1-26-23 Villager

Photo by Freda Miklin

Katy Brown takes over as Cherry Hills Village mayor

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Following a reception for friends and family, the continuing members of the Cherry Hills Village City Council graciously acknowledged and thanked those members who were departing the dais for their service before the January 17 regular CHV city council meeting was recessed so that City Clerk Laura Gillespie could change the name plates in front of members’ seats.

Outgoing council members Mike Gallagher, who was term-limited, Afshin Safavi, who did not run for a second

four-year term, and Mayor Russell Stewart, who was not re-elected to a third two-year term, accepted parting gifts presented by the CHV city manager. Then, new council members Susan Maguire, Robert Eber, and Earl Hoellen took their places on the dais, as former Mayor Pro Tem Katy Brown assumed her new seat as CHV Mayor. The council elected Randy Weir as its new Mayor Pro Tem.

The meeting began with Mark Griffin, president and chair of the CHV Police Foundation, announcing that the Foundation had received a $25,000 donation from a CHV family that had to be

used in 2023. In consultation with CHV Police Chief Jason Lyons, a decision was made to use the donation to “completely revamp the gymnasium with all new, state of the art equipment,” and use any remaining funds for the Foundation’s Health and Wellness Initiative for CHV police officers.

After Mayor Brown announced that Council Member Eber would be CHV’s liaison to the Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable (CACNR), Council Member Blum, who has been serving in that role, raised the point that CHV’s participation on CACNR was relevant when Greenwood

Village, Centennial Airport, and others sued the FAA in 2020 over its Metroplex plan. That lawsuit alleged that “changes to air traffic flows during the departure, descent, and approach phases at Denver International Airport and nearby airports,” were ill-advised for various reasons. In 2021, the courts “summarily dismissed” the lawsuit, Blum reported, and after that, every meeting of CACNR has been focused on noise complaints, but, he said, “There were zero complaints from Cherry Hills Village.” Blum recommended that CHV continue to support CACNR but he questioned whether the city needed to attend the meetings. It was

decided that Eber would monitor the situation and report back to the council.

Council Member Sheldon commended the work of Police Chief Jason Lyons and his staff, pointing to the dramatic decrease in criminal activity in the city, since there were only six total cases investigated by the police department during the month of December, including a vehicle trespass in an unlocked car that was parked outside and a gun stolen from an open unlocked safe inside the victim’s home. Two of the remaining four cases were for criminal mischief.

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Mayoral family Bridget, Dillon, Katy and Brian Brown

Outgoing CHV City Council, from left to right, Council Members Afshin Safavi and Randy Weil, Mayor Pro Tem Katy Brown, Mayor Russell Stewart, Council Members Mike Gallagher, Dan Sheldon, and Al Blum.

RIGHT: Afshin Safavi (left) and Earl Hoellen (right) demonstrate true collegiality in elective politics. Hoellen represented CHV District Two from 2015 to 2019, when he was defeated in his bid for re-election by Safavi. After serving for four years, Safavi didn’t run for reelection and Hoellen was elected again to serve from 2023 to 2027.

CHV City Council Members Dan Sheldon and Earl Hoellen, who served together from 2017 to 2019, were happy to be reunited on the city council.

CHV City Council Member Mike Gallagher, who was term limited, brought his father, 92-year-old retired surgeon Dr. Jack Gallagher, and his sister, Meg Plomondon, to the city’s reception honoring outgoing council members.

Former CHV City Council Member Klasina VanderWerf came to congratulate Mayor Katy Brown and City Council Member Susan Maguire.

CHV Human Resources Manager Kathryn Ducharme, Policy Chief Jason Lyons, and Director of Finance and Administration Doug Farmen (right), bade a fond farewell to retiring Council Member Afshin Safavi.

CHV City Clerk Laura Gillespie administered the oath of office to new City Council Members, from left to right, Robert Eber, Earl Hoellen, and Susan Maguire. Photos by Freda Miklin

CHV City Clerk Laura Gillespie administered the oath of office to new Mayor Katy Brown.

So, about the guns

While it’s not surprising anymore to be surprised with ever sadder and increasingly inexplicable stories of tragic gun violence and deaths, two stories in the news this week rattled and baffled us all over again. In one story which has been in the news for a year, prosecutors have charged actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the accidental shooting death of the cinematographer on a film set. In the other, it was yet another devastating story of a school shooting, this time with a six-year-old kindergarten student in Virginia who pulled a gun out of his backpack and shot his teacher in class.

America certainly has a problem with gun violence, and no specific gun legislation will end, prevent, or even curtail that epidemic. America has a history of psychotic people becoming deranged, acting out violently and publicly; it also has hateful, rage-filled individuals with access to deadly weapons. Whether it’s a person in the midst of psychosis or an angry impulsive person with violent intentions, it is far too easy to commit violence with implements of catastrophic destruction. That said, it’s not simply a matter of passing an assault weapons ban or strengthening the health care system. One is an easy act; the other quite challenging. And neither will solve the problem. The Alec Baldwin situation and the child shooter in Virginia were not issues of mental illness. They resulted from careless negligence in the management of firearms. Acknowledging that weakness may be a key toward eventually decreasing gun violence in the future.

Growing up in the 1970s in southern Illinois where guns were not at all uncommon, I knew the National Rifle Association to be a gun-safety organization. Attending gun safety presentations, workshops, and even “day camps” where young people could learn to safely operate and respect firearms was a natural part of my youth. In fact, the entire purpose of the NRA, as far as I knew, was to promote safe, responsible understanding and handling of guns. To that end, I simply can’t fathom the opposition to training, licensing, and regulation of firearms. Regulation is the key to solving the disagreement about America’s alarming gun violence. Supporters of gun rights should be the primary proponents of maximizing safety while minimizing tragedy.

Podcaster Marc Maron has a feature of his show he likes to call “I don’t get why.” The point of the segment is just investigating issues in order to seek clarity and understanding. For example, “I don’t get why mandatory regular training,

licensing, and registration of gun ownership and ammunition purchases isn’t just common sense.” It truly baffles me that a society where every automobile

person. That tracking system should be implemented for ammunition purchases. Otherwise, it seems unconscionable that an individual – a mass shooter like James Holmes in the Aurora shooting, for example – can amass an arsenal of thousands of rounds of semi-automatic bullets with no one including law enforcement knowing what is happening.

must be registered and every driver must be licensed can’t have the same expectation on gun ownership. It seems so simple. Anyone who wants to own a gun should undergo extensive formal training, pass an annual test, and maintain a license that is regularly evaluated and renewed. Every firearm should require a registration number assigned to a specific

When Timothy McVeigh blew up the Murrah building in Oklahoma City, the nation reacted quickly to prevent such weapons of mass destruction from ever being assembled and used against Americans again. Law abiding citizens agreed to the regulation of farm fertilizer purchases. Similar tracking was added to the purchase of hairspray after a Denver-area man attempted to create a bomb to set off in New York City. Those restrictions were literally put in place to protect Americans from terrorist violence. Yet, the

same would-be terrorists could purchase thousands of guns and millions of rounds of ammunition without ever drawing the attention of any law enforcement agencies. How does that make sense?

America has plenty of guns, and it’s certain there will be more tragedies. But we can do more to increase safety. Tragic accidents like the film set shooting and a six-year-old getting a gun could be decreased. Firearm possession is a serious responsibility and should be treated as such. America will not quickly decrease gun possession or violence, but it could take incremental steps to improve personal responsibility and safety while lessening recklessness which leads to avoidable tragedy.

Michael P. Mazenko is a writer, educator, & school administrator in Greenwood Village. He blogs at A Teacher’s View and can be found on Twitter @ mmazenko. You can email him at mmazenko@gmail.com

Regulation is the key to solving the disagreement about America's alarming gun violence. Supporters of gun rights should be the primary proponents of maximizing safety while minimizing tragedy.

The 117th National Western Stock Show has concluded another sensational year. Denver and Colorado can be proud of this major event that showcases cowboys, vendors, kids, livestock, and agriculture. The show is well done, and the opening day had 60,000 people in attendance. Congratulations to Paul Andrews, president and CEO of the National Western Stock Show who has taken the helm of the organization from the reins of organization from icon Pat Grant. Doug Jones leads the board of directors, and there is literally a cast of thousands who make the show go on with such great momentum.

This year’s Grand Champion steer sold for $200,000, a record for the January 20, Junior Livestock Champion Auction. The proceeds go to fund scholarships and for youths raising varieties of animals, from cute pigs to the majestic beauty of a grand champion Angus steer.

Gerri and I donned our western duds Friday night and were guests of Dianne Bartlett and Brett Freilinger at the auction event in the massive exhibit hall sales arena. The event began in the early afternoon at the National Western Club, where hundreds of old and new friends convened for beef, show business, and Coors beer. It was standing room only in the club area, and there was “Hall of Fame” Cookie Lockhart, famous Steamboat Springs auctioneer extraordinaire.

There were many celebrities, board members, and cowhands, many from across the nation supporting the livestock auction where 10 percent of the sale-winning

bids go to scholarships. The Trust started in 1983, awarding three $1000 scholarships. Today they award 100 scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 each.

At 6:30 sharp, our hostess Dianne Bartlett, an annual steer purchaser, and son Brett Freilinger, led us into the sales arena, a steep banked sale ring surrounding the auction pit and auctioneer John Korrey.

Bruce Wagner is chairman of the Junior Livestock committee, and Bob Heykoop is vice-chair. They, and their large committee, oversee the huge auction event that brings youthful sellers and bidders from across the nation.

One, by one, starting with the champion lambs, beef, hogs, goats, the auction moved fast. The enthusiastic crowd was generous, and livestock prices were breaking records. There were no signs of a recession in the auction pit that evening, but signs that the future of agriculture is in the hands of hard-working young men and women who care for the animals and supply food for America and the world.

Dianne purchased her steer, and we were honored to join her and Brett for a photo op behind the auction ring where animals and buyers congregated for “Thanks” and photos with the prize animals.

Dianne is a longtime friend and well-known in Villager land. She relates to my tales about milking cows before going to school.

Dianne was once a youthful “milkmaid” herself, working with some of her brothers, living on a farm. She still owns a Kansas farm, has deep roots into agriculture,

and maintains hundreds of friends, and resides in Denver.

After the show, we sat in the Club where Dianne conversed with a lady friend from Windsor. They compared western outfits and jewelry. The woman from Windsor had been shopping in downtown Denver that day and had purchased her attractive outfit along with a new Indian squash blossom necklace found at a stock show booth. The stock show brings millions of dollars to the local economy. The Denver Chamber of Commerce is a major sponsor.

There were literally thousands of folks, rural and city, enjoying the many vendor booths and great food prepared by the McNicholas family, with Sean at the helm after the death of his famed father Kevin. Mary is still active, and the family are great supporters of the

National Western. They were bidders at the auction and purchased the Reserve Champion Lamb by their TKM Foundation by Sean and Audra McNicholas, for a record $45,000.

The annual event brought back many memories of my ranch life, and I will commence a few more tales about life on our early ranch which was located, as the title of the book describes, “Where The Old West Stayed Young.”

I grew up on that ranch, and it wasn’t anything like agriculture today. How things have improved and changed. One thing hasn’t changed and that is dealing with the weather and the huge amounts of physical labor extended daily by folks on the farms and ranches.

They are the sinew that keeps America the envy of the world.

702,697 memories made during the 117th National Western Stock Show

BY KAREN WOODS

The National Western Stock Show presented by Centura Health drew excited crowds of Coloradans and out-of-towners alike. The gates closed and the arenas cleared as the best 16 days in January came to an end. A final attendance tally of 702,697 guests made the 2023 NWSS the fourth highest attended show in event history. The grand champion attendance record of 726,972 was set in 2006 during the 100th Anniversary.

“When you look across

the grounds at the sea of faces, young and old, from near and far, you can’t help but get overwhelmed with pride and gratitude,” said Paul Andrews, President & CEO of the National Western Stock Show. “The Stock Show is where families and friends come together to celebrate our western heritage and tradition. We are thrilled with the incredible number of folks that joined in the celebration.”

In addition to strong attendance, the three primary funding events for the National Western Scholarship

Trust also had a successful year. The Auction of Junior Livestock Champions recorded sales of $1,390,500.

The Citizen of the West dinner, honoring former Wyoming Governor Matthew Mead, sold out, and the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale set a record $1,003,000 in sales.

“These three events fund 110 scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 per student,” Andrews said. “We are incredibly grateful to all the supporters and buyers who contribute to these events, as they are

directly funding the future of agriculture by helping students who are studying in the fields of agriculture and rural medicine.”

Andrews also notes that the success of Stock Show relies upon the dedication and hard work of more than 800 volunteers, the support of the City of Denver, the WSSA Board of Directors, sponsor partners, and the livestock, horse, and rodeo committees. National Western is grateful for the many sources of support for our annual event that contribute to the continuation of this tradition year after year.

The 2024 National Western Stock Show dates are January 6 – 21, 2024.

The Villager

Office: 6972 S. Vine St., Suite 363, Centennial, CO 80122 • (303) 773-8313

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

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID IN LITTLETON, CO. AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

A Colorado Statutory Publication CRS (197324-70 et al). Postmaster: Send address changes to The Villager, 6972 S. Vine St., Suite 363, Centennial, CO 80122

Deadlines: Display Advertising, Legal Notices, press releases, letters to the editor, 4:00 p.m. Friday.

Classified Advertising, noon Monday.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com

PUBLISHER

Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR

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

VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING

Sharon Sweeney sharon@villagerpublishing.com

LEGALS

Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com

NEWS EDITOR

Gerri Sweeney 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com

GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900

REPORTER

Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com

Valerie LeVier — 303-773-8313 valerie@villagerpublishing.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Susan 720-270-2018

PHOTOGRAPHER

Stefan Krusze — 303-717-8282 octaviangogoI@aol.com

EDITORIAL COLUMNIST

Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

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

Reverend Martin

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

Niemoller

A woman is like a tea bag - you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Dianne Bartlett purchases a prize steer at the National Western Stock Show.

Aurora City Council Member awarded $3 million for being falsely accused

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

On December 23, 2022, Arapahoe County District Judge Elizabeth Volz awarded Aurora City Council Member Danielle Jurinsky $3 million in her lawsuit against Robin Niceta, a former Arapahoe

County Department of Human Services (DHS) worker, for knowingly making false charges of child abuse against Jurinsky in retaliation for her public criticism of Niceta’s then partner, Vanessa Wilson, who was Aurora’s Chief of Police at the time. Niceta, who is facing criminal charges stemming from the incident, did not

The Gathering Place announces Megan Devenport as new CEO

The Gathering Place is pleased to announce that Megan Devenport has been selected as its next Chief Executive Officer. Megan will succeed Lydia McCoy, who has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since July 2022.

“The Board is excited to welcome Megan to our community and believe she has the vision and skills to lead our organization into the next chapter. We look forward to partnering with her to increase member engagement in decision making and to refine our mission as we grow and expand,” said TGP Board Chair, Maya Wilbourn.

Megan Devenport brings a wealth of experience and expertise in community social work to The Gathering Place. For over 15 years, Megan has worked in direct service with young people in crisis, public-private partnerships, graduate-level teaching, and executive leadership, with an emphasis on advocating for racial equity and social justice.

Most recently, Megan was the Executive Director at Building Bridges, leading the organization through a turnaround process. In that capacity, she led the overhaul of the program curriculum, launched a social enterprise that doubled in revenue yearover-year, and tripled the size of the full-time staff team. This dramatic transformation was built on Building Bridges’ 25-year legacy while evolving to meet today’s community’s needs.

Megan holds a Masters

in Social Work from the University of Denver and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois.

Devenport will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and carry out a strategic plan to guide our organization’s growth and impact in the coming years. The Gathering Place is committed to continuing its efforts to support marginalized communities by creating more equitable spaces and implementing low-barrier services; Megan will play a key role in furthering these efforts through a lens of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Gathering Place is thrilled to welcome Megan Devenport to the team. We look forward to the positive impact Devenport’s leadership will bring to our organization as she helps advance our mission and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

“I'm honored to join the incredible team and community at The Gathering Place,” said Megan. “We have the opportunity to continue to grow to meet demand for our services, to double down on our commitment to embed equity in everything we do, and to leverage our community's expertise and lived experience to advocate for change. This is important work at a critical time in Denver's history. I can't wait to get started.”

file a response in the lawsuit.

The $3 million was calculated based on Volz’s determination that Niceta should pay Jurinsky for “harm to reputation, humiliation, and emotional distress,” at the rate of $100,000 per day for the 15 days of the child abuse investigation she was forced to undergo, and an additional $1.5 million in exemplary damages as a message that behavior like Niceta’s “cannot and should not be tolerated.”

The judge’s order also said, “The court finds that the conduct was especially egregious since it was done by a person tasked with protecting children and knew full well that her false report would result in an investigation and potential separation of a young vulnerable child and a parent, with unknown potential harm to that child.” Additionally, Judge Volz reportedly termed Niceta’s behavior “willful and wanton,” and undertaken with “actual malice.”

All indications are that the chain of events leading to the judgment entered against Niceta and for Jurinsky began on January 27, 2022, when Jurinsky, in a radio interview, criticized Wilson’s performance as Aurora Police Chief, including calling her, “trash.”

The next day, Niceta is alleged to have phoned in an anonymous tip to the DHS child abuse hotline, alleging that she had seen Jurinsky touch her two-year old son inappropriately at an earlier time. That “tip” led to a 15-day in-depth investigation of Jurin-

sky that she has characterized as emotionally traumatic and embarrassing.

On February 14, DHS investigators issued their finding that Jurinsky had not done anything wrong, which led authorities to begin to look into the tip that launched the investigation. In a matter of weeks, they found significant evidence implicating Niceta. In May, she was charged with multiple crimes, including false reporting and retaliating against a public official. In the weeks between the end of the investigation of Jurinsky and charges being filed against Niceta, Wilson was fired from her position as police chief for performance reasons and Niceta resigned from her job at DHS, after being questioned about these events by investigators.

Niceta pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges on December 12, 2022. She is scheduled to go to trial on May 9, 2023.

On August 24, Jurinsky filed suit in Arapahoe County District Court against the DHS Division of Child and Adult Protection Services, Niceta in her official capacity as an employee of DHS, Michelle Dossey, in her official capacity as Niceta’s boss, and the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners, which oversees DHS.

After the judgment was announced, The Villager reached out to Jurinsky, who told us, “I don’t expect to see $3 million, and it was never about the money, but I’m happy with judge Volz for making this statement. The real fight is with Arapahoe County, with whom I still have an open suit. They’ve done nothing. It’s a systematic problem. There is a gross failure to supervise.”

Addressing the events that led up to the suit, Jurinsky pointed out, “As soon as she (Niceta) made these charges against me, and before they were even entered into the system, she asked to be the case worker on the case. That should have been a red flag,” although, she noted, “My case was assigned to someone else.”

Jurinsky described what followed, telling us, “When DHS contacted me, I explained that

this was retaliation. They knew who I was. They knew Robin (Niceta) was Wilson’s partner. Nevertheless, they came to my home, they went to my son’s school, they talked to his pediatrician, they even talked to my employees, keeping me under this heinous cloud for 15 days. It was egregious. It was horrifying. I couldn’t look at my son without crying. I didn’t know how it would turn out. Those 15 days seemed like forever. They couldn’t prove anything happened but I couldn’t prove it didn’t.”

She continued, “My son was only two years old. The caseworker tried to interview him. She did not realize his age. She told me, ‘That’s not what’s in my notes.’ She didn’t even have my correct address. Arapahoe County DHS is a mess. When this happened, I didn’t know who she was or who her girlfriend was, but DHS knew. Then she (Niceta) asked to work on my case. How could DHS have not connected the dots? How could the supervisor there not have realized what was happening?

As far as I know, nothing has changed over there. Too many people are unwilling to do anything.”

Regarding Niceta, Jurinsky told The Villager, “I’m hoping she ends up in prison. She is already charged with two separate felonies and it could still evolve.”

There is also a pending class action suit against DHS that was filed two days before Jurinsky’s, last August 22. It seeks $50 million in damages for numerous instances of dishonest behavior by DHS employees leading to inappropriate separations of parents and children.

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Robin Niceta

Aurora City Council Member Danielle Jurinsky

Rachel Keane uses

Rachel Keane, with a Hollywood background, is known as Conservative Momma. She commanded the audience at Cherry Creek Republican Women (CCRW) to stand up and speak out. The humorous and fiercely conservative momma grew up in theatre and felt God called her to the arts. Her degree is from CSU and she worked in Hollywood (with a love-hate relationship for California, she confessed). In her video presentation, her hilarious impersonations ran the gamut from Biden to Fauci, from Pelosi to Liz Cheney. She left Hollywood after being told she’d have to compromise her morals and values. She came home and started a blog to share her conservative convictions. “I had to do something,” she said. Madonna and other women do not speak for me. It’s 2023 and what are we doing?” She left the eager-to-hear attendees with three key points to heed after reflecting on 2022: 1- Occupy your entire Sphere of Influence, 2-Use your Gifts to occupy your space and 3Unify to Occupy. After quotes from Churchill, she finished with: “Courage is contagious. Use facts and be able to say why you are conservative.”

acting background to influence politics

Central City Opera Guild installs officers and announces the 2023 Festival

Glenmoor Country Club was the site of Central City Opera Guild’s (CCOG) membership meeting, installation of officers, review of the year and peek at the 2023 excitement of the guild programs as well as Central City Opera’s upcoming summer festival season. Subscriptions and cast are ahead of schedule for the three main stage performances of Romeo and Juliet, Kiss me Kate and Othello! For further information: www.centralcityopera. org. Incoming Guild President Nancy Hemming challenged the audience with two words of action: Gratitude and Legacy.

Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko, Natela Manuntseva and Centennial Councilwoman Robyn Carnes

Photos by Scottie Iverson

her

“If you feel you have a calling, keep going! Occupy your sphere of influence.”

- Rachel Keane

a

Lisa Fertman and Jewell Hargrave are promoting the Mardi Gras celebration on Feb 14

Featured speaker Rachel Keane, CCRW President Evie Ashmore and Schume Navarro

Former Belle Award recipient and new CCO Guild President Nancy Hemming with members of her board in attendance: President Elect –

Katie Grassby, Co VP Membership - Heidi Burose, Secretary – Marilyn Rhodes, Co VP Historic Properties – Cathy Groene, CoVP Historic Properties – Kay Fiege, CCO Guild Liaison, Aidan Furlong and Immediate Past President Louise Atkinson Photos by Scottie Iverson

Members of the Central City Opera Roster of Touring Artists who performed - Kristin Gornstein (mezzo-soprano) and Christie Conover (soprano). Collaborative pianist was Cody Guy Garrison.

Central City Opera CEO Pamela Pantos and talented new staff member Technical and Production Director Glenn Grassi who has a fascinating background

With accolades, Karen Ritz presented outgoing guild president Louise Atkinson with a stunning gold charm of the Central City Opera House (collaboration with Trice Jewelers) as Nancy Hemming looks on

Regal Cinemas set to close two local theaters on February 15

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

Regal Cinemas’ SouthGlenn Stadium 14 in Centennial and Meadows Sta-

dium 12, just south of the Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree, will be closing soon. In a filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on January 17, Regal said it would reject the leases at

Iswari Natarajan appointed 8th president of St. Mary’s Academy

She will the first person of color to lead SMA

St. Mary’s Academy Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the unanimous selection of Iswari Natarajan as the Academy’s eighth President/Head of School. She will assume her position July 1, 2023.

“Iswari’s demonstrated success and devotion to SMA for more than a decade made her the unequivocal candidate for the position,” said Matt Hopper, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are very confident in her expert abilities and passionate commitment to forward the vision and mission of our renowned institution.”

Iswari joined the staff of SMA in 2012 as teacher and chair of the mathematics department at the High School before her promotions to High School Principal in 2018, Assistant Head of School/High School Principal in Spring 2022, and her current position of Vice President of Academic Affairs/High School Principal at the beginning of this school year.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve our community as President/ Head of School. Grounded in our Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect, I am dedicated to staying true to our identity and rich history as a premier Catholic, Independent School,” said Ms. Natarajan. “I am committed to working together with all our stakeholders as we create trailblazing educational experiences that are boldly innovative, intuitively collaborative, and thoroughly transformative to make St. Mary’s Academy a destination school.”

Prior to entering the educational arena, Iswari had a career in electrical and computer engineering and

research. She holds a BE in electrical and electronics engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India and an MS in engineering from the University of Maryland. She also holds a diploma in educational leadership and administration from Montessori Casa International. She is the recipient of a 2015 Outstanding Educator/Mentor Award from Stanford University, a 2017 Outstanding Colorado Educator Award from CU Boulder, and a 2022 Outstanding Educator and Teacher of Influence Award from Carleton College. In 2018, IBM recognized Iswari as a Global Women Leader, and invited her to present a keynote about leadership. She has been featured in numerous articles for her work in STEM education and has been a presenter at the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools Global Forum and Advanced Placement conferences.

Iswari and her husband, Kartik, reside in Highlands Ranch. Their daughter, Rishika, is a 2022 alumna of St. Mary’s Academy and attends Brown University.

Ms. Natarajan becomes the first person of color to lead SMA. She succeeds outgoing president Bill Barrett, who last September announced he would be taking a leave of absence and would be stepping down at the end of the 2022-23 academic year.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to members of the board and the community for their support and feedback during this process; we are extremely grateful for their encouragement.

both locations effective February 15, even if they are unexpired. The company will take the same action at 37 other theaters around the country, leaving the company with approximately 500 locations still operating nationwide.

Regal Cinemas’ parent company Cineworld filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 7, 2022, hoping to stay afloat by reducing its footprint and associated costs. It closed 12 of their locations at that time, but none in this area. Announcing the bankruptcy filing, Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger said, at that time, “This will allow us to continue to execute our strategy to reimagine the most immersive cinema experiences for our guests through the latest and most cutting-edge screen formats and enhancements to our flagship theatres,” adding, “Our goal remains to further accelerate our strategy so we can grow our position as the ‘Best Place to Watch a Movie.’”

It is a surprise to no one that movie theaters were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, most traditional movie theaters have failed to recover the majority of their former customers, due to the many streaming options available and to continuing health concerns owing to the close seating in movie theaters. Operators, including Regal, have also complained about the dearth of available films that are exclusively available in their theaters.

None of the other Regal theaters in this area are expected to be impacted by the announced closures at this time.

fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

CHERRY HILLS LAND PRESERVE IS LOOKING TO HIRE AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR!

The Cherry Hills Land Preserve is a non-profit organization created to help preserve natural landscapes and provide educational programs and activities while connecting people to nature and the rural heritage and history of Cherry Hills Village.

THIS IS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE RIGHT INDIVIDUAL TO JOIN OUR TEAM AND GUIDE OUR ORGANIZATION FORWARD BY

FLEXIBLE HOURS, Full-time position preferable, salary range is $58,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience. Salary includes benefits. APPLY TODAY!

OVERSEEING ALL OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM DESIGN ASPECTS.

Photo by Gerri Sweeney

GV will wait to decide what to do with its gravel roads

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

After first hearing from some people living in GV’s rural area that they wanted to see the current criteria for paving individual gravel roads changed to require less than 100% agreement of adjacent residents, Greenwood Village City Council Members Dave Bullock and Paul Wiesner, who represent the rural area, held a town hall meeting on December 13 to get area residents’ feedback. Most residents who attended spoke against the proposed change.

At the GV City Council meeting on January 9, Wiesner reported back to fellow councilmembers that many residents on both sides of the paving debate agreed that a pressing problem was the poor condition of the roads. He also reported that, “We’re putting a committee together of some people that want the roads paved and some people who want them left as is. Hopefully… there is some consensus that can be found.” He pledged to bring the results of that effort back to city council with recommendations.

Bullock shared that he didn’t speak during the December 13 meeting because, as “a member of the rural district,” he “didn’t want to bring any influence one way or the other.” He continued, “My perspective, and the perspective of others, is that the meeting was really hijacked by the anti-pav-

ers…”

Bullock said that after several residents spoke against the proposed change, a resident in favor of paving stood up to speak, and, “It was embarrassing, how they were treated. They were called down, catcalls, interrupted, it was really a sad situation.” Later, he added,

“There were six to seven other people at the meeting who were going to speak in favor of paving. I talked to them afterward. They said, ‘After the way (name of couple who spoke in favor of paving) were treated, I wasn’t going to speak up and be subjected to that kind of treatment.” He continued, “Because the anti-pavers are so vocal…that doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s the majority.” He said that conducting a survey was the only way to really find out who is and isn’t in favor of changing the standard for approving paving, but, he concluded, “We’ve agreed not to do a survey at this time.”

Having lived in the area for many years, Bullock said he believed that more residents who live east of Little Dry Creek, which, “goes right down through the rural district,” are against paving, whereas, “It seems fairly apparent that a majority or super-majority of those who are on the west side of Little Dry Creek want to pave, evidenced by the fact that 100% of the people on Willamette wanted to pave and they got theirs paved.” He explained fur-

ther that, “There’s only three roads on the west side, Willamette (which is already paved) on the north side, Garden in the middle, and Alexander on the south side.”

Finally, Bullock talked about a proposal by longtime rural resident Len Goldstein that could be a good compromise, involving paving the western part of some roads--closest to University Boulevard, while leaving the eastern portion of those roads, more likely to be used by horses, unpaved.

On December 29, Wiesner and Bullock sent a letter to area residents notifying them that GV’s public works department will work to, “Seek out a technical solution to reduce as much dust, wash boarding, potholes and muddy conditions as possible and provide residents a safe road without paving.”

Efforts to alter the city’s policy for paving gravel roads are being placed on hold at this time, pending the results of the work of the ad hoc committee of residents and the two councilmembers, as well as the city’s public works department.

fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

What happens if you work while receiving Social Security?

Dear Savvy Senior, I started drawing my Social Security retirement benefits back in 2021 when I was forced to retire early, but I’m now interested going back to work part-time. Will this affect my benefits, and if so, how much?

Back to Work

Dear Back,

age 67 for those born in 1960 and later. You can find your full retirement age at SSA.gov/ benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html

reach full retirement age, your benefits will be recalculated to a higher amount to make up for what was withheld.

For more information on how working can affect your Social Security benefits see SSA.gov/ benefits/retirement/planner/ whileworking.html

Be Mindful of Taxes Too

SAVVY

You can collect Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time but depending on how old you are and how much you earn, some or all of your benefits could be temporarily withheld. Here’s how it works.

BY JIM MILLER

SSA Earning Rules

Social Security says that if you’re under your full retirement age and are collecting benefits, then you can earn up to $21,240 in 2023 without jeopardizing any of your Social Security if you don’t reach your full retirement age this year. But if you earn more than the $21,240 limit, you’ll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 over that amount.

Full retirement age is 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954, but it rises in two-month increments every birth year to

Dear Readers, What are the uses, cautions and considerations regarding Beneficiary Deeds?

Beneficiary Deeds have been allowed in Colorado since 2004, and are revocable before death. A Grantee-Beneficiary of a Beneficiary Deed takes title to the owner’s interest in the real property only at the death of the owner, but subject to all conveyances, encumbrances, assignments, contracts, liens and other interests affecting title to the property. A Beneficiary Deed is typically used as a means to avoid probate; however, there are some important cautions, including the fact that the Beneficiary Deed may affect the ability of the Grantor to obtain Medicaid benefits. Thus, the interest of the Grantee-Beneficiary is subject to any claim of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing for recovery of medical assistance payments.

In the year you reach your full retirement age, a less stringent rule applies. If that happens in 2023, you can earn up to $56,520 from January to the month of your birthday with no penalty. But if you earn more than $56,520 during that time, you’ll lose $1 in benefits for every $3 over that limit. And once your birthday passes, you can earn any amount by working without your benefits being reduced at all.

Wages, bonuses, commissions, and vacation pay all count toward the income limits, but pensions, annuities, investment earnings, interest, capital gains and government or military retirement benefits do not. To figure out how much your specific earnings will affect your benefits, see the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test Calculator at SSA.gov/OACT/COLA/ RTeffect.html

It’s also important to know that if you do lose some or all of your Social Security benefits because of the earning limits, they aren’t lost forever. When you

owner, without opening a probate Estate. Failure to record evidence within such four-month time period shall forever bar the person from asserting an interest in the property, under Colorado Law.

In addition to the Social Security rules, you need to factor in Uncle Sam too. Because working increases your income, it might make your Social Security benefits taxable.

Here’s how it works. If the sum of your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits is between $25,000 and $34,000 for individuals ($32,000 and $44,000 for couples), you have to pay tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits. Above $34,000 ($44,000 for couples), you could pay on up to 85 percent, which is the highest portion of Social Security that is taxable. About a third of all people who get Social Security have to pay income taxes on their benefits.

For information, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” or you can see it online at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915. pdf

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

BY DONALD PETERSON

Beneficiary Deeds are subject to certain restrictions. Due to the possibility of creditors’ claims, mortgage issues and the recovery of medical assistance payments, as noted, most title companies require the expiration of a four month time period before the title company will insure a transfer of the title, regarding a subsequent sale of the property by the Grantee-Beneficiary. This is an onerous restriction if the Grantee-Beneficiary wants to sell a home now, to take advantage of high sales prices in a seller’s market, without waiting for four months.

A Beneficiary Deed may not be used when the real property/home has been pledged as security under a mortgage. The use of a Beneficiary Deed may not avoid probate.

Under a Beneficiary Deed, the Grantor retains ownership of the real property/home during the Grantor’s lifetime. The Deed must be recorded prior to the death of the Grantor in order to be effective. At the death of the Grantor, any person having an interest under a Beneficiary Deed, whose interest is not recorded in the records of the Clerk and Recorder in the County in which the property is located at the time of death of the owner, is required under the law to record evidence or a notice of the interest in the property no later than four months after the death of the

Fortunately, Colorado law allows a Grantee-Beneficiary the option to disclaim part or all of a transfer of ownership of real property under a Beneficiary Deed. Such an option may elected by a surviving Grantee-Beneficiary. Under these circumstances, a Disclaimer of Interest acceptable to the title company may be prepared, to be recorded to allow the home to remain in the deceased person’s estate. A Personal Representative of the Estate is then appointed by the Court, with authority to sell the home at present, without any waiting period, to pass clear title under a Personal Representative’s Deed, which is insured under a policy of title insurance from the title company.

It is always best to consult with an experienced estate planning/real estate attorney regarding the best estate plan/deed to use, to legally accomplish your goals.

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

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney; 2. General Financial Power of Attorney;

3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and

4. Will (or a Will with a Trust).

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

SENIOR

Paul Salata’s vindication: Purdy definitely ‘noticed’

The late Paul Salata would likely be flashing a wry grin if he were still around and watching Mr. Irrelevant of 2022.

That’s Brock Purdy, formerly of Iowa State.

All he’s done is quarterback the San Francisco 49ers to eight straight victories to put his team in the National Football League’s National Conference championship game next Sunday.

“Mr. Irrelevant”—the moniker, not Brock Purdy—is Salata’s creation.

Back in 1976, well before the NFL’s annual college draft reached the proportions of today’s over-hyped, made-for-TV-extravaganza, Salata sought and received Commissioner Pete Rozelle’s support for attaching that nickname to the last player selected each year.

It caught on, and today the designation is accompanied by a unique measure of celebrity hoopla.

Each year the new Mr. Irrelevant and his family are offered a week-long summer visit to Newport Beach, California, including a trip to Disneyland. And he’s presented with the Lowsman Trophy, which mimics the Heisman but with a player fumbling the ball.

Salata, who died one day before his 95th birthday, on October 21, 2021, was himself a pro football player of some relevance between 1945 and the early 1950s.

A wide receiver at Southern Cal, Salata scored a touchdown in the 1945 Rose Bowl. He also scored the 49ers’ final touchdown in the All-America

'Hey, can you pitch?

Since their inception in 1993, the Rockies had never asked a position player to pitch in one of their games. But in the 12th inning against the Atlanta Braves on August 22, 2000, they had no choice.

Football Conference and their first after the team moved into the NFL. Yes, today’s 49ers of Brock Purdy notoriety.

After a 23-game career in the NFL, Salata played in the Canadian Football League and, in 1952 with the Calgary Stampeders, was a league all-star. After retirement from football, he had minor roles in several movies, including “The Ten Commandments,” in which he fought Charlton Heston and lost. (In later life, he joked that he was so old, he’d once been beaten up by Moses.)

Twenty years after his Hollywood bout with Heston, he conceived “Mr. Irrelevant.”

The Broncos have had one Mr. Irrelevant in their 63-year history: quarterback Chad Kelly, taken last from the University of Mississippi in 2018.

Nephew of Buffalo Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, who took the Bills to four Super Bowls (but never won one), Chad Kelly played one regular-season snap for Denver. On October 14, 2018, he took a knee with 11 seconds left in the first half of a 23-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Released 11 days later, Chad Kelly never played another down in the NFL. But in 2022, as their backup quarterback, he rallied the Toronto Argonauts to a 2423 victory over Winnipeg to win the 109th Grey Cup, the CFL’s championship, after their starter was injured in the fourth quarter.

Like Chad Kelly, most “Mr. Irrelevants” go on to nondescript NFL careers, though a few have played in

the Super Bowl. Of them all, best-known is placekicker Ryan Succop, who started with Kansas City, has lasted 14 seasons and, in SB LV on Feb. 7, 2021, kicked a field goal and four TD conversions in Tampa Bay’s 31-9 victory over his former team.

The 49ers’ Purdy could be the most successful of them all.

The 262nd player chosen in the ’22 draft, he was Iowa State’s man under center for four seasons, compiling a 3120 record, passing for 12,170 yards and 81 touchdowns, and playing in a bowl game every year, including the 2021 Fiesta Bowl when he was voted the offensive most valuable player in a 34-17 victory over Oregon.

All of that experience probably explains why 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan (Mike’s son) has called him, “the most poised rookie I’ve ever had.”

Purdy was third-string when San Francisco began the 2022 season last September.

Pressed into service against the Dolphins when Jimmy Garoppolo went down early in the 49ers’ 12th game, Purdy became the first Mr. Irrelevant to pass for a touchdown in a regular-season NFL game— one of two that Sunday—and led San Francisco to a 33-17 victory. (Garoppolo had taken over in Game Two when starter Trey Lance was lost for the season.)

Purdy followed with five straight wins as the starter, and SF finished 14-4 and the NFC’s second seed in the postseason.

Through eight games, including the first two rounds of the playoffs, Purdy has passed for 1,854 yards and 16 touchdowns, completing two-thirds of his passes with only three interceptions in 220 attempts. He’s also run for two touchdowns and has been sacked only five times.

When Paul Salata was asked why he wanted to institute the “Mr. Irrelevant” recognition, he said:

“Everyone who is drafted works hard, and some of them don’t get any recognition. They do their work and should be noticed.”

Safe to say that Mr. Irrelevant of 2022 is being noticed.

16 Pitches tells how catcher Brent Mayne, who had never pitched at any level, became the first fielder since the Yankees' Rocky Colavito in 1968 to be the winning pitcher in a Major League game, and the storybook way Colorado won for him.

Order at Amazon.com.

Denny Dressman is a veteran of 43 years in the newspaper business, including 25 at the Rocky Mountain News, where he began as executive sports editor. He is the author of 15 books, nine of them sports-related. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net.

The Role of the Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionists (C.C.N.) in Health Restoration! (Part 2 of 3)

[C.N. Biochemical Testing & Therapy Restores Health!]

Did you read Part 1 of this 3-Part article published in The Villager on January 19, 2023? If you did, you know that healthcare and disease-management professionals of all disciplines have become C.C.N.s, from the M.D., C.C.N. to D.C., C.C.N. and so on… in addition to those with a Ph.D. in Clinical Nutrition, like myself.

In Part 1, I shared the origin, role, and value of the Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionists (C.C.N.). In this Part 2, I will introduce the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board [CNCB. org] and the International Associations of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN.org) and in Part 3, I will outline the C.N.C.B. requirements to apply for the examination to become a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.), for those interested in joining the #1 Healthcare profession in health restoration and disease prevention.

The C.N.C.B. (est. 1991) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) certification agency providing professional training, examina-

tion, and board certification to Certified Clinical Nutritionists (C.C.N.), just like the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB Est. 1912) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME Est. 1915) provide licensing for physicians and the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Est. 1969) provides registration for Dietitians. The C.C.N. Scope of Practice has become a legal standard for conduct in the practice of Clinical Nutrition.

The International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists (I.A.A.C.N.) provides post-graduate training and continuing education units (C.E.U.) for C.C.N.s. I am honored to be currently serving on the Board of Directors for the I.A.A.C.N. [IAACN.org]. Their quality Continuing Education is also applied for annually by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, Texas Chiropractic College, Ed-

Exploring the cure for disconnection

Loneliness and isolation are a huge social challenge especially after dealing with the Covid epidemic. Although mental health has many complexities, remedies may be within our grasp. Loneliness does not only affect our minds but also our overall health and well-being. Lack of social connection is a predictor and risk factor for strokes, heart disease, obesity, early Alzheimer’s, and even premature death. Loneliness and isolation are an antecedent to substance abuse and addiction. Research suggests loneliness causes serious pain acting on the same parts of the brain as physical pain. The cycle of loneliness, isolation, trauma, and pain is the starting point of many social challenges including homelessness.

When researching loneliness, focus groups were utilized among cross cultural groups of individuals, a surprising discovery was that many who described themselves as lonely were married and had relatively large networks of friends or family. It was the feeling of loneliness that was explored. One can be in a crowd and still feel lonely. Individuals and love songs have described that the

loneliest place to be is in an unconnected relationship. Loneliness depends more on the quality of a person’s relationships than on their sheer number.

Many of us crave solitude, which feels renewing and peaceful when desired. When solitude is not a choice, the pain of isolation in a family or group may make us more likely to lash out at the people from which we feel alienated. This becomes a negative feedback loop that is hard to escape. According to neuroscientists, the cure for this is to recognize and articulate the need for closeness and connection.

Sharing one’s fears, passions, gifts, talents, life experiences, vulnerabilities, life challenges, hopes and dreams is the beginning of knitting hearts together. Being authentic with one another and assisting one another with empathy, kindness and compassion is the beginning of closeness. Acceptance, emotional safety, and respect are essential if one is to become connected. Belonging to a group that shares life goals and values is a key element to combatting loneliness and isolation.

Researchers, searching

ucation Review Systems, various state agencies and professional associations.

As referred to in Part 1, the value of the C.C.N. has become so essential and “mainstream” that just 11 years after the C.N.C.B. provided the first Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.) examination (1991) and 95 years (1917) after being known as the American Dietetic Association (A.D.A.), the A.D.A. changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.).

Though also trained in Dietetics, the profession of the Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.) includes doctors and healthcare professionals of all specialties who have qualified and passed the C.C.N. examination, whereas A.N.D.’s qualifications to become a Registered Dietitian are exclusive to Dietitians, with the minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics [https://www.cdrnet. org/rd-eligibility]. Our diverse educational training may account for Dietitians becoming Board Certified Clinical Nutritionists (C.C.N.), also.

In Part 3, I will provide the degrees and post-graduate

for an answer to this ageold question of quality of life and longevity discovered a remote village in the heart of Sardinia, Italy where more people live to be 100 than anywhere in the world. Sardinians live in a social fabric that is tightly knit together. The Sardinian town square is the hub of the community. One must go through it to get to the market, post office, church, or pharmacy. This “Piazza” is the glue that makes it easy to interact and know your neighbors. Developers are creating this “Piazza” type town which started with the 55 and older community design. Clubhouses, community centers, parks, and town squares are a trademark of these communities making it easier to connect.

Other strategies to cultivate connection are to join community groups, learn social and emotional skills to be able to share your vulnerabilities and life struggles, ask one another questions and appreciate individuals’ life stories, get to know neighbors by scheduling a community event, have meals together, limit screen time in favor of face time, be intentional and slow down long enough to listen with our heart. These strategies will increase connection, happiness, and health and decrease loneliness and isolation. joneen@ myrelationshipcenter.org

requirements of the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (C.N.C.B.) to become a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.), which by the way, includes re-certification by examination.

The C.C.N. profession is the only healthcare profession, whose professional certification, licensing or registration board includes re-examination in their Renewal Criteria. In other words, the Renewal Criteria of the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (C.N.C.B.) includes re-certification by re-examination every five years; thereby, proving to the public that C.C.N.s stay up-to-date in the latest clinical nutrition and related-research in their profession.

Renewal by re-examination is a requirement, I am confident, that the Public would appreciate in all professional Renewal Criteria. To date, after passing my first C.C.N. examination in 1991, I have successfully passed all six re-examinations with high scores as of 2021, with my next re-certification exam scheduled for 2026.

You may obtain a scientific evaluation of your biochemistry, such as a Clinical Nutrition Analysis of the Laboratory Re-

ports from testing your blood, urine, hair, saliva, stool and/or genetics, to identify: 1) the preceding stages in the degenerative disease processes occurring in your body, as discussed in Part 1, AND 2) the specific whole food diet and therapeutic food/ plant-based supplements that contain the nutrients your body requires to restore and maintain optimal health…by calling me at (940) 761-4045, registering for a Free First Consultation at my website, www.AdvancedClinicalNutrition.com, OR calling the IAACN.org at (972) 407-9089 to locate a C.C.N. near you.

Dr. Smith’s articles, published in The Villager since March 2021, are available on her website Menu, titled, Education/Villager Publications. Dr. Smith is the owner of ADVANCED CLINICAL NUTRITION (Est. 1981) in Wichita Falls, Texas, with clients residing in 37 U.S. states and seven international countries. Since opening her business, she has continued to hold a successful track record of over 90% in helping her clients improve their health, and she can help you, too, no matter where you live.

Information for Nutritional and Bioenergetic Education only and not for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition or disease.

Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships

Make your plans to visit Breckenridge to see the International Snow Sculpture Championships. This year carving week is January 23-27, and viewing week is January 27-February 1.

25-ton blocks of snow will be carved into amazing sculptures by teams from around the world. No power tools are allowed to craft these pieces of art.

The venue recommends viewing the sculptures Sunday January 29-Wednesday February 1. Please note that if you decide to see them Saturday January 28, there is a timed reservation system in place. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit https://go breck.com/event/international-snow-sculpturechampionships

COURTS

DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner, IN THE INTEREST OF

JACOB PACK, Child, And concerning ANGELA PACK (DECEASED) and ED LAST NAME UNKNOWN, Respondents.

Linda Arnold, Reg. No. 16764

Office of the Arapahoe County Attorney Attorney for the People Arapahoe County Department of Human Services

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

FINAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that the Sundance Hills Metropolitan District, PO Box 359, Littleton, Colorado, will make final payment to FCI Construction, Inc., of 4015 Coriolis Way, Fredrick, CO for all Work done by said Contractor in connection with, or Work done on the Sundance Hills Metropolitan District Pool Renovation, City of Greenwood Village, State of Colorado.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the Work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the Work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time for final settlement for the Work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim, to the Sundance Hills Metropolitan District, on or before the date and time herein above shown for final payment. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release Sundance Hills Metropolitan District, its directors, officers, agents and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

Hills Metropolitan District

By: /s/ Sarah Shepherd District Manager

Published in The Villager

First Publication: January 19, 2023

Last Publication: January 26, 2022

Legal # 10979

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that the Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District, PO Box 359, Littleton, Colorado, will make final payment to Colorado DesignScapes, Inc of 15440 East Fremont, Centennial, CO 80112 for all Work done by said Contractor in connection with, or Work done on the Cherry Creek Vista Peakview Park Renovation, unincorporated Arapahoe County, State of Colorado.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the Work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the Work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time for final settlement for the Work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim, to the Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District, on or before the date and time herein above shown for final payment. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District, its directors, officers, agents and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

Vista Park and Recreation District

Cherry Creek

By: /s/ Sarah Shepherd District Manager

Published in The Villager

First Publication: January 19, 2023

Last Publication: January 26, 2022

Legal # 10980

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that the Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District, PO Box 359, Littleton, Colorado, will make final payment to FCI Construction, Inc., of 4015 Coriolis Way, Fredrick, CO for all Work done by said Contractor in connection with, or Work done on the Cherry Creek Vista Orchard Pool Renovation, unincorporated Arapahoe County, State of Colorado.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the Work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the Work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time for final settlement for the Work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim, to the Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District, on or before the date and time herein above shown for final payment. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District, its directors, officers, agents and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District

By: /s/ Sarah Shepherd District Manager

Published in The Villager

First Publication: January 19, 2023

Last Publication: January 26, 2022 Legal # 10981

Project Title: 2021 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Rehabilitation Project

Project Owners: Castlewood Water and Sanitation District

Project Location: City of Greenwood Village, Arapahoe County

14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012

larnold@arapahoegov.com

Tel: 303-636-1882 Fax: 303-636-1889

Case No:22JV511 Division:23

NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING ED LAST NAME UNKNOWN

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above captioned matter has been set for an ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENT FATHER, ED LAST NAME UNKNOWN, on March 3, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. (MST) in Division 23 of the Arapahoe District Court. ** The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:

•www. judicial.webex.com/meet/D18ARAP-Div23 •Enter your name and email address (so

Colorado.

The Castlewood Water and Sanitation District (District) plans to accept the above titled project as substantially complete and for Final Settlement by C&L Water Solutions, Inc. after February 16, 2023. In accordance with the Contract Documents, the District may withhold a portion of the remaining payment to be made to C&L Water Solutions, Inc. as necessary, to protect the District from loss on account of claims filed and failure of C&L Water Solutions, Inc. to make payments properly to subcontractors or suppliers. Project suppliers and subcontractors of C&L Water Solutions, Inc. are hereby notified that unresolved outstanding claims must be certified and forwarded to:

Contact Person: Barney Fix, P.E. Address: 5970 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Greenwood Village, CO 80111 as soon as possible, but no later than February 9, 2023

Published in The Villager

First Publication: January 19, 2023 Last Publication: February 2, 2023 Legal # 10983

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 7

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Bennett Fire Protection District 7 of Adams and Arapahoe Counties, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, two (2) directors will be elected to serve a four-year term. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Peggy Rupp, the Designated Election Official at c/o Collins Cole Flynn Winn & Ulmer, PLLC, 165 S. Union Blvd., Suite 785, Lakewood, Colorado, or email prupp@cogovlaw.com. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms must be filed with the Designated Election Official for the District at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above address during normal business hours (8:00 am and 5:00 pm), until the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 25, 2023). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

By: /s/ Peggy Rupp Designated Election Official

Published in The Villager Published: January 26, 2023 Legal # 10985

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR CHERRY CREEK VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Cherry Creek Village Water District of Arapahoe County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, three (3) directors will be elected to serve a four-year term. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Crystal Schott the Designated Election Official for the District, at Collins Cole Flynn Winn & Ulmer, PLLC, 165 S. Union Boulevard, Suite 785, Lakewood, Colorado 80228; email: cschott@cogovlaw.com. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms must be filed with the Designated Election Official for the District at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above address during normal business hours (8:00 am and 5:00 pm), until the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 25, 2023). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

CHERRY CREEK VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT

By: /s/ Crystal Schott

Designated Election Official

Published in The Villager

Published: January 26, 2023 Legal # 10986

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR CHERRY HILLS HEIGHTS WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Cherry Hills Heights Water and Sanitation District of Arapahoe County,

we know who you are).You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

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

If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720650-7664 and enter access code 2598 320 5548 (followed by #, #).

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

/s/Linda Arnold Linda Arnold, Esq., 16764 Assistant County Attorney

Published in The Villager Published: January 26, 2023 Legal # 10984

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, three (3) directors will be elected to serve a four-year term and two (2) directors will be elected to serve a two-year term.

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Peggy Rupp, the Designated Election Official, at c/o Collins Cole Flynn Winn & Ulmer, PLLC, 165 S. Union Boulevard, Suite 785, Lakewood, Colorado, or email request to prupp@cogovlaw.com. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms must be filed with the Designated Election Official for the District at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above address during normal business hours (8:00 am and 5:00 pm), until the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 25, 2023). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

By: /s/ Peggy Rupp

Designated Election Official

Published in The Villager Published: January 26, 2023 Legal # 10987

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTRY HOMES METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Country Homes Metropolitan District of Arapahoe County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, three (3) directors will be elected to serve a four-year term and one (1) director will be elected to serve a two-year term.

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Crystal Schott, the Designated Election Official for the District, at 165 S. Union Blvd., Suite, 785, Lakewood, Colorado, or email: cschott@cogovlaw.com. SelfNomination and Acceptance forms must be filed wit.h. the Designated Election Official for the District at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above address during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.), until the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 25, 2023). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

COUNTRY HOMES METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By: /s/ Crystal Schott Designated Election Official

Published in The Villager Published: January 26, 2023 Legal # 10988

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR DEER TRAIL RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

TO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, two (2) directors will be elected to serve a four-year term and one director will be elected to serve a two-year term.

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Peggy Rupp, the Designated Election Official, at c/o Collins Cole Flynn Winn & Ulmer, PLLC, 165 S. Union Boulevard, Suite 785, Lakewood, Colorado, or email request to prupp@cogovlaw.com. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms must be filed with the Designated Election Official for the District at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above address during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), until the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 25, 2023). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

By: /s/ Peggy Rupp

Designated Election Official

Published in The Villager

Published: January 26, 2023 Legal # 10989

Sundance

WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Deer Trail Rural Fire Protection District of Adams, Arapahoe and Elbert Counties, Colorado.

ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER DISCUSSION ON THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

JAN. 26 , 8-9 a.m. at the Englewood City Center, Community Room, 1000 Englewood Parkway, Englewood. Discuss electric vehicles in Englewood and installing EV charging stations near businesses. Breakfast provided by Xcel Energy-Partnes in Energy. Tickets: info@ my englewoodchamber. com. Members: Free; Nonmembers: $10.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY TELEPHONE TOWN HALL

JAN. 26 , 6:30 p.m. Call in number: 1-855-436-3656. Meet the County’s newest elected officials, reacquaint with existing ones. Scan QR Code from page 3 VillagerJan. 19 issue.

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST

JAN. 27 , 2023. More than 500 business executives and leaders expected for the 35th Annual breakfast. 7-9:00 a.m. - Marriott South at Park Meadows. Tickets: Call 303-795-0142.

WARD VI TOWN HALL MEETING

FEB. 2 , 6-8 p.m. Hosted by Aurora Council Member Francoise Bergan. City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave. Topics: Mineral Leasing and General Updates.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

4-H EXTRAVAGANZA

FEB. 4 , 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Enroll in CSU Extension’s 2022-23 4-H youth program. Learn more about 4-H membership at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora. Scan the QR code in the JAN 26 Villager - page 3.

YMCA’S YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS & SPORTS REGISTRATION

FEB. 6 , registration opens for public summer camps. FEB. 13 , registration opens for public spring sports. Information on the YMCA website: http://bit.ly/3kgzl Sp.

COLORADO BALLET PRESENTS “LADY OF THE CAMELLIAS

FEB. 3-12 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. For performance dates and times visit Coloradoballet. org or call Patron Services at 303-837-8888 ext. 2.

GALA OF THE COLORADO AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS

OPEN

NOW-FEB. 28 . Only 12 authors will be nominated this year for induction. To make a nomination go to www. ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame. org and click on the Nominate tag. The next induction will be held Sept. 16, 2023 at the Doubletree Hilton Denver Tech Center in Greenwood Village.

CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO “DRINK FOR PINK.”

FEB. 3 , 7 p.m., Mammoth VS Georgia Swarm game. 50% of proceeds will be donated to Drink for Pink, which supports beast cancer research through Cancer League of Colorado. Call 303281-9864 for directions on how to purchase tickets.

NATHAN YIP FOUNDATION’S

ANNUAL CHINESE

NEW YEAR GALA

FEB. 4 , 5-10:30 p.m. - Grand Hyatt Denver Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with a Chino- Latino twist. Join Gala Chairs Dr. Raul & Vivian Murciano for a Lunar New Year’s celebration featuring an Asian and Cuban inspired dinner, lion dancers, a palm reader, Chinese calligrapher, a traditional salad toss and Night Market

with music provided by the Colorado Mambo Orchestra. All proceeds benefit The Nathan Yip Foundation, which provides funding for teachers & educational projects in rural Colorado. Tickets: www. Nathanyipfoundation.org Purchase tickets by Jan. 23. Questions? Contact jill@ nathanyipfoundation.org

SOUTH SUBURBAN PARKS & RECREATION HOLIDAY EVENTS

Feb. 10 5-8 p.m. Goodson Rec. Center. For ages 3-12 for movie nights. Bring your blanket. Popcorn & pizza served. Info: 303483-7014

WHAT’S NEW?

After 44 years of sharing public health resources with its neighbors, Arapahoe County, on Wed., Jan. 4, 2023 opened the doors to its own, single-county Public Health department. Visit arapahoegov.com/health

MAYORS & COMMISSIONERS YOUTH AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN

Deadline: MARCH 3 . A scholarship program for exceptional high school seniors. Visit arapahoegov. com/youthawards

“WHAT’S

NEW?”

The Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts to receive a Grant for Arts Projects award of $20,000. The grand will support the Newman Center’s 20th anniversary.

“WHAT’S NEW?”

In 2023, get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your vehicle registration. The Pass includes entry to state parks and protects wildlife, lands and water. Scan the QR Code on page 3 of The Villager for details.

Bright ideas in the dark

I’m awakened at 4 a.m. by the guest in the hotel room next to mine. I’m not sure what he’s doing, but if I had to guess, I’d say he’s practicing for a clogging competition. Or hosting one.

There’s no way I can sleep now. That’s okay. I’ll get up and work on my column and I’ll thank my neighbor when I see him in the hallway. Not really.

My husband has managed to sleep through the clogging and I don’t want to wake him. I want him to be rested so that when we’re back on the road, he can drive while I nap.

I consider my options. I could take my laptop to the lobby, but that would mean digging for my clothes in the dark or leaving the room in my pajamas. I’ve seen people do that, but the hotel would have to be on fire before I would.

It’s times like this when I wish we’d gotten a suite. But even when we haven’t, I’m often able to create writing space. If the bathroom door swings outward at the right angle to block the bathroom light from my sleeping husband, I pull the desk chair behind the door and create a tiny office just outside the bathroom. The view isn’t great but it’s cheaper than a suite.

Unfortunately, the bathroom door in this hotel room swings in. I have no suite and no tiny office and I refuse to wear my pajamas to the lobby unless the fire alarm goes off. That leaves me with one option: go back to bed.

And that’s what I’d do if the clogging competition were not underway next door. I take my laptop to the only place in our room where I can turn on the light without disturbing my husband—the bathroom. It presents several options for writing but I refuse to use the most obvious one. I’m too classy for potty humor. Sorry.

I could sit in the tub, but it’s still wet

from my shower last night. So I stumble back across the room in the dark until I find the desk chair. I push it to the bathroom running into the bed, the dresser and the wall on the way. The guy next door probably thinks more cloggers are arriving for the competition. My husband sleeps on.

I see the problem as soon as I have the chair in the bathroom. I can’t close the door because the chair is now in the way. So with superhuman strength I pick it up and put it in the tub. Actually I don’t have superhuman strength which explains why I bang the chair wheels on the tub as I’m putting it in.

I could sit there to write, but the tub bottom is rounded so the chair rolls around. That might make typing difficult—and dangerous. So I close the bathroom door, turn on the light and bang the chair on the tub again as I take it back out. As I’m doing this, I’m reminded I’ll have to repeat the process when it’s time to leave my makeshift office. I hope I’m better at it then because I almost broke my back this time.

It’s now 4:30 a.m.. And here I am, in my PJs in an office chair in a hotel bathroom somewhere in the great state of Wyoming. I had planned to write about something else entirely. But as writers often are, I was inspired by my surroundings. You may not see it that way.

I do wonder if someone who can sleep through a clogging competition and an office chair being hauled across the room and in and out of a bathtub, might also be able to sleep with the lamp turned on in the corner of the room. And how inspirational would that be?

Dorothy Rosby is the author of three books of humorous essays including Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time. Contact her at www.dorothyrosby.com/contact.

2023 Lexus GX-460 SUV is first class

Many thanks to the car gods for bringing me a 2023 Lexus GX-460 all-wheel drive SUV during the big snowstorm last week. No trouble moving through the wet, deep snow, and slick roads, with the all-weather goliath.

The 18” alloy wheels with deep tread snow tires loved the snow. The 4.5L /V8 engine, with 301 horsepower and six-speed versatile trans mission, made the drive even more positive and secure; never a slip or spin with this three row SUV.

Fuel economy averaged 16 mpg. with the larger engine.

The “Nori Green Pearl” paint absorbed the morning sunshine and helped melt off the morning snow. Interesting how the red and black colors absorb sunshine well in the

Village BOOK REVIEW

Before We Were Yours Published in 2017 by Lisa Wingate, this novel is based on a real-life scandal. Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption agency, engaged in child trafficking, selling poor children to wealthy families. Often these children were stolen and then sold. Children in Tann’s care were neglected, abused and some were murdered. Luckier ones did get adopted into good homes. This novel brings to life the many dimensions of this atrocity from the perspective of one set of siblings in 1939 Memphis and present day.

The 1939 Memphis story was told from the twelve-year-old perspective of Rill Foss, the oldest sibling of five from a Mississippi River shantyboat family. Rill and her siblings were wrenched from their home and placed into the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. Her name was immediately changed to May Weathers. She tries to survive the dark times in the orphanage and manage the loss of her siblings to adoption or disappearance.

Meanwhile, we also have a present-day story from the perspective of Avery Stafford. Born into wealth and privilege, she must navigate the

To learn more about Lisa and her books, visit her website, www.LisaJShultz.com.

To read more book reviews, follow her on Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/ LisaJShultz. Lisa loves speaking to groups, and she would be happy attend your book club. Call her at 303-881-9338.

uncovering of family secrets. She puzzles together a history and connection to this adoption home. Will she keep the secret to herself or do something about it?

This story may sound too tragic to endure reading, but it was an excellent book. Wingate wrote a compelling tale of the complexity of adoption, enduring love of siblings, heartbreak and hope. I was glad I read it.

winter and not so good in hot summer days.

This GX-460 has final assembly in Tahara, Aichi, Japan, and has a suggested manufacturer’s retail price of $56,425. The test drive model had some attractive options described as “Blackline Special Edition” that provided six-spoke glossy alloy wheels,

features such as panoramic view monitor, black window trim, and black roof rails. Lexis is

By H. Throttle

cushion ride, stylish designs and durability. The luxury front seats are heated and cooled along with reclining and sliding rear seats and fold down third row seating.

The rear trunk door swing outward for easy loading and unloading.

The large rearview heated mirrors were great in the snow along with the heated seats and steering wheel. A nine speaker Lexus premium sound system was easy to control with the

central console control and a row of control choices.

Safety was supreme with the size and scope of this larger SUV with the full safety sense system. The GX460 has ten bags along with smart stop technology.

Perfect for Colorado winter months, this is a premium vehicle with power, design, and loaded with the latest navigation and technology. There is something special about having a larger SUV and the security found in a larger vehicle built for all weather conditions.

The lighted running boards added to the vehicles class and style.

known for the soft