tombstones each year and talked about the decorations that I liked most. We stood there talking for three or four minutes, said goodbye, and continued walking down the street.

We had gone maybe 10 steps when Beth, still looking straightforward, said quietly but loud enough for me to hear, “Who the hell are you and what have you done with my husband?”

I had done it! In 100 days, I had moved from a person who struggled to strike up conversations with strangers to someone who quite enjoyed acknowledging other people and engaging in conversation.

Since that day, when I struggle with something related to my MS, I think about those “100 days of Smiles” and remember that we have within us the ability to shape ourselves, to remake our perspectives, to change our path. Struggles are not fun, but when we understand our transformative personal ability, we unlock so much.

is week I hope you will take some time to consider your own initiative, your “100 days of whatever it is you need to reshape.” You can do it; I did. Take the step and commit to the 100 days. Make a difference for yourself and those around you. You’ve got this, I would love to hear about your “100 days” goal. I truly appreciate hearing about the ideas you nd valuable in these columns and how you use them to uplift those around you. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far. you can reach me at jim.roome@ gmail.com.

Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences.

On the pursuit of beautiful plain roads

ne of my earliest childhood memories is walking down Federal Boulevard in Denver with my parents, older brother and a group of people as they all chanted “ se puede!” (“Yes we can!”)

It was a hot summer day, and I remember my feet hurting and feeling fatigued from the scorching sun. As a little girl, I didn’t understand why my parents had brought me and my brother to this marcha that led all the way to Civic Center Park. I kept telling my parents to just get in the car and drive alongside the people, but I was clearly missing the point.

I would ask my parents “Why are we marching?” “What is this for?” and they would explain, but in my mind I couldn’t grasp the concept. I couldn’t understand that people from a di erent country were considered “bad people” or “criminals” because they immigrated to the U.S. for a better life. I didn’t see the problem. To me it was as simple as moving from state to state here in the U.S.; to me they were my parents, my brother and my friends. However, as I tried to grasp the idea, to this day I remember hearing my mother’s voice as clear as day telling me, “Just say it with us: Sí se puede.” ose words have stayed with me since then. As my dad hoisted me up to his shoulders, I remember waving a little Mexican ag and chanting with everyone, and after that, the road seemed better. e burning sun didn’t feel so bad anymore.

GUEST COLUMN

tions were and are very limited. Even if you are trying to do the “right thing.”

And by the “right thing,” I mean living the American Dream of working until you have nothing left to offer, providing a good life to your children and yourself, and simply just working to the success and family values that this country preaches.

I saw it when my brother was in high school, as he was approaching graduation. He had a job o er that he was more than quali ed for. He went to the interview, and they thought he was the perfect t, but then the di cult question came: “Are you a U.S. citizen?” e answer was no.

Despite the challenges, that didn’t stop my brother or my parents from moving down the road. During a time like today, where I hear attacks on my immigrant brothers and sisters, friends and family members, I nd myself more worried than they are. ese days, I am often comforted by my immigrant parents who say, “Don’t worry. We can’t let fear rule our lives. We have to keep moving forward.”

Velasco mentioned that she is co-chair of the Democratic Latino Caucus, vice chair of the Energy and Environment Committee and has been a re ghter.

ering anyone? A life where I can work, study and live in peace without being afraid?”

Over the years, I began to understand the concept more and more as I saw how it a ected the lives of my parents and my brother.

I saw it when my parents had to work every night, come home to get me and my brother ready for school and then go back to work with no hours of sleep. I would wonder why they couldn’t get different jobs with better work hours. en, when my dad was working in a toxic environment, I wondered why he couldn’t get a job that didn’t mistreat him.

As an undocumented person, the op-

It’s a bit ironic to say that I, a U.S.born citizen, am more scared of what’s to come than they are, but I think that’s a true testimony of how resilient they have become. It shows that no matter what, their spirit will never be crushed. I’m not thanking this system for making them resilient; I think they have always been resilient, and these are just the kind of people they are. Who wouldn’t want a kind, resilient and brave person on their team?

But I guess that doesn’t matter.

“It just feels like it’s never enough,” said State Rep. Elizabeth Velasco during an immigrant voices press conference at the state Capitol on Jan. 22.

“And I have still been told to go back to my country,” she said at the event. “ is is the reality for many of us, that we are told again and again that we don’t belong when we are making our nation better, when we are working in Colorado to make everyone’s lives better.”

We are not just a workforce; we are people who are trying to do the “right thing.” Perhaps people can say, “You are trying to do the right thing through the wrong way,” but that’s not true. Even if you try to do everything the right way, it’s not possible for everyone, because the system presented to us is not for us, sometimes.

I recently attended a community information session where people came seeking answers for their immigration cases and status adjustment cases. At the end of the day, as someone who has been there and done that, I saw people simply asking, “How can I have a better life, without hurting anyone, without both-

While it may feel like the future is bleak and that this feeling of dread will never leave until we get an answer to those questions, I have hope, thanks to the protests that have happened and are still going.

“May they not fall on the descent nor on the ascent of the path, may they nd no obstacles behind or ahead of them. Nor anything that strikes them. Grant them good roads, beautiful plain roads.”

I saw this quote from the Mayan text Popol Vuh at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. It’s a poetic but powerful way to describe the hope that perhaps things can change. Perhaps we can nd some answers, but until then, I hope that one day we can eventually come across beautiful plain roads, and that we don’t lose hope amid the uncertain roads ahead.

Jackie Ramirez is editor of the bilingual newsletter La Ciudad.

Jackie Ramirez (furthest right) and her family pose for a photo on top of the Pyramid of the Sun in San Juan Teotihuacán, Mexico, in 2004. COURTESY OF JACKIE RAMIREZ

The Blanche White Mysteries

One of ction’s great powers is to help us understand truths about ourselves. I read a lot of mystery and suspense novels: classic, new, gritty, cozy, you name it. But my personal favorite mysteries engage my mind through good plotting and astute social commentary.

Author Barbara Neely said it best in a 2012 interview, “Fiction is a good place to do activism, actually.” Neely was an activist for social and economic justice before publishing her groundbreaking Blanche White series.

e rst title, 1992’s “Blanche on the Lam,” is often considered the rst mystery novel from a major publisher to be written by a Black woman and to feature a Black female protagonist.

Neely didn’t set out to write a mystery, but found as her work evolved that “while people were reading the book to nd out who killed who and why. ey were also getting a lot of information about race, class, gender, violence against women, colorism in the Black community and all of the issues that I cared about.”

Blanche is a Black woman and a domestic worker, a job which allows her the exibility and independence of self-

In the competition of life, whether at home, work, or in the pursuit of personal dreams, there’s one adversary we often fail to recognize: ourselves. Too often, we unknowingly become our own most signi cant competitor. is isn’t because of a lack of ambition or effort but because we allow self-doubt, fear, and negativity, what many refer to as “head trash,” to cloud our judgment, blocking our progress. Recognizing this tendency is the rst step to getting out of our own way and unlocking our full potential.

e voices in our heads are powerful, and when those voices are negative, they can be debilitating. oughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never measure up,” or “Why even bother?” can sabotage even our best e orts before we start. In addition to our internal critics, we’re often surrounded by external negativity, voices of doubt, cynicism, and criticism from people around us. is negative “surround sound” can reinforce the belief that we’re destined to fail. is is why developing and maintaining a healthy self-image is crucial. How others see us pales in comparison to how we see ourselves. If we don’t believe in our abilities, how can we expect others to? A healthy self-image isn’t about arrogance or blind con dence; it’s about seeing ourselves honestly, embracing

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Lauren Seegmiller

employment. It also means those in more privileged societal positions often treat her as invisible, underestimations that she uses to her advantage as she pursues the truth.

Blanche’s sharp wits and no-nonsense attitude won over readers and critics alike. Blanche on the Lam received three prestigious mystery awards: the Agatha, the Anthony, and the Macavity. Blanche stars in the three subsequent novels that complete the series.

ough published over 30 years ago, Blanche and her family face issues contemporary readers still see today.

Mystery Writers of America recognized Neely as a Grand Master in 2019, shortly before she passed away. ough she only published these four novels, her work continues to in uence and inspire today’s authors.

Fellow Blanche White fans might also enjoy these works:

“When No One is Watching” by Alyssa Cole proves that this renowned romance novelist’s talents extend to suspense. As Sydney Green watches her Brooklyn neighborhood’s rapid changes, she

wonders if something even more sinister than gentri cation is at play.

In Attica Locke’s “ e Cutting Season,” Caren Grey nds a body on the property of the former plantation where her ancestors were enslaved and which she now manages. Her search for answers unearths more questions about the history and the present of both the South and herself.

In “New England White” by Stephen L. Carter, an engrossing mystery and meditations about race and privilege play out against the backdrop of an elite New England university. When Julia Carlyle nds the body of her former lover, an economics professor, her investigation requires navigating a college environment that is overwhelmingly white and politically complex.

DPL’s Winter of Reading program continues until the end of February. Stop by any location to pick up a game board, complete some activities, and return for a prize (while supplies last).

Lauren Seegmiller is a librarian at Denver’s Central Library. She enjoys gaming, movies and the delusion that she needs more craft supplies.

Finding healthy self-image

our unique strengths while acknowledging and working on our areas for

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To build and sustain this healthy self-image, it’s essential to surround ourselves with people who lift us up rather than pull us down. Seek mentors, coaches, and peers who provide advice, encouragement, and hope. ese individuals don’t just cheer us on; they challenge us to think bigger, push harder, and strive for our goals, reminding us of what’s possible when tempted to settle for less. Equally important is eliminating the sources of negativity in our lives. Whether it’s a toxic colleague, a critical family member, or an unproductive habit like doom-scrolling social media, these inuences can drain our energy and erode our con dence. It’s not always easy to set boundaries or let go of relationships, but doing so can be transformative. e less time we spend defending ourselves against negativity, the more energy we have to invest in growth and success. In life, competition is inevitable. We face it in sports, business, and even our personal goals. When approached with the right mindset, competition can be

down.

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• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.

and unstoppable growth WINNING

a powerful motivator. It pushes us to go beyond our perceived limits, stretch our capabilities, and achieve what we once thought impossible. is is the essence of a healthy competitive spirit; it thrives on abundance, where we believe there’s enough success and opportunity for everyone.

However, competition can become harmful when viewed through a lens of scarcity. A scarcity mindset whispers that someone else’s success diminishes our chances. It convinces us that the e ort isn’t worth it, that the climb isn’t worth the view. is mindset doesn’t just hold us back; it gives power to our insecurities, further feeding the cycle of self-sabotage.

e key to breaking free is to stop competing with ourselves. Instead of listening to the inner critic, we must focus on what’s possible. Imagine what could happen if we stopped seeing obstacles and started seeing opportunities. When we get out of our own way, we remove the self-imposed limits that keep us stuck in our comfort zones.

What I am suggesting here is embrac-

ing growth. Each challenge becomes a steppingstone, each setback a lesson, and each success a reminder of what we’re capable of. With a healthy selfimage rooted in abundance, we become unstoppable, ready to face every challenge, achieve every dream, and free ourselves from self-limiting beliefs. e only thing standing between you and your potential is you. Recognize the power of your thoughts, surround yourself with the right people, and embrace a mindset of abundance. When you do, you’ll not only stop being your own worst enemy; you’ll become your greatest ally. I would love to hear your story about how you will let the best version of yourself take center stage at gotonorton@ gmail.com. When we realize that the climb is always worth the view, 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.

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Sarah Cooprider was born with an intellectual disability, autism, a severe speech/language disability, and a naturally happy disposition. Her mother noticed during elementary school that Sarah was most happy when she was busy and social.

Annette Cooprider, who lives in Golden with her husband and Sarah, tried several metro area programs for people with special needs. None gave Sarah the level of activity she needed to thrive. en Annette found INSPIRE, a program run through the Evergreen Park & Recreation District.

“My daughter can have behaviors, but she’s an angel when she’s in INSPIRE,” Annette said. “It prevents her from being isolated, which can be common with kids like mine. She gets to go horseback riding, learn archery, play basketball, go bowling and all these things that are available to typical young people. She’s busy and moving. It gives her a much more well-rounded lifestyle.”

Sarah is now 20 years old and a student at Je co Transition Services, a post-secondary program for young adults with special needs, during the school year. While she has limited time to participate in INSPIRE now, her summers are all about the program.

“I get nervous about getting her signed up because it’s so important for both of us — for her to have the experience and for me to have some time,” said Annette, who works full time. “I cherish the time in the summer when she is busy and I know she’s safe.”

INSPIRE stands for incorporating opportunities for social, physical and inclusive recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities. e 31-year-old program was developed and is led by its supervisor, Maren Schreiber, a beloved and well-known member of the Evergreen community.

e program’s weekly events include swimming, bowling and climbing. INSPIRE also partners with other programs for regular skiing and therapeutic horseback riding, and hosts golf, track events, theater outings, Rockies games and a wide range of other physical and social outings.

e program today has 137 participants, who have varying disabilities, from ages 5 to 53. Some of them have been with Schreiber for the entirety of the program.

“You would be surprised how much people with disabilities know and can do,” Schreiber said. “People just don’t really give them a chance. ey are amazing.

“ ey’re de nitely better skiers than me. I would never want to race them.”

Filling a need

In 1995, Schreiber was working as an Evergreen Park

and Recreation Department (EPRD) swim coach and personal trainer when the mother of a young boy with Down syndrome approached her.

“She said there’s nothing for people with disabilities up here,” Schreiber said. “My boss at the time was you can try (creating a program), but she wasn’t sure if we had enough people. en people came from Stapleton, Morrison, Bailey, Pine, all over.”

Today’s participants come from throughout the metro area, including Aurora, Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton and Golden. One former participant who now lives in Illinois returns regularly to go on INSPIRE outings.

“ ey make the trip because of how special it is and the connections they make,” EPRD Executive Director Cory Vander Veen said. “It changes their world.”

INSPIRE is funded partly through EPRD and supplemented by the New Year’s Day Evergreen Lake Plunge, the Evergreen Ice Melt contest and other fundraisers and individual donations.

e bene ts for Schreiber, her sta and volunteers, the participants and their families are priceless.

For Evergreen physician Todd Wisser and his physician wife, Kate, INSPIRE has been a gift for the family. Fifteen-year-old Cambria has cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy, and had previously been in special needs programs in Michigan. When the family moved to Evergreen in 2017, they were astounded to discover INSPIRE.

“We didn’t know the high level of service we’d be getting here,” Todd said. “INSPIRE’s service to the special needs population is unsurpassed. ey have been immensely wonderful and supportive and thorough, just o ering tons of opportunity.

“Cambria’s done whitewater rafting, ziplining, skiing, gold mine tours, the Georgetown Loop railroad. It’s a profound, wonderful connection she has with that group.”

INSPIRE and Schreiber also provide needed respite for the family, which includes two other children.

“Cambria can be a challenge at times with those diagnoses,” Wisser said. “She can be emotional. And she’s a teenager. So that brings with it a lot of e ort and

energy that needs to go into her. Having the opportunities for respite that Maren and her team provide has been amazing. Not only is it valuable for Cambria, it’s hugely valuable for our other two children, and my wife and I.”

Further extending the bene ts, Wisser’s other two children have volunteered with INSPIRE.

Lakewood resident Lisa Arnold’s now 24-year-old daughter, Grace, who has Down syndrome, discovered the program 16 years ago. It’s been part of their lives since.

“Services vary between states, and we had moved from Ohio,” Lisa said. “It was really terri c to move to a small community and nd this absolutely amazing program that has such a variety. We’ve moved down the hill since, and we drive back for INSPIRE.”

Grace recently graduated from college with a science certi cate and is applying for a job with the Denver Zoo, but INSPIRE remains part of their lives.

“All these kids grew up together,” Lisa said. “And I’ve made some really great connections with other families. e disability world is kind of its own thing with Medicaid and all the processes and procedures. It’s nice to talk with other people that have some tips, and we’ve been able to share in our kids’ frustrations and successes.”

Rebecca Sobolevsky, a single parent who lives in Aurora, was desperate to nd a program for her now 20-year-old son, Ethan, when they moved from Chicago to Colorado in 2017.

“He’s tried a few other programs; Evergreen is always his favorite,” she said. “Some programs, it feels like it’s just a job for the sta . But the INSPIRE sta are super respectful, positive and fun. And I know they enjoy him, too. We drive some distance to get there, but it’s worth it.”

INSPIRE

Communitywide benefits INSPIRE and similar programs have improved the quality of life for participants.

And positive e ects of programs like INSPIRE radiate far beyond those who are directly impacted. Spending time or just being around people with disabilities helps others, giving them a fresh perspective on life and a sense of compassion and appreciation for others, according to information compiled by ALSO, an Oregon nonpro t that advocates for people with disabilities.

“I very rarely see kids like mine in the community,” An-

nette Cooprider said. “I think that can be isolating for families.

“For those people who are not part of this community, I think INSPIRE helps them to see these people are capable. ey are able to ride horses, zipline, climb a climbing wall, and all of those things.”

Community inclusion of people with disabilities evenimproves the economy. Research published by Nature. com shows employees with disabilities have high employer loyalty and motivation to work, and they remain at their jobs much longer than the general population with higher levels of job satisfaction.

INSPIRE’s participants are proof of what people with disabilities can accomplish.

“I have one young man who has autism who’s since graduated from Rutgers and is a lawyer,” Schreiber said.

“I have four girls who’ve gone on to college, one with Down syndrome. We have people who work at King Soopers. We have the whole gamut.”

Keeping the program nancially a oat is an ongoing challenge, Schreiber said. e average cost for each disabled person to participate is $20,000 a year, and the adaptive equipment required for some activities is expensive. It’s the only EPRD program that hosts fundraisers to o set its costs.

Finding funding is a necessary part of the job, but it’s not Schreiber’s overriding concern. What she cares about most are the individuals INSPIRE serves and the experiences it provides them.

“ ey get to have a quality of life doing all these different activities,” she said. “I always like to nd the next craziest thing to do. I’m all about pushing the envelope.”

INSPIRE volunteer Gerry Dewil hangs out in the Buchanan Recreation Center pool with Will McCarthy during one of INSPIRE’s weekly outings.

INSPIRE supervisor Maren Schreiber assists Travis Ewen during a January 2025 bowling session at The Wild Game.

Bowler and INSPIRE participant Alex Teleaga focuses as he gets ready to bowl during an INSPIRE outing at Evergreen’s The Wild Game. PHOTOS

CROWSSUPDRO

1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the highest mountain in Canada?

2. TELEVISION: Who is the host of the long-running reality series “Survivor”?

3. LITERATURE: Which animals represent the Communist Party in “Animal Farm”?

4. U.S. STATES: Which state is the birthplace of the singer Elvis?

5. ASTRONOMY: How long does it take the moon to orbit the Earth?

6. MOVIES: What is the score Elle receives on her law school admission test in “Legally Blonde”?

7. AD SLOGANS: Which product’s slogan is “Is It In You?”?

8. LANGUAGE: What is an eraser called in the United Kingdom?

9. SCIENCE: What are the four primary precious metals?

TrIVIa

10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Valentine’s Day arose from which Roman ritual?

Answers

1. Mount Logan.

2. Je Probst.

3. Pigs.

4. Mississippi.

5. 27.3 days.

6. 179.

7. Gatorade.

8. A rubber.

9. Gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

10. Lupercalia.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Public Notice

February 13, 2025

NOTICE TO MORTGAGEES IN THE PENNSYLVANIA PARK CONDOMINIUM COMMUNITY

Notice is hereby given to all mortgagees within the Pennsylvania Park Condominium community in Denver County, Colorado, that the Pennsylvania Park Condominium Association, Inc. is seeking mortgagee approval of a proposed Limited Amendment to the Condominium Declaration of Pennsylvania Park Condominiums (the “Proposed Amendment”). The Proposed Amendment can be obtained at the following address: Altitude Community Law P.C., 555 Zang Street, Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80228-1011. Failure of any mortgagee to deliver a negative response to the Pennsylvania Park Condominium Association, Inc., c/o Altitude Community Law P.C., 555 Zang Street, Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80228-1011, within 60 days shall be deemed consent on behalf of the mortgagee.

Legal Notice No. DHD 3453

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Misc.

Denver Probate Court Denver County, Colorado 1437 Bannock Street, Room 230 Denver, CO 80202

In the Interest of:

AUSTIN MITCHELL, Respondent

Attorney: Christopher Brock, Atty. Reg. No. 47703

1385 S. Colorado Blvd. #610-A Denver, CO 80222

E-mail: cbrock@ccdconline.org

Phone Number: 937-248-5016

FAX Number: 303-568-7419

Case Number: 24PR31509

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO § 15-10-401, C.R.S.

To: Joshua Mitchell

Last Known Address, if any: n/a

A hearing on Petition for Appointment of

Guardian for Adult. Appointment of permanent guardian for Mr. Austin Mitchell, an adult, after notice and hearing will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:

Date: March 25, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM

Courtroom or Division: 300

Address: Virtual via Webex: https://judicial.webex.com/join/courtroom300; meeting number: 920 159 400 Or appear by telephone: 720-650-7664; meeting number: 920 159 400

The hearing will take approximately 30 minutes.

Legal Notice No. DHD 3447

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Storage Liens/Vehicle Titles

Public Notice

Notice to obtain title- The following vehicle was towed and abandoned;

1) VIN 164677516310

1967 Chevrolet Impala, 2) VIN JHLRD68494C020163 2004 Honda CR-V

M1 Towing lot address 2810 W 62nd Ave Unit B, Denver, CO 80221, 720-364-1160 is applying for title.

Legal Notice No. DHD 3459

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

Broncos Towing, 303-722-3555 (office) will be applying for title to the following vehicles, abandoned.

1) 1976 whit camper vin 1081DA

Legal Notice No. DHD 3430

First Publication: January 30, 2025

Last Publication: February 20, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Notice to Creditors

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Rufus Franklin Gay Jr., Deceased Case Number: 25 PR 55

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 June 13, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Barbara Wright, Personal Representative 3423 Colfax B Place Denver, Colorado 80206

Legal Notice No. DHD 3451

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of LORETTA LAVERN KING, aka LORETTA L. KING, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30001

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 June 13, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Tamra A. Palmer

Attorney to the Personal Representative c/o 6060 Greenwood Plaza Blvd #200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. DHD 3448

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of TEREZIA KESMARKI, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 031444

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative Representative (BEATRIX ADKINS) or to DENVER PROBATE COURT (1437 BANNOCK STREET, DENVER, CO 80202) on or before June 20, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

/s/_Kimberly Ruddell

KIMBERLY RUDDELL, Esq.

Attorney for Personal Representative 8959 East 40th Avenue, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80238

Legal Notice No. DHD100

First Publication: February 13, 2025 Last Publication: February 27, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of David Aaron Fullerton, aka David A. Fullerton, aka David Fullerton, aka Dave Fullerton, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30030

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 June 13, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Christine Farrington Fullerton, Personal Representative 375 Lafayette Street Denver, CO 80218

Legal Notice No. DHD 3456

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Jane E. Wasson, also known as Jane Edmondson Wasson, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30009

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 June 6, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kate B. Wasson

Co-Personal Representative 3060 S. Adams Street Denver, Colorado 80210

AND Mary O. Wasson

Co-Personal Representative 10594 N. 65th Street Longmont, Colorado 80503

Legal Notice No. DHD 3445

First Publication: February 6, 2025

Last Publication: February 20, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of KATHLEEN M. O'DONNELL,

Public Notices

ALSO KNOWN AS KATHLEEN MARIE O'DONNELL, AND KATHLEEN O'DONNELL, Deceased

Case Number 2025 PR 30004

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the PROBATE COURT OF CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER, COLORADO, on or before June 18, 2025 or the claims may be forever barred.

Joseph A. O'Donnell

Personal Representative

2530 S. High Street Denver, CO 80210

Legal Notice No. DHD 3458

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of LARRY DARNELL HILL, aka LARRY D. HILL, aka LARRY HILL Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30000

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 May 30, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Patricia Hill, Personal Representative c/o 3i Law, LLC

2000 S. Colorado Blvd. Tower 1, Suite 10000 Denver, CO 80222

Legal Notice No. DHD 3435

First Publication: January 30, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Karen Green, a/k/a Karen Kaye Green, a/k/a Karen K Green, a/k/a Karen Worley, a/k/a Karen Kaye Worley, a/k/a Karen K. Worley, Deceased Case Number: 24PR31381

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 June 13, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kate Green-Mularski

Co-Personal Representative

6060 E 67th Ave

Commerce City CO, 80022

Jeremy Garcia

Co-Personal Representative

2767 W Iliff Avenue #1 Denver, Colorado 80219

Legal Notice No. DHD 3449

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Paul J. Hoenmans, a/k/a Paul John Hoenmans, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30005

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 June 6, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Person Giving Notice:

John Paul Hoenmans 8720 Oakmere Court Roseville, CA 95747

Legal Notice No. DHD 3443

First Publication: February 6, 2025

Last Publication: February 20, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Thomas Wayne Travis, a/k/a Thomas Travis, a/k/a Tom Travis, a/k/a Thomas W. Travis, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR31550

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 May 30, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Michael A. Rubridge, Personal Representative

c/o Arlene S. Barringer, Esq. GLA TSTEIN & OBRIEN, LLP

2696 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 350 Denver, Colorado 80222

Legal Notice No. DHD 3433

First Publication: January 30, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Philip Sheridan McCaleb, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR31403

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 May 7, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Dated: January 24, 2025

CURTIS LAW FIRM, LLC

/s/ Cory M. Curtis

Cory M. Curtis, #40549

Attorney to the

Personal Representative 10333 E Dry Creek Rd, Suite 210 Englewood, CO 80112 720-263-4600 Fax: 303-482-2180 cmcurtis@cmcurtislaw.com

Legal Notice No. DHD 3441

First Publication: February 6, 2025 Last Publication: February 20, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Doroteja Gruntar, also known as Doroteja Mordej Gruntar, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30067

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 June 20, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Michael R. Smith, PC Attorney to the Personal Representative 2437 S Xenon Way Lakewood, CO 80228

Legal Notice No. DHD 3460

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Eileen F. Schoen, a/k/a Eileen Schoen, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR31540

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 June 13, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mark D. Schoen, Personal Representative c/o KATZ, LOOK & ONORATO, P.C. 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80203

Legal Notice No. DHD 3540

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Matter of the Estate of: CYNTHIA D. STEWART, aka Cynthia Danette Stewart, aka Cindy Stewart, aka Cynthia Stewart, Deceased Case Number: 2024-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 June 6, 2025, or the

claims may be forever barred. Dated this 22nd day of January, 2025.

DANIEL RICHARD KIRBY

Personal Representative to the Estate 12812 County Road 118 Kiowa, Colorado 80117

Legal Notice No. DHD 3440

First Publication: February 6, 2025 Last Publication: February 20, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF STACEY JAVAZON, Deceased, Case Number: 2024PR31276

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to Probate Court of the District Court, City & County of Denver, State of Colorado on or before June 6, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Shelley Thompson, Esq. on behalf of the Personal Representative for the Estate of Stacy Javazon Law Office of Shelley Thompson 6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, #300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (720) 716-5677

Legal Notice No. DHD 3442

First Publication: February 6, 2025 Last Publication: February 20, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of GERALD R. ARMSTRONG, a/k/a GERALD RALPH ARMSTRONG, a/k/a GERALD ARMSTRONG, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30031

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 June 13, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Sidney K. Methner Personal Representative 3383 W. 114th Cr., Unit F Westminster, CO 80031

Legal Notice No. DHD 3452 First Publication: February 13, 2025 Last Publication: February 27, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Susan Ruth Kraus, a/k/a Susan Kraus, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30007

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

Public Notices

and County of Denver, Colorado on or before May 30, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Linda K. Crook, Personal Representative

c/o Keith L. Davis, Esq.

Davis Schilken, PC

1658 Cole Blvd., Ste. 200 Lakewood, CO 80401

Legal Notice No. DHD 3432

First Publication: January 30, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of THOMAS GABOR KESMARKI (a.k.a. THOMAS G. KESMARKI), Deceased

Case Number: 2024 PR 031445

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative Representative (BEATRIX ADKINS) or to DENVER PROBATE COURT (1437 BANNOCK STREET, DENVER, CO 80202) on or before June 20, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

/s/_Kimberly Ruddell

KIMBERLY RUDDELL, Esq.

Attorney for Personal Representative 8959 East 40th Avenue, Suite 160 Denver, CO 80238

Legal Notice No. DHD101

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 27, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Jose Piñon, aka Joe Piñon, Deceased Case Number 2024 PR 31157

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Probate Court of Denver County, Colorado on or before May 30, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Name of Person Giving Notice:

Sofia Wishard and Mary Montoya

Co-Personal Representatives

Address: 2300 E. 84th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80229

Legal Notice No. DHD 3434

First Publication: January 30, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Dwight M. Heffner, also known as Dwight Heffner, and Dwight Morgan Heffner, Deceased Case No: 2024PR31429

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to te Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before May 30, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Charles Heffner,

Personal Representative 110 Capstan Street Jamestown, RI 02835

Legal Notice No. DHD 3431

First Publication: January 30, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of PETER C. TRIPP, a/k/a PETER TRIPP, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR31523

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 June 6, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jeffrey D. McDowell

Personal Representative 5275 South Dayton Street Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. DHD 3444

First Publication: February 6, 2025

Last Publication: February 20, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Name Changes

Public Notice

Public Notice is given on January 22, 2025 that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Denver County District Court in Case Number 2024CV33013.

The Petition requests that the name of Reese James Hesting be changed to Reese Analie Hesting

Date: January 22, 2025

By: District Court Magistrate Karen F. H.

Legal Notice No. DHD 3436

First Publication: January 30, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

(Adoption/Guardian/Other)

DENVER JUVENILE COURT 520 W Colfax Ave. #125 Denver, CO 80204 (303) 606-2307

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF: EMILY MERRITT JOHANNES and LUCAS JOHN JOHANNES

FOR THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD AND CONCERNING, MELISSA MARIE GIRROIR, ERIC LEWIS McLEAN and ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN BIRTH FATHERS

Attorneys for Petitioners: Kathryn A. Stafford, Atty. Reg. #54729 Grob & Eirich, LLC 12596 W. Bayaud Ave., Suite 390 Lakewood, CO 80228 Phone: 303-679-8266

FAX: 303-679-8960

Kate@GrobEirich.com

Case Number: 2024JA30050

Division: 2H

NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDING AND SUMMONS TO RESPOND PURSUANT TO §19-5-105(5), C.R.S.

To the above-named Respondents: MELISSA MARIE GIRROIR, ERIC LEWIS McLEAN, and ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN BIRTH FATHERS

You are hereby notified that a Petition for Custodial Adoption and Petition to Terminate the Parent-Child Legal Relationship has been filed and if you wish to respond to the Petitions, you must file your Response with the clerk of this Court within 35 days after this Notice is served on you.

You are further notified that the Denver Juvenile Court will hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination filed by the Petitioners, Lucas and Emily Johannes, and involving the child, Bella Rose Marie Girroir (DOB November 28, 2023). The Petition is set for hearing on March 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in Division 2H of the Denver Juvenile Court.

Your response must be accompanied by the applicable filing fee of $192.00.

Your failure to file a Response, or to appear, within 35 days after service, and, in the case of an alleged father, your failure to file a claim of paternity under Article 4 of Title 19, C.R.S., within 35 days after service, if a claim has not previously been filed, may likely result in termination of your parental or your alleged parental rights to the minor child.

Kathryn A. Stafford, #54729 Grob & Eirich, LLC

Attorneys for Petitioners

Legal Notice No. DHD 3457

First Publication: February 13, 2025

Last Publication: February 13, 2025 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

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