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303.903.2345 VOLUME 40 • NUMBER 1 • DECEMBER 2, 2021

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

s g n i e t e r G s Season from Your Club Greenwood Family

Club Greenwood has been the choice for fitness for thousands of individuals and families in Greenwood Village and neighboring cities for 34 years.

We have learned to adapt to the changing environment by adding an outdoor turf workout area and livestream classes that can be watched anytime or anywhere.

Outdoor Pickleball is coming too!

We look forward to serving our community for years to come.

Your Health is our Priority Your Safety is our Promise Your Fitness is our Purpose ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE TEAM AT CLUB GREENWOOD,

we wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season!

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

Teaching as performance art “Mr. Mazenko, you could be an actor.”

One of my students recently gave me that compliment after I had finished reading a poem aloud in various voices for a lesson on tone and interpretation. I responded with, “I am an actor.”

It’s the Mazenko Show -- five performances a day, five days a week for ten months of the year. That, of course, excludes test days, though even handing out tests can be a rather dramatic scene.

While calling myself an actor is figurative, there is an element of acting to my job.

My students often refuse to believe me when I describe myself as somewhat shy and rather introverted. Obviously, my classroom persona seems to defy any possibility of reserve or anxiety. In the classroom, I’m generally enthusiastic, energetic and, yes, quite vocal and outgoing. However, a teacher’s class persona is in some ways just a show. It’s a performance. Interestingly, this quality is something people in “the real world” never truly understand. When friends and acquaintances in the private sector talk about a big presentation they have coming up at work, I think, “me, too. All day. Everyday.”

Being on stage as much as teachers are, we really have to be performers, and effective teachers, to paraphrase Bob Dylan, “know our song well before we start singing.”

However, outside of the classroom, teachers can be rather reserved around other people.

They can get nervous giving presentations to colleagues, and they can be surprisingly passive at social events. Many professional entertainers describe a similar feeling.

Comedians, for example, are often troubled by the expectation to be funny all the time. Their show takes a lot of work, and it’s not always so easy. In fact, many comedians reveal they were not the class clowns or the life of the party, but instead were the observers. They watched carefully what happened around them, and their understanding of humanity is what drives their art.

The distinction between our work and real selves comes up regularly as I talk to students about who they are.

Though teachers project confidence and knowledge in the classroom, we are still human, and it takes a lot of effort to put on the show each day.

After twenty-nine years in the classroom, I now realize the key is not just performance or entertainment, but the art of engagement. If the teacher creates an engaging lesson that is tailored to the students sitting in front of him or her, then the entertaining qual-

ity can take many different forms.

The performance aspect became my shtick early in my career, and it seemed almost necessary and more comfortable to do it that way.

My high intensity approach has much to do with my first job out of college, teaching English as a second language in Taiwan. Though I trained to be a high school literature and writing teacher, I was teaching elementary school kids, and even kindergarten for a year. The fun, engaging per-

formance style connected with the kids who were often reluctantly learning English because they had no choice. Thus, the rather rigid curriculum was centered on games and activities, and the school liked a high energy approach.

After five years teaching in cram schools, I returned to the States and taught middle school for a couple years at a Catholic school in Chicago before transitioning to high school in a suburban district. And, at each stop along the way, I discovered that a performance approach seemed to promote engagement. In all honesty, I now realize I may have been overestimating the engagement level, especially when I consider how school is often just a place where kids go to watch adults work. I also had a great mentor who once

advised me to make sure I don’t become a caricature of myself. Reflecting on these ideas is helpful. We do need to be “on” quite a bit, but it’s important to remember we can also be human beings and be vulnerable. Otherwise, it’s easy to burn out.

Reflection is the key. I tell newer teachers to simply be thoughtful about what you do every day, and ultimately be true to yourself and whatever your style of engagement is.

At the end of the day and the sound of the bell and the rise of the curtain, the only important consideration is whatever engages the audience in the show.

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

My students often refuse to believe me when I describe myself as somewhat shy and rather introverted. Obviously, my classroom persona seems to defy any possibility of reserve or anxiety. In the classroom, I’m generally enthusiastic, energetic and, yes, quite vocal and outgoing. However, a teacher’s class persona is in some ways just a show. It’s a performance.

Interestingly, this quality is something people in “the real world” never truly understand. When friends and acquaintances in the private sector talk about a big presentation they have coming up at work, I think, “me, too. All day. Everyday.”

ARAPAHOE COUNTY C NVERSATIONS

Tri-County Health mask mandate The Tri-County Health Department has issued a public health order mandating masks in all public indoor spaces for ages 2 and up.

For more information, visit TCHD.org.

We Want You!

Citizen Boards and Committees Help shape our community by serving on one of Arapahoe County’s citizen boards and committees. When you serve as a volunteer on an advisory body, you provide input into the County’s decision making process in many areas of subject matter expertise. In turn, the County benefits from your knowledge, experience and expertise.

Visit arapahoegov.com/citizenboards or scan the QR code with your smartphone.

arapahoegov.com

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

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

Special holiday and newspaper memories I’ve had my fill of turkey, enjoying the meal ordered from Whole Foods this year due to our busy work schedule.

We hosted the dinner for 12 members of our immediate family and hat’s off to the Whole Food’s cooks. The 15 lb. turkey was perfect with an abundance our favorite white meat; we had many leftovers of gravy, turkey, mashed potatoes, spinach and kelp, squash, and dressing. Family members added a green bean casserole and sweet potatoes. I’m now on my third meal of leftovers and getting low on gravy.

I cautiously climbed on the bathroom scale Sunday to see how much damage I had inflicted on my body weight, expecting the worst. However, surprisingly my weight had stayed the same, wonders never cease.

The Thanksgiving decorum has disappeared only to be replaced by my busy spouse taking advantage of the post-Thanksgiving weekend

to do her annual Christmas decorating. After an exhausting basement search she found the annual nativity scene along with previous holiday wreaths and ornaments. I know many good cooks read The Villager and I commend you all on first preparing the Thanksgiving feast, then cleaning up the kitchen with multiple pots, pans, and dishes used in the annual family feast. My talented wife Gerri uses her creative skills to decorate the table and pulls out our finest china plates for the occasion saying, “If I don’t use these dishes now, and at Christmas, when will I ever use them?” It does make a difference to dine on fine dishes and crystal goblets for wine and water. Give your loved one a hug and say “Thank You” for all that you do to make Thanksgiving, Hannukah, and Christmas so special for your family and friends. It would be a different world if only men had

The Villager

to decorate, do the cooking, cleaning, washing, and decorate the table for the holiday dinner. Thank you Gerri Sweeney as we celebrate 40 years of publishing The Villager newspaper with many of you subscribers still sticking with us for many of these past and present years.

Elsewhere, in this edition, you will find some of the early first-year headlines as we remember many wonderful staff members we have enjoyed working with down through the four decades.

How we loved and respected Mort Marks, Ed Phillipson, John Hanford, Don Fullerton, Gretchen Peacock, and we still relish our friendships with Glory Weisberg, Betty Todd, Vickie Dow, Jim Pilon, Peter Jones, B. T. Galloway, Wanda Paddia, many others, and our longest advertiser Kentwood’s Edie Marks.

What fun it has been to cover notable citizens like Mayor Freda Poundstone, George Wallace, Mayor Rollie Barnard, and to still enjoy a luncheon with venerable John Madden and former Mayor of Greenwood Village Ron Rakowski, who calls me on my birthday. What a fine gentle-

man and great public servant he has been. Mayor Nancy Sharpe has been an inspiration with her leadership in Greenwood Village and soon to be term-limited as an Arapahoe County Commissioner. Maybe she should seek higher office. GV council member David Bullock preaches office seekers to start at the bottom and work up with committee volunteerism. Nancy has paid her dues, time and time again.

We have a wonderful staff at the newspaper with many approaching 20 years of service to local communities we cover. We’ve worn out two of our daughters Saundra and Sharon. Now we’re on the last one with our youngest talented daughter Susan Sweeney Lanam hard at work laboring in the trenches with her (slightly) aging parents.

Who knows that is lurking in the future for newspapers, the nation, further COVID strains, school challenges, and world peace or war.

Life and living is a challenge, but what a thrill to participate.

Let’s keep decorating, cooking, and loving our families, hopefully with peace and prosperity for all.

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 $52 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

I’ve stood out on the streets in downtown Denver numerous years ringing the bell with fellow Lions Club members for the Salvation Army. We wore our yellow vests showing our Lion membership symbols. We had little bells that we rang to draw attention to the red kettle holding the dimes and dollars to support the very worthy Salvation Army.

It was always a humbling experience to spend time on a busy downtown corner during a cold windy December day with a little bell and a red pot hanging on a triangle stand.

Several experiences I will always remember; one was a raging blizzard that had us taking turns seeking shelter in a nearby office lobby as the wind raged and the snow continued to fall. Some members were dressed in their business suits and hardly ready for the inclement weather that struck that day. Regardless, we pulled in hundreds of dollars for the best charity in America.

Another memorable bell ringing experience happened shortly after moving to Den-

ver from Craig in 1980 and changing Lions Clubs. I was busy ringing the bell in Denver when the Moffat County attorney walked by and recognized me on the street ringing a bell for donations.

He looked shocked and approached me saying, “Sweeney, is that you?” He quickly put $5 in the kettle and continued down the street, I often wondered what he related to his acquaintances in Craig about seeing his old newspaper publisher on the streets of Denver.

Another observation is that the better dressed men and women tend to walk by without looking, paying attention, or donating. Kind of like, don’t bother me with your bell ringing. Sorry folks but it is true.

Time and time again, it would be the poorer looking people, older, and sometimes handicapped, that would place money in the kettle. One elderly, modestly dressed male, put a gold Krugergrand coin into the red kettle.

To this day I will not enter or depart a grocery store without putting some coins or a bill into the bell ringer’s bucket. The Salvation Army sometimes has to hire folks to

ring the bell but many service club members volunteer for the annual fund-raising drive.

Volunteers of America.

(VOA) is a sister organization to the Salvation Army with the founders, part of the Salvation Army early day family. They have a very strong presence in the metro area where they do “Meals on Wheels” from a massive kitchen and provide housing to needy families.

Goodwill Industries is another great charity providing a “Hand up, rather than a handout.” They inspire their team of challenged employees to earn a salary and support themselves. They honor and respect their labor force and have an annual awards ceremony to honor their loyal and loving staff members. Goodwill has many thrift stores throughout the city that offer gainful employment to those who might not find work in the mainstream work force.

I once visited Goodwill in Colorado Springs and went in the back door to interview the manager. I entered a work area that was filled with severely handicapped workers in wheelchairs listening to music, sitting around a long table assem-

The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must 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. Letters deadline 10 am Monday. Please limit to 300 words.

bling and packaging water sprinkler parts. They were happy to be employed and enjoying each other’s company. A job brings real meaning to life and happiness.

It was an impressive site and brings real life experience to COLORADO GIVES.ORG / December 7, 2021.

I mention some of the major very successful non-profits but there are over 3000 certified organizations to support next week.

We reached out to some familiar non-profits in an attempt to help some of the smaller, local groups. You can see them listed in this week’s Villager and pay special attention to these hard working and very deserving charitable non-profits.

The pandemic has taken a. heavy toll on fund raising activities for the majority of these charitable organizations while the demands for food and services has increased dramatically.

A few dollars here, and there, adds up to major support!

Submit your letters by email to: gerri@villagerpublishing.com 303-773-8313

Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com Valerie LeVier — 303-773-8313 valerie@villagerpublishing.com Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.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 Niemoller “In Germany, the Nazis first came for the communists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me and by that time there was no one left to speak for me!”

2020 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK QUOTE of the WEEK There is no

sincerer love than the love of food.

George Bernard Shaw

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

Centennial poised to approve 900 new apartments at the Streets of Southglenn

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

On December 6, the Centennial City Council will hold a public hearing at the Centennial Civic Center at 13133 E. Arapahoe Road to receive comments about a proposed redevelopment of the Streets of Southglenn (SOS) to add 911 residential units at the north and south ends of the development.

If all residents who wish to speak cannot be heard that evening, the comment period will be extended to the following evening, December 7.

The city’s planning and zoning commission has unanimously recommended that the city council approve the proposed redevelopment of 10.4 acres at the south end of SOS that includes the former Sears property and 10.6 acres at the north end of SOS that includes the current Macy’s department store.

The change to the Master Development Plan for the area requests a total of 1,125

This rendering of a portion of the redeveloped Streets of Southglenn shows what the view might be from the corner of Race Street and Easter Avenue.

residential units. There are currently 214 residential units within The Portola at SouthGlenn apartment building, thus this plan would add 911 more units to what is already there.

Although the documents don’t specifically say that the units would be rental apartments, they say, “The proposed changes to the Master Development Plan will allow the applicants to execute projects that include a mix of studio,

one, two and three-bedroom units of varying sizes and price points. With over 82% of Centennial’s housing supply being owner-occupied, these units will provide important housing diversity…”

Alberta Development Partners and Northwood Investors have been working on this project for nearly three years.

In a November 9 memo to Centennial’s planning and zoning commission, the city’s planning

department staff noted that the proposed amendments to the SOS Master Development Plan (MDP) for this project were consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan as well as the goals, policies and strategies of Centennial NEXT and the Southglenn Subarea Plan.

Staff also determined that the proposed amendments to the MDP were “consistent with the intent of the overall design and mixed-use concept of the

OPINION

Here we go again – back to wearing masks

The world is approaching the two-year anniversary of COVID, a life changing event for many of us. The virus has caused death and permanent illness for many, closed businesses, interrupted education, and has upended our lives in so many ways.

Much of what the medical establishment told us turned out to be wrong. Getting vaccinated was once the pathway to ending the coronavirus pandemic. Yet America, and much of the world has been vaccinated. In the US, among the 12 and up population, 80 percent have had at least one vaccine dose.

Yet COVID cases are rising, in the US and abroad. Gibraltar is over 100 percent vaccinated yet they are cancelling Christmas gatherings due to surging cases. Vermont, the most vaccinated state in the US is also seeing a plethora of cases. Colorado’s vaccination rate mirrors the national average and every day we hear about case spikes and overflowing ICUs. Clearly something is amiss when locations with the highest vaccination rates also have the highest number of new COVID cases. What’s going on?

The vaccines do not appear to be stopping COVID, despite assurances that they would, so local officials reached into their bag of tricks and pulled out masks again, as if masking up in public will magically reduce cases. We were masked up most of last year, yet here we are, deja vu all over again with rising cases.

The Tri-County Health Department recently imposed another mask mandate for those over age two to wear a face covering, even if fully vaccinated, in all indoor public spaces, affecting Arapahoe, Adams, Denver, and

BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH other local counties.

This will remain in place through the new year, how much longer is anyone’s guess.

Will this new mandate stop the current case surge? As for most COVID surges, cases rise then fall, as the Denver Post’s tracker trendline suggests. The current surge will likely wane over the next few months with or without masks, just as summer surges did in southern states.

Are masks even helpful? We could ask the experts. Early in the pandemic, Dr. Fauci was anti-mask, saying masks were ineffective at protecting against respiratory viruses. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams agreed. Fauci then changed his mind, recommending one then two masks.

The Copenhagen mask study found minimal if any benefit to masks in stopping the COVID. From a viral particle size perspective, masks also do little.

The COVID virus is 50-140 nm, while the pore size in standard surgical masks is 300 nm to 10,000 nm. This is using a chain-link fence to stop mosquitoes.

Clearly the science isn’t settled regarding the benefits, or lack of, for masking. And there are negatives too, including making breathing more difficult, particularly when

exercising indoors. Developing communication and facial recognition skills in children will be hampered. Then there is the pollution. Billions of masks, non-biodegradable, will end up in landfills and oceans. We already see masks littering streets and parking lots.

HELP

Do county health officials have new science or evidence that masks will be effective this time? Or is this simply “let’s do something, anything” to stop the expected transient surge in COVID cases in northern states just as we saw a few months ago in southern states? Will

BRING

JOY

TO

KIDS

IN

MDP,” and recommended that the planning and zoning commission approve the requested changes to the MDP to allow the project to be built as requested by the developers.

A 375-page traffic study prepared by Felsburg Holt and Ullevig, long recognized as the traffic engineering firm most familiar with the local area, concluded that the project would not result in unacceptable levels of service at nearby intersections, which is the purpose of a traffic study.

Those reports and all other documents related to the history of this project starting in January 2019 can be found at https://www.centennialco.gov/ southglenn.

The city has strongly encouraged all those who wish to be heard on the question of whether this new development request should be approved to appear at the public hearing on December 6 or submit their comments in writing by emailing them to southglenn@ centennialco.gov. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

their solution make any difference or simply add to existing holiday angst over supply chain disruptions and runaway inflation?

At least masks will hide the many sad faces of those just trying to live their lives under ever increasing rules, restrictions, and mandates as we head into what is traditionally a season of hope and joy.

NEED

ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE Donate a toy or gift card for a needy child who lives in Arapahoe County and help us make their holiday special.

Our deputies will hand out the toys on December 18.

JUST DROP OFF NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS OR GIFT CARDS IN THE COLLECTION BOX IN OUR LOBBY BETWEEN 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM M-F ARAPAHOE 13101

COUNTY E.

SHERIFF'S

BRONCOS

CENTENNIAL,

Questions? Email Deputy Amanda Cruz Giordano acruzgiordano@arapahoegov.com

OFFICE

PARKWAY

CO

80112

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

Hanukkah arrived early this year

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

I am so thankful

Although many think of Hanukkah as the Jewish version of Christmas, it is actually very different. Although both holidays include gifts as a tradition, Hanukkah is the commemoration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C., where according to legend Jews rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. The word Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew.

The holiday is celebrated for eight days because the Talmud tells us that when the Second Temple was rededicated, there was only enough olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for one night, but the flames continued to burn for eight nights. That is how the holiday came to be known as the Festival of Lights and a celebration of life’s miracles. It is not a holiday that is considered as religiously significant as others.

Judaism has its own calendar dating back to the year 3761 B.C.E., which stands for before the common era on the Gregorian calendar. It is based on the date of the creation of the world as described in the

for friends, family and clients who continue to make my 45-year career in real estate a dream come true.

From my family to yours – Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & God Bless America

Shooter who killed boy in Englewood alley sentenced to prison The man who shot and killed a middle school student in an Englewood alley was sentenced to 32 years in prison.

Arapahoe County District Court Judge Elizabeth Weishaupl sentenced Antonio Pulido Mendez, 19, of Littleton, on Nov. 9 for the death of Jonah Hirsh, who was 13 years old when he was murdered.

On July 14, 2019, Mendez and three associates met Jonah and his older cousin in the alley.

Jonah and the cousin expected to sell drugs to the four. But Men-

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days each. Over time, this would cause the two calendars to be very much out of synch with one another, so the Hebrew calendar adds an extra month on a lunar schedule that results in it happening six times every 19 years, to bring the two calendars closer together. This spring, an extra month, Adar II, Every Hannukah menorah has eight candles will be added to or lights to commemorate the eight days the Jewish calenof the holiday and one extra that is used to dar, bringing the light the others. two calendars Old Testament. On the Jewish more in synch. Since it is a year calendar, the year is now 5782. with 13 months on the Hebrew The Jewish year begins with calendar, Hanukkah began the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, early, starting at sundown on which means beginning of the November 28.

The Festival of Lights will be year, that falls in September or celebrated at Greenwood Village October of the Gregorian calendar. Dates of Jewish holidays City Hall at 6060 S. Quebec Street on Sunday, December 5 at fluctuate up to a full month on the Gregorian calendar because 4:00 p.m. One week later, on Satthe Gregorian calendar is based urday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m, Greenwood Village will observe on the 365 days it takes for the its annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting. earth to orbit the sun, while All members of the public and the Hebrew calendar is lunar, familes are invited to participate based on the 354 days it takes in these community activities. for the moon to complete 12 fmiklin.villager@gmail.com cycles of approximately 29.5

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dez and the other three set up the drug deal with the intent to rob Jonah and the cousin.

Mendez shot Jonah in the arm and the chest with a 9 mm handgun. Jonah died at the scene.

Mendez shot the cousin in the neck; he survived.

“This defendant made reckless, stupid decisions,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrew Steers. “He chose to bring a loaded gun to a robbery and pull the trigger. Today he faces the consequences for his actions.”

On Aug. 3, 2021, Mendez E

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pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

Jonah’s family was in court for the sentencing. When the cousin’s frantic 911 call was played, the cousin and Jonah’s mother stepped out of the courtroom.

“The intent was never to buy drugs – it was to rob the victims, who were not armed,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Daniel Warhola said during sentencing.

“Jonah was shot through both lungs and his heart. What this defendant did is not allowed, cannot be tolerated and must be punished.”

“What brought us here is a tragedy – poor choices, poor decisions, and now consequences for those,” Judge Weishaupl said.

“Jonah deserved the opportunity to learn and grow and engage with the world, and he was never be able to do that.”

Mendez’s accomplices were sentenced previously: • Marcus Antonio Montez, 19, of Centennial, planned the crime.

He had a handgun but never fired it. He pleaded guilty June 17, 2020, to one count of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. He was sentenced Aug. 10, 2020, to 20 years in prison.

• Jesus Perez Medrano, 21, of Centennial, was the driver. He pleaded guilty June 17, 2020, to one count of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. He was sentenced Aug. 10, 2020, to 18 years in prison.

• The last defendant was sentenced to seven years in the Youthful Offender System.

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

A blessed brunch at Colorado Christian University

IVy Women hosts fall gathering on campus at Anschutz Student Center It was a beautiful fall day for IVy Women’s Fall Brunch catered by Bon Appetit at Colorado Christian University (CCU).

Attendees were invited to come learn what it means to take hold of Freedom in the Narrow. “CCU’s IVy Women gathered for brunch to raise money for the endowed scholarship fund and to learn from a few esteemed faculty members how they successfully impart wisdom, transform lives and ensure students graduate with courage competence and walk in Christ’s Freedom,” said Carrie Ann Newton who wears many titles at CCU including coordinator of IVy Women.

Mrs. Christina Sweeting, wife of Colorado Christian University President Dr. Donald Sweeting spoke via big screen due to a recent knee surgery

The esteemed panel of faculty speakers who have freedom to teach: Dean and Professor of Business and Technology – Dr. Mellani Day, Assistant Professor of Communications- Susan Pahlau, Dean and Professor of Education – Dr. Deborah Scheffel and Professor of Church History and Early Christian Studies – Dr. Megan DeVore (not pictured: Affiliate Faculty-Global Studies Dr. Sosamma Samuel-Burnett)

”You already hold the key to freedom!” parting gifts inspired fundraising

Photos by Scottie Iverson

“What is the converse of Freedom?

Bondage!”- Dr. Deborah Scheffel

Assistant to the President for Board and Donor Relations and IVy Women Coordinator Carrie Ann Newton shared a previously recorded interview with School of Nursing students Esther Teeuwen (left) and Eden Higginbottom (right)

Douglas County Republican Women inspired by former U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner The bright, engaging former U.S. Senator who defeated the incumbent Mark Udall in 2014 brought optimism, humor and joy to the last Douglas County Republican Women (DCRW) meeting of 2021 at Lone Tree Golf Club. “He is one of my favorite people in the world,” said DCRW President Barbara Piper of the attorney/politician from Yuma, Colorado. “It’s great to be in Douglas County!” said Gardner.”We depend upon you to champion our values,” he said of the many candidates running for elected office who were given time to announce themselves and their platforms. “400 years ago we celebrated Thanksgiving and we have a nation to be thankful and grateful for!”

He mentioned that he warned about socialism several years ago and what he had warned about is here. “The good news is people see through it (referring, in addition, to the trillions of dollars of new government spending, rising inflation and damage to the economy). The bad news is Democrats have power for another year. It took a pandemic to realize what was happening in our schools.

We have to be involved and our neighbors have to know elections have consequences!”

Former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, DCRW President Barbara Piper, Gerald and Judith Jergensen

Edie Marks and LaFawn Biddle welcomed by Cory Gardner Photos by Scottie Iverson

“We have to make sure we stand up for values and liberties that made this country great!” – Former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner

Nominating Chair Tanne Blackburn installs the newly elected DCRW officers: President – Barbara Piper, Recording Secretary – Susan Squyer, Treasurer – Diana Wiens, 2nd VP – Lisa Frizell, 1st VP – Jeanette NewVille, 3rd VP – Judy Allen and Corresponding Secretary – Deborah Mulvey. Not pictured: Wynne Shaw who will continue as IT manager.

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

Heritage Eagle Bend Clubhouse Holiday Craft Show

ABOVE: Douglas Rudig, Ph.D., teaches art classes at Heritage Eagle Bend. He also has a Families World Outreach Foundation and has taught art in Tanzania.He was an art supervisor and teacher as well as a Principal and then Superintendent of Schools in three districts for 15 years.

RIGHT: Katie and Dave West, recent residents of HEB along with their daughter Jessica Campbell displayed plush, wood Roxanne O’Neill O’Rourke - Art does paintings in oil, watercolor, signs and art from resin. Their home is highly acrylic, batik and mixed media. She loves to paint Santa’s and decorated with each changing holiday. has over 100 in her personal collection. ROXIEO3@comcast.net.

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Holiday Craft Show was held at the Heritage Eagle Bend Clubhouse on Sat., Nov. 13. Local artists spend endless hours preparing for this yearly show that is well supported by the residents.

After the holiday mart the club hurriedly decorated for the holiday season.

Liz German, owner/designer of Sassy Somethings and Veteran owned and operated presented some of her handmade wreaths & floral decor. Sassysomethings14@gmail.com

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PRESENTED BY TWENTY SIX YEARS

Our mission is to give Colorado children a magical Holiday.

Volunteers of America is collecting New Toys for children in Colorado this Holiday season.

Please donate new toys (ages 0-16) to First American State Bank at 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy, Suite 100, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or cash donations directly to Volunteers of America at www.voacolorado.org/toydrive Deadline for donations is December 17, 2021.

Every new toy dropped off to the Bank is entered into the drawing to win a signed bottle of John Elway Reserve 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon OR two Club Level tickets with valet parking to the Cincinnati vs. Broncos Game 12/19/21.

Serving Arapahoe County for 40 Years Keep up on your city, people, politics & social events

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Only $52 year

Call today to order your subscription: 303-773-8313 x301

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

KIND helps children regardless of ability to pay 109-Year-Old Nonprofit Helps Kids Smile, Regain Confidence Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND) has worked since 1912 to increase the oral health & happiness of Colorado children in need.

KIND typically serves 12,000 kids through three clinics and reaches students in over 100 schools with our Chopper Topper program. Not only are smiles restored; confidence and academic performance boosted.

KIND’S Chopper Topper program has come roaring back to life after being sidelined due to the pandemic.

KIND partners with Denver area elementary schools to provide this invaluable service for children with limited

access to dental care.

The mobile dental sealant program travels to elementary schools along the front range with student populations of 50 percent or more qualifying for the free or reduced lunch program. Dental screenings, preventive dental sealants, oral health education and referrals are provided at no cost.

Why are dental sealants important? Research shows dental sealants, when retained intact, are nearly 100% effective in preventing dental decay in permanent teeth, especially when used in combination with other preventive measures such as fluoride, and regular brushing. Placing dental sealants on children’s teeth protects the tooth enamel from the acids that cause decay.

KIND Executive Director

Nourish Meals on Wheels delivers meals to over 800 seniors and homebound neighbors year round The holidays are a special time for all involved, beginning with Thanksgiving, when over 2350 meals were delivered to nearly 500 neighbors who need a little extra support. A traditional Thanksgiving feast, over 1000 frozen meals for the long weekend and 850 breakfasts were prepared and delivered by a dedicated team

of volunteers and staff. A special dessert bag, decorated by local students, included extra treats and gifts along with a dinner roll and pumpkin pie.

The organization’s annual 12 Days of Giving begins December 9. Volunteers, students and the community donate, wrap and organize over 5500 gifts that are deliv-

Ellie Burbee said, “We’re driven by the fact that this care offers a definitive turning point in the lives of patients

nomic and health disparities beyond their control, pushes us to ensure the progress they deserve.”

Help KIND today! Our need for support in the wake of COVID has only increased

and your gifts mean more than ever. It takes over a million dollars for KIND to continue to serve thousands of children each year, and we critically need your support.

Please visit: www.colorado gives.org/KidsInNeedof Dentistry

new facility at the corner of Broadway and Arapahoe Rd in 2020, delivering over 14,000 meals monthly to 500 neighbors in need. They are on track to deliver 150,000 meals to the south metro community in 2021, ten percent more meals than last year!

However, the service provides much more than just a meal, offering a connection to the community and sense of security that someone is checking in, empowering seniors to remain living independently while improving their health through better nutrition.

Nourish Meals on Wheels is funded by local community

support and appreciates your donations. This year Nourish is participating in some exciting fundraising opportunities such as The Subaru Share the Love Event. Now through January 3, 2022, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities. Since Share the Love’s inception 13 years ago they have helped deliver more than 2.5 million meals to America’s seniors. If you’re buying or leasing a new Subaru this year, we hope you consider donating to Meals on Wheels.

and their families, representing a shift from despair and pain, to living a life happier and more confidently. We’ve always believed in the power of young people to unite us all. Their authentic energy, paired with the reality of ecoered daily along with meals for twelve days leading up to Christmas. It is a true community effort. Gifts include live poinsettias, sweet treats, gloves and handmade scarves, festive holiday napkins and tissue, holiday décor, calendars from the cities of Littleton and Englewood and many other useful, festive items.

This program is just one way Nourish Meals on Wheels works to let their clients know the community cares about them and they are not forgotten.

Nourish has been delivering more meals than ever since moving to their

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

p o h s o t s i t i n u f t a h Oh w Shop Local

Sheriff’s Office launches Christmas Toy Drive to collect toys for needy children in Arapahoe County Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas. That’s why the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Salvation Army in Centennial to hold a Christmas Toy Drive beginning November 22. We’re hoping to collect enough toys to ensure that kids in our own community of Arapahoe County receive gifts for the holidays even if their families can’t afford them.

“We want every child in Arapahoe County to have a memorable holiday,” says Sheriff Tyler Brown. “Un-

fortunately, some might not because their parents are homeless, have lost their jobs or simply don’t have enough money to buy gifts.

We’re asking our generous citizens to open their hearts and even if you drop off just one toy in our lobby, with your generosity, we can collect enough to bring a smile to hundreds of children this holiday season.”

Will you join us in making the holiday extra special for these kids in need? We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards from November

22 through December 18.

Citizens can drop items in the

collection box in our lobby.

Our deputies will personally

hand out the gifts to kids on December 18 at our headquarters. The kids have been personally invited by the Sheriff’s Office and the Salvation Army based on their family’s needs. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters is located at 13101 E. Broncos Parkway in Centennial.

Our lobby hours are 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Monday through Friday.

Centennial is collecting socks to help those experiencing homelessness

Join the City of Centennial in providing socks to those experiencing homelessness this winter.

Through December 17, the City is accepting new socks of all sizes to benefit the Sock It To ‘Em Campaign, a Denver nonprofit serving local homeless shelters.

Socks are the #1 clothing need of those experiencing homelessness. Having clean dry socks to wear on a regular basis is the #1 way to avoid the ER with a foot ailment. Since 2012 the Sock It To ‘Em Sock Campaign has given away over 800,000 pair of socks in 41 states.

Collection boxes are available at various locations throughout the City.

This year’s primary collection boxes are available at the locations outlined below.

• Centennial Civic Center: 13133 E Arapahoe Rd, • Collection Hours: 8 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday – Friday • Centennial Public Works facility: 7272 S Eagle St, • Collection Hours: 8 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday – Friday Additional collection box locations include: • Cakeheads Bakery: 7530 S

University Blvd #150, • Collection Hours: 10 a.m.— 6 p.m., Monday – Saturday • Metrum Community Credit Union: 6980 S Holly Cir, • Collection Hours: 9 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday – Friday; Saturday (9 a.m.—Noon) • The Village Workspace: 7173 S Havana St #600, • Collection Hours: 8 a.m.— 5 p.m., Monday – Friday • Centennial Hospital: 14200 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, • Collection Hours: 24 hours For more information visit: sockittoemsockcampaign.org

Centennial company honored with ALCC ELITE Award Designscapes Colorado recognized for partnership with Angels Among Us Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) recently recognized Designscapes Colorado at the 2021 ELITE Awards. The ELITE Awards is the only program of its kind in Colorado and recognizes statewide landscape companies for unparalleled professionalism, excellence and innovation.

This year’s award winners demonstrated outstanding commitment to the central values of our industry, even during one of

the busiest and most challenging seasons we’ve ever had,” said ALCC Chief Executive Officer John McMahon. “They have exhibited impressive environmental stewardsh­­ip as well as sound business practices and community service.”

The 2021 awards, an annual event for more than 50 years, recognized winners in seven different categories ranging from Sustainability to Residential Plant Design.

The Centennial landscape design company Designscapes Colorado was honored with the Gold ELITE Award for Commu-

nity Stewardship. The company received this award for involvement in Angels Among Us, a community program that gives gifts to kids who may not otherwise receive a present during the holidays. This is the fourth year that Designscapes team has encouraged its employees to take the name of a child in the nearby community and donate a wrapped present for him/her.

Several team members are also part of the annual distribution process. Each year the company has donated gifts as well as hat, glove and scarf sets to more than 100 students.

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

& OUR LOYAL SUBSCRIBERS HAVE BEEN GENEROUS SUPPORTERS OF NONPROFITS FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS Kids In Need of Dentistry has worked since 1912 to increase the oral health & happiness of Colorado children in need, regardless of ability to pay.

KIND typically serves 12,000 kids through our three clinics and reaches students in over 100 schools. We restore not only a child’s smile, but in turn boost confidence and academic performance.

www.coloradogives.org/ KidsInNeedofDentistry

Colorado Gives Day

BY LISA J. SHULTZ CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

I

finished a full year of enjoying many of Denver’s museums, galleries, art and culture venues and special exhibits. I loved sharing my 25+ visits and photography with the readers of The Villager. As a lover and supporter of the arts, I wanted to help elevate local nonprofits, so I helped The Villager’s creative marketing director, Susan Sweeney Lanam solicit and showcase worthy causes for the Colorado Gives Day campaign. I got to wear a sales hat and found it quite interesting and meaningful as I became acquainted with the mission of organizations with a passion to do good in our community.

Perhaps you have donated in the past to your favorite charities but have not participated in Colorado Gives Day and wonder why you

For over 27 years, bringing generations together in mutually rewarding relationships by enhancing the lives of nursing home elders through lifeenriching volunteer programs for youth, families, adult groups and individuals.

Donate on www.bessieshope. org or Colorado Gives https://tinyurl.com/55j9p242

should consider doing so now. By scheduling your donations through ColoradoGives.org, a $1 Million+ Incentive Fund kicks in. Each nonprofit that receives a donation on Colorado Gives Day will receive a portion of the fund, increasing impact and the value of every dollar donated.

The Villager is honored to bring to its readership an impressive array of giving opportunities in which you can select to support on Colorado Gives Day. Please look at the four pages of nonprofits who participated with us in this and last week’s paper. Jot down a list and then visit ColoradoGives.org. With one visit to the site, you can support many organizations! And you will have a handy, all-in-one donation list for tax purposes upon completion. Any donation will help and I can share, firsthand, how grateful these organizations will be for your generosity.

Denver Dream Center helps with next step processes such as jobs, peer coaching, resources, hygiene and other tangible items, community involvement and much more.

Visit www.denverdreamcenter. org to give today

History Colorado creates a better future by inspiring wonder in Colorado's past—by sharing powerful stories, honoring our state’s treasured memories, and creating vibrant communities. h-co.org/CoGivesDay

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver provides a home away from home for families with sick children. At no cost. For as long as treatment takes.

Donation link: https://rmhc-denver.org/donate

Continued on page 12

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

These kind and generous nonprofits open their hearts to make our communities better!

Continued from page 11

Continued on page 14

This holiday season, help the Dumb Friends League provide thousands of homeless animals with warm shelter, gentle care, and loving homes to call their own.

To give: https://www.ddfl.org/CGD

Support Local Scouting! 100% of funds stay local to improve camp facilities, subsidize programs, reestablish after-school programs, and invite more families to Scouting. https://www.coloradogives.org/ DenverAreaCouncilBSA

The Autism Society of Colorado creates connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

The connection is you!

Donation link: https://www.coloradogives.org /AutismColorado

December 7

Sweetfeet provides brand-new shoes to kids from impoverished neighborhoods.

Sweetfeet brings people together from all walks of life.

To donate: www.sweetfeetkids.com

The Denver Hospice is the leading provider of lifeenhancing hospice and palliative care. We help patients and their families get more from life. https://www. coloradogives.org/ denverhospice

Junior Achievement provides career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programs to students at no cost, delivered by volunteer role models who connect lessons to the real world. http://www.coloradogives. org/jacolorado

The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to the care and support of the 76,000 Coloradoans living with Alzheimer’s and to funding research for a cure. www.coloradogives.org/alzco/ overview?step=step1

Zuma’s mission states that “Through compassion-based education and animal rescue, CSI is a non-partisan research organization dedicated we are changing the perception of how horses to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s are trained and animals are treated while healing economy. By supporting us on December 7th, you are humans through our animal-assisted learning supporting free enterprise and individual opportunity. programs.”

To give: www.coloradogives.org/ http://coloradogives.org/ CommonSenseInstitute/overview ZumasRescueRanch

“The Parkinson Association of the Rockies connects and empowers people with Parkinson’s to thrive through educating, creating awareness, promoting research and supporting those with the disease, their families and the Colorado community.” www.coloradogives.org/ ParkinsonRockies

Colorado Pet Pantry is a statewide pet food bank helping to feed beloved dogs and cats whose families are struggling to make ends meet. www.coloradopetpantry.org/cogives

colorado chapter

Opera Colorado’s mission is to connect our Colorado community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and educational programming that is accessible to all. www.coloradogives.org/ operacolorado

Whether you frequent the High Line Canal for walking, biking, rolling or volunteering, the Canal offers endless opportunities for enjoyment and connection.

Give back to the Canal at ColoradoGives. org/HighLineCanalConservancy

Nourish Meals on Wheels makes every day Merrier & Brighter for seniors and the homebound with home delivered, nutritious meals and so much more! https://www.coloradogives.org/ NourishMealsonWheels/

HOPE FOR HOOVES Rescue and Adoption

Hope for Hooves Rescue and Adoption is a 501(c) (3) organization created to rescue and rehabilitate neglected, abused and abandoned equine and livestock animals in Colorado.

To donate: www.hopeforhoovescolorado.org

The Denver Turnverein, a 100 year old building and “Historical Landmark”. Donations made now will assure the preservation of this building for generations to come. www.coloradogives.org/ DenverTurnverein/

Freedom Service Dogs transforms lives by partnering people with customtrained assistance dogs, free of charge.

Your gift on Colorado Gives Day makes our mission possible. www.coloradogives.org/ FreedomServiceDogs

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

Continued from page 13

December 7 Students need to learn economics and personal finance to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Help us train K-12 teachers in these subjects so their students succeed.

To donate: www.EconLitCo.org

Support Military Families in Colorado! Since 1994, TAPS has provided care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes.

Help us at TAPS.org/Support

Music can also be the answer to at-risk individuals who need a way to engage their minds, calm their anxieties and strengthen their hands. Piano Pathways of Colorado works to help at-risk individuals fulfill their dreams by making sure they benefit from the joy and accomplishment of learning to play the piano. www.pianopathwaysorg/ donate/

Your donation to Volunteers of America Colorado is needed more than ever. From supporting seniors to families, VOAC provides housing or a warm meal. www.coloradogives.org/voa colorado/overview?step=step1

100% of your donation to the IVy Women Scholarship Fund ensures students finish their degree and pursue God’s calling, reaching the world with grace and truth.

To donate: www.ccu.edu/ giving/ivy-women Friends of Nursing awards scholarships to high achieving nursing students through nine Colorado Schools of Nursing. All donations go directly to scholarships benefiting the next generation of nurses!

To Give: www.coloradogives.org/ friends of nursing or www.thefon.org

SAVING FOOD • PROTECTING THE PLANET • FEEDING PEOPLE

Nutritious food should go to people, not landfills. We Don’t Waste recovers and distributes quality, excess food to feed hungry families and help the environment. https://www.coloradogives. org/WeDontWaste

In 13 years, A Precious Child has helped more than 342,000 underserved children. Help us continue to empower children by providing them with the opportunities and resources they need to achieve their full potential!

Here is the website link: BIT.LY/CGDAY2021 Continued on page 15

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

Continued from page 14

Denver Santa Claus Shop is an all-volunteer, nondenominational nonprofit giving toys to 13,000+ kids in need (newborn to 11 years) each December.

Please donate at: denver santaclausshop.org www.denver santaclausshop.org

Cherry Hills Land Preserve works to preserve and enhance local open space through education and stewardship. Our programs are designed to connect people with the nature we love and inspire future conservation leaders. https://www.coloradogives. org/CherryHillsLandPreserve/ overview?step=step1

Donate to the Denver Art Museum this giving season!

Your support helps us provide artful experiences that challenge and inspire, and provides a space that welcomes all. coloradogives.org/ DenverArtMuseum

December 7 CLC is a unique all-volunteer nonprofit. 100% of your donation funds ground-breaking research for a cure and patient services in Colorado. www.coloradogives.org/ cancerleague

Anchor Center for Blind Children is nearly 95% funded by donors like you. We teach visually impaired children (birth to age five) and their families, providing hope and a nurturing environment where children are able to reach their highest potential.

To give: www.coloradogives. org/AnchorCenter

CWEF provides scholarships to women aged 25 and older. In recognition of women’s professional sacrifices and resilience through this pandemic, help us support women as they have supported all. www.coloradogives.org/ ColoradoWomens EducationFoundation/

The needs, especially for eye exams, eye glasses and eye surgeries in the greater Denver metro area is tremendous. With more resources, the Denver Lions Foundation could reach more people. The Denver Lions Foundation has the capacity to administer significantly more funds.

To donate: www.denverlions.org

Bridges to Prosperity builds bridges to better lives in rural communities, helping solve a root cause of poverty for 1 billion people globally. https://donate. bridgestoprosperity.org/ campaign/crossing-onebridge/c372659

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

Costume & Holiday Superstore •Costumes •Masks •Props •Make-up •Magic •Unique Gifts •Gag Gifts •Theatrical Props, Sets & Lighting •Party Planners

www.reinkebrothers.com 5663 S. Prince St., Littleton 80120 303-795-5006 1 and a half blocks north of downtown Littleton Light Rail Station on Prince

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 17

How to track down an unclaimed life insurance policy

Dear Readers, Cyber Crimes and Current Extortion and Gift Card Scams.

EXTORTION SCAMS

Also referred to as imposter scams, scammers will pretend to be someone they are not and their method of extortion is to use scare tactics to get money out of their victims.

Two current imposter scams are the IRS scam and the tech support scam.

IRS Impersonation Scam

You get a call from someone who says she’s from the IRS. She says you owe back taxes. She threatens to sue you, arrest or deport you, or revoke you license if you don’t pay right away. She tells you to put the money on a prepaid debit card or gift card and send her the card.

The caller may know some of your Social Security number. And your caller ID might show a Washington, D.C. area code. The real IRS won’t ask you to pay with a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfers.

They also won’t ask for a credit card over the phone. And when the IRS first contacts you about unpaid taxes, they do it by mail, not by phone.

Keep in mind that caller ID’s are often faked, a ploy that is known as “spoofing”, to scare you into picking up the receiver. To prevent being taken in this scam: • Never answer the phone. Instead, let the message roll into voicemail and then delete it.

• Never send money, even if you believe it’s a legitimate call.

Don’t wire money or pay with a prepaid debit card or gift card,

SAVVYSENIOR

Dear Searching, Lost or forgotten life insurance policies are very common in the U.S. According to a study by Consumer Reports, 1 out of every 600 people is the beneficiary of an unclaimed life insurance policy with an average benefit of $2,000. It could be like finding out you have a secret savings account.

While unfortunately, there isn’t a national database for tracking down these policies, there are a number of strategies and a few new resources that can help your search. Here are several to get you started.

Search his records: on “Consumer” then on Check your dad’s fi“Life Insurance Policy nancial records or areas Locator”) that lets you where he kept his imrun a nationwide search portant papers for a polfor insurance policies or icy, records of premium annuities in the names payments, or bills from of people who have an insurer. Also contact died. There are also six

BY JIM MILLER his employer or former state insurance departemployer benefits adments (Illinois, Louministrator, insurance agents, isiana, Michigan, New York, financial planner, accountant, North Carolina and Oregon) attorney or other adviser and ask that have free policy locator if they know about a life insurservice programs that can help ance policy. Also check safe-de- you search. To find direct access posit boxes, monitor the mail for to these state resources visit the premium invoices or whole-life American Council of Life Insurdividend notices, and review ers website at ACLI.com – click old income-tax returns, looking on “Missing Policy Tips.” for interest income from, and interest expenses paid, to life Contact the insurer: If you insurance companies. suspect that a particular insurer underwrote the policy, contact Get help: The National Asthat carrier’s claim office and sociation of Insurance Commis- ask. The more information you sioners offers a policy locator have, like your dad’s date of service (see NAIC.org and click birth and death, Social Security because once you send it, the money is gone. If you have tax questions, visit www.irs.gov or call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

TECH SUPPORT SCAM

Commission.

45% of U.S. adults surveyed didn’t know or weren’t sure that gift card requests were scams.

• U.S. consumers have lost at least $245 million to gift card scammers since 2018, per the FTC.

THE LAW •

ABOU

Dear Savvy Senior, When my dad died, we thought he had a life insurance policy, but we have no idea how to track it down. Any suggestions?

Searching Son

BY DONALD PETERSON

You get a call from someone who says he’s a computer technician. He might say he’s from a well-known company like Microsoft, or perhaps your internet service provider. He tells you there are viruses or other malware on your computer.

He says you will have to give him remote access to your computer or buy new software to fix it. These scammers might want to sell you useless services, steal your credit card number, get access to your computer to steal personal files stored on the computer, install malware, or all of the above. To prevent being taken in this scam: • Never give control of your computer or your credit card information to someone who calls you out of the blue.

• Report the scam to the Colorado Consumer Line at (800) 222-4444 or the Federal Trade Commission at (877) 382-4357 or www.ftc.gov.

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

Many of my clients have asked what are the critical documents needed, particularly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply being married does not give you the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical

number and address, the easier it will be to track down. Contact information for some big insurers include: Prudential 800-7782255; MetLife Metlife.com/ policyfinder; AIG 800-8882452; Nationwide 800-8486331; John Hancock JohnHancock.com – click on “Lost or unclaimed policy form” at the bottom of the page under “Quick Links.”

division use Unclaimed.org.

If your dad’s name or a potential benefactor’s name produces a hit, you’ll need to prove your claim. Required documentation, which can vary by state, is detailed in claim forms, and a death certificate might be necessary.

Search unclaimed property: If your dad died more than a few years ago, benefits may have already been turned over to the unclaimed property office of the state where the policy was purchased. Go to MissingMoney.com, a website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, to search records from 39 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Or, to find links to each state’s unclaimed-property

Search fee-based services: There are several businesses that offer policy locator services for a fee. The MIB Group, for example, which is a data-sharing service for life and health insurance companies, offers a policy locator service at MIB.com for $75. But it only tracks applications for individual policies made since 1996.

You can also get assistance at Policy Inspector (PolicyInspector.com) for $99, and L-LIFE (LostLifeIns.com) for $108.50, who will do the searching for you.

decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package: 1. Healthcare Power of Attorney; 2. General Financial Power of Attorney; 3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and 4. Will (or a Will with a Trust).

Careful medical/estate planning should include preparation and signing of these documents, to accomplish your goals and protect you, both during your lifetime, and at the time of passing. The Power of Attorney documents allow you to designate those agents whom

you authorize to help you on your behalf during your lifetime, and the Will/Trust documents allow you to nominate others to help with your estate after your passing, as well as to identify the beneficiaries and the distributions to them, to accomplish your estate planning goals.

Selected information in this column has been taken with permission by Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc., from the Colorado Senior Law Handbook, 2020 Edition (Chapter 11: Arm Yourself With Consumer Protection Information, Amy Nofziger, M.A. and Barbara Martin-Worley, M.A.), which is a copyrighted publication and may be accessed and downloaded for free at: www. cobar.org/For-the-Public/Senior-Law-Handbook.

Happy Holidays, From our family to yours!

GIFT CARD SCAM

Scammers love gift cards. If you are asked to pay by a gift card, it’s a scam. To prevent being taken in this scam: • Anyone who asks to be paid with a gift card is a scammer, according to the Federal Trade

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SPORTS

PAGE 18 | THE VILLAGER • November 25, 2021

Cherry Creek Football Bruins headed to fourth straight state championship game

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

The two semi-final games of the 2021 5A Colorado High School Athletic Association were just as the rankings predicted.

On November 27, number one ranked Valor Christian defeated number four ranked Grandview by a score of 37 to 6 to advance to the state championship game.

Likewise, number two ranked Cherry Creek dominated number three ranked Legend to face Valor in the state championship. The score was 48 to 14, with all of Legend’s points being scored in the fourth quarter. The Colorado state 5A football championship game will be played on December 4 at 2:30 PM at Empower Field at Mile High. These teams also faced each other in the 2020 state championship, where Cherry Creek took the title by a score of 21 to 0. They also faced off in 2018, when Valor won by a score of 24 to 14.

Coming into the semi-final game, Cherry Creek Sports Network announcers Benjamin Parris and Matthew Anderson told us that in the playoffs so far Creek had scored seven rushing touchdowns and zero passing touchdowns. That changed with Creek’s first possession that ended after four plays with a touchdown pass from quarterback Christian Hammond to wide receiver Ky Oday that came with over eight minutes left in the first quarter.

On the next possession by Legend, Cherry Creek sophomore linebacker Angelo Petrides intercepted Legend quarterback Colton Warner at Creek’s 28yard line. Two plays later, Creek junior running back Carlson “Bubba” Tann ran the ball in for a touchdown. With 4:10 to play in the first quarter, kicker Boden Page hit the PAT and it was 14-0, Cherry Creek Bruins.

When the quarter ended, Legend was on the Cherry Creek 39yard line. After two minutes of

the second quarter, Legend faced a fourth down and nine yards to go, QB Warner handed off to running back Bryce Vaz who ran to the 11- yard line, but then Legend started going backwards. After an incomplete pass, it was third and long at the 15-yard line. After Creek outside linebacker Blake Purchase almost intercepted the ball, it deflected back to Warner and the ball ended up at the 25yard line on 4th down. Legend tried a field goal but it was no good.

With seven minutes to go in the half, Creek QB Hammond passed 20 yards to Ky Oday.

Now on the Legend 45- yard line, Hammond passed again, this time six yards to junior wide receiver Kyair Johnston. After the next pass to junior Arion Boyd resulted in a two-yard loss, it was third down on the 40- yard line and Creek took a time out to talk things over. The next play was a 15-yard run on a quarterback keeper by Christian Hammond to convert. After another time out, Hammond completed a pass to junior tight end Max Rodriguez, bringing the ball to the two-yard line. A fumble on the next play

by Creek’s Arion Boyd, who was manhandled by Legend linebacker Zach Runyon, was recovered

by Creek offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick, an Ohio State commit, who picked up the ball and scored a touchdown. It was 21-0 with just over 4 minutes left in the first half.

The next series ended with Legend punting from its 20-yard line. The Bruins started from their 13 with 1:26 left in the half.

After sophomore wide receiver Jordan Herron ran the ball 10 yards, Cherry Creek went no huddle and the next run was to the 25. Then Hammond launched the ball 75 yards to Ky Oday for Creek’s 4th touchdown of the first half, resulting in a score of 28-0 when the half ended.

The Bruins get the ball first in the second half. After passes to Bubba Tann and Cooper Pollard and runs by Bubba Tan, Arion

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Boyd, Ky Oday, Jordan Herron and Christian Hammond, kicker Boden Page kicked a 45-yard field goal, his longest ever. It was 31-0 with 7:16 left in the third quarter.

After Legend’s next series ended with a punt, Creek started out on their 28-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Bubba Tann ran 77 yards for a touchdown. The score took only 15 seconds off the clock. It was 38-0 Creek with 4:20 left in the third quarter.

When the fourth quarter started the score was unchanged

Cherry Creek Sports Network sideline reporter Reagan Knobbe interviewed wide receiver Ky Oday, who is currently ranked the second fastest player in the state and had two receiving touchdowns in the first half of the game. Oday is headed to CSU in the fall.

Halfway through the third quarter, junior running back Carlson “Bubba” Tann ran the ball 77 yards for a touchdown.

The scoreboard and the happy faces on the Creek sideline told the story of how the game ended.

but Legend was on the Creek 36-yard line. The first play of the fourth quarter was a 15- yard run

by Legend’s Bryce Vaz for a first down at the Creek 21-yard line.

Two plays later, Warner tossed it to Vaz and Vaz passed the ball to tight end Brecken Reiser in the end zone. Legend was finally on the board with its first points one minute into the fourth quarter.

After a successful PAT, the score Creek QB Christian Hammond ran the ball himself for a first was 38-7. down in the third quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, Ky Oday caught the ball in the end zone and ran it back 100 yards for another Cherry Creek touchdown.

He even picked up a block Senior George Fitzpatrick, who is 6’6”, 285 pounds and headed to Ohio State in the fall, from offensive lineman plays on the offensive line and even special teams. In this play, he recovered a fumble on George Fitz- the two-yard line and took it in for the touchdown. patrick playing down and 15 yards to go. A toss of the game, Creek put in a special teams. After the PAT, the number of their younger players. by Warner to Vaz and a perfect score was 45-7 and there was still When Creek punted the ball throw from Vaz to Legend wide 10:53 left to play in the fourth receiver Grant Liljehorn was with 6:45 left to play, Legend quarter. dropped, leading to a final score fumbled the ball on their own In the next series, it was third of 48-14. eight-yard-line, leading to a down and eight yards to go for If Cherry Creek wins the state Creek field goal with 4:26 left Legend on the Creek 48-yard line to play. title, it will be a three-peat that when Warner threw a long pass will tie the performance of the With 2:23 left, Legend made and hit wide receiver Brecken 1994, 1995 and 1996 Creek Bruit to the Creek two-yard line Reiser, who ran to the Creek ins. The semi-final was Coach with a second down before geteleven-yard-line, leading to anting backed up eight yards to the Dave Logan’s 101st win since other Legend touchdown and a Creek ten-yard line. An attempt- coming to Cherry Creek to coach score of 45-14. ten years ago. ed trick play went backwards During the last eight minutes fmiklin.villager@gmail.com again and left Legend in a fourth

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 19

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PAGE 20 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

Teenager is dead after exchange of gunshots in Aurora with former GV police officer

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

A

report filed by the public information officer for the City of Aurora Police Department (APD) on November 25 and not updated as of press time said that an altercation over alleged careless driving led to an exchange of gunfire between an adult subsequently identified as Adam Holen, 36, who was a Greenwood Village police officer for five years until he resigned on November 1, and a 17-yearold male that resulted in the death of the teenager and left Holen with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The Arapahoe County Coroner identified the deceased as Peyton Tyler Blitstein, dob 7/2/2004, and said the manner of death was homicide.

According to APD, on November 24 at approximately 10:30 p.m. they responded to the 4900 block of South Addison Way on reports of gunshots fired. Interviews conducted by investigators have led them to believe that the incident started after an argument between the former police officer and a group of teenagers “after alleged careless driving through the neighborhood.”

The argument escalated into one of the teens and the adult both producing guns, then

firing shots at one another.

Aurora’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit is still investigating what happened to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting and “who the primary aggressor” was. As of this writing, no arrests have been announced.

On November 26, the Denver Gazette published a six-minute video recording from the Ring.com doorbell at the home of Amber Roseborough, who is quoted as saying, “My daughter came in the door and said, ‘Mom, this guy is yelling at me for speeding and calling me sweetheart.” According to Roseborough, there were five teens in the car, including her daughter, and three ran into her house, while two others stayed outside and argued with the adult who had boxed in her daughter’s car on the street. The video from the door camera shows arguing, followed by the firing of at least nine gunshots in the street directly in front of the door, plus the four minutes that followed. It shows the adult saying, “Call an ambulance,” after the shooting stopped, moving his car out of the street, then returning to the scene two minutes later and attempting to render medical aid to the teen, who was subsequently pronounced deceased at the hospital. fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

GV Arts and Humanities Council plans $97K Cultural Arts Program for 2022

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Last spring, the volunteer Greenwood Village Arts and Humanities Council (AHC) developed a comprehensive survey to find out what types of cultural arts activities GV residents were most interested in. It was sent to all GV households; 713 responses were received.

Some of the comments residents made on their surveys included, ““The Curtis Center is a treasure, and public art in GV should be a priority,” along with, “Thank you for soliciting input,” and, “Would like to see an indoor concert venue.”

During the city council study session on November 1, members of the AHC shared a draft of their 2022 Cultural Arts Plan with the council. AHC Chair Beth Kirk told council members that 76% of the survey respondents said that cultural arts are significant or very significant to the quality of their lives.

Live music topped the list of what residents would like to see more of, followed by visual arts, theatre, arts education and public art. People said they were also interested in films and other cultural events. Kirk told the city council that the initiatives of the 2022 Cultural Arts Plan were based on the feedback from the survey.

A review of the actual survey results by The Villager told us more about residents’ live music preferences. It showed that they were most interested in attending live music events geared toward adults.

Rock music was the most popular, followed by jazz, classical and folk.

Continuing the presentation to the city council, AHC member

Sue Santori talked about the mobile concert series that began in 2021 with four live performances at different GV parks as well as Live from the Curtis Center that showcased some of GV’s musical talent in Saturday evening concerts at Curtis.

Santori shared that in addition to continuing those events, AHC is also planning Pop Up Theatre in the Park in 2022. Long term, they hope to offer a brown bag lunch series in the GV commercial areas where entertainment would be provided outdoors during the day for the city’s office workers and others.

AHC is also looking for a venue for indoor concerts for adults. Another idea they would like to try out is a program called Greenwood Village has Talent to allow GV residents to showcase their unique entertainment skills.

Longtime AHC member Catherine Huggins talked about visual arts. Currently, AHC has been doing seven separate exhibits at Curtis each year. They also expanded Art on the Green in 2021, created in 2020 in response to the health pandemic, to two days and 65 booths, which drew over 4,000 visitors this year. AHC’s long term vision is to expand GV’s Public Art Program by loans or purchases of additional art pieces. They also hope to expand GV’s studio project from only the Women of Steele (Street) tour to more studios around the city.

Recent addition to the AHC, 40-year GV resident and former Cherry Creek High School Principal Kathy Smith presented Arts Education. She shared that 1,680 adults registered for 577 art class sessions in 2020 and 1,700 kids registered for 173 sessions. She said that AHC would like to see more

guest speakers and lecturers in local schools. AHC plans to continue to offer two $5,000 scholarships every year for local students of the arts.

Long term, they would like to have an Artist in Residence who would work with schools, children and, adults.

AHC Chair Beth Kirk wrapped up the presentation to the GV City Council by adding that the survey showed that people are also interested in film so they are looking for places to show films and would like to spread it around to different neighborhoods of the city.

She also shared that she also hoped GV could produce “our own cultural heritage festival,” possibly focused on pioneers or Native American Indians.

Traditionally, cultural arts are funded by the city’s general fund and Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) grants. The AHC itself provides the funding for scholarships, juried exhibit awards and public art from its programming. This year, the SCFD awarded GV $71,768. That amount, together with the $25,000 included in the city budget, will pay for the $96,700 budget required for the 2022 Cultural Arts Plan. Kirk added that long term initiatives will require more funding, possibly from fundraising or partnerships.

Kirk closed her presentation by asking for feedback on the proposed program from the city council. All the members of the GV City Council told the AHC members that they were doing a great job.

There were no recommendations from any council members regarding any of the components of the 2022 Cultural Arts Plan. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Dr. Tony Frank Leads off speaker series

Call Carl Johnson to set up a tax planning meeting. 303-987-3626

BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER CSU Chancellor Addresses South Metro Denver Chamber Tony Frank extolled the virtues of higher education at the first South Metro Denver Chamber speaker series at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

The large audience dined on a fabulous catered meal provided by Jimmy and Lasinda Crane, owners of Cranelli’s Italian restaurant in Lone Tree.

Chancellor Tony Frank was the 14th president of Colorado State University and served in that position for 11 years prior to becoming chancellor of all systems in 2019 that includes CSU, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global in the DTC. Dr. Frank holds a veterinary degree from the University of Illinois, and a Phd. in pathology from Purdue among his academic credentials.

Leading off the chamber speaking series, Dr. Frank emphasized the value of obtaining a college education and the rich rewards in life’s happiness and financial success of college graduates.

He emphasized that making an investment in education is a wise decision, ranking among one of life’s major decisions that he described as a “Lifetime investment.”

CSU Chancellor Dr. Tony Frank answers questions from Centennial Council member Kathy Turley.

“Tuition has increased,” he said, “largely due to the decline of state aid to 20 percent.” He believes that about 50 percent of students graduate with student loans.

Dr. Frank related that CSU pulled off a major change in addressing higher education dealing with COVID-19. He is leading the University in seeking new partnerships such as the new CSU Spur campus at the National Western stock show facility. The new buildings will offer educational opportunities for K-12 students.

He stressed that CSU offers many options for financial aid to lower income students.

Looking to the future Frank believes that higher education will remain in strong demand and feels that education is entering “The era of the learner.”

To find out future South Metro Denver Chamber speaker programs go to w:BestChamber.com.

Ph: 303-249-8407

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 21

CANSTRUCTION What: Canstruction® Colorado is a city-wide competition in which architects and designers build life-size structures entirely out of canned food, which will be donated to We Don’t Waste and distributed to local communities at the end of the exhibit. Canstruction is sponsored by Boa Construction, Inc., Kephart, Whiting-Turner, and Stanley Marketplace.

When & Where: Canstruction® will be on display for roughly four weeks, starting Friday, November 12,

BELL MOUNTAIN RANCH

2021, at Stanley Marketplace.

Guests CAN stroll the hallways and enjoy the unique and creative sculptures.

How: Head to Stanley Marketplace to take in the CAN-tastic sculptures with the whole family.

Why: While you take in the displays at Canstruction,

enjoy knowing that all of the food you’re seeing will help Coloradans in need. Every can will be donated to We Don’t Waste, the Denver-based nonprofit that recovers quality, unused food and provides it to communities in need.

For more information, visit www.wedontwaste.org/ canstruction.

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PAGE22 18|| THE THEVILLAGER VILLAGER• December • December2, 2,2021 2021 PAGE

LEGALS LEGALS

—Continued from previous page—

Confessions of a wimp

BY DOROTHY ROSBY

I’ve been wondering lately if I might be a wimp. I’m not asking for your opinion, so don’t write and share it with me. I’ve just been considering the possibility ever since my sister and I compiled the stories our mother used to tell of growing up on the prairies of South Dakota. My mom was born in 1916 which was before online shopping, social media and frozen pizza came along. I think it’s a testament to her lack of wimpiness that she survived.

By the way, I know what you’re doing right now. You’re trying to calculate my age based on when my mother was born. If you guessed 29, you’re correct.

Anyway, after finishing our

project, I went directly to my laundry room and hugged my washing machine. Then I went to my kitchen and kissed my microwave, my refrigerator and my dishwasher. I would have kissed my cellphone too, but I couldn’t find it. Then I got really upset and wondered how I could possibly live without it for an entire hour until my husband came home and I could have him call me so I could find it. That’s when I started to wonder if I might be a wimp.

They didn’t have smartphones when my mom was growing up.

Or even landlines. Or even party lines. My phone is not only my chief means of communication, it’s my camera, watch, alarm clock, appointment book, dictio-

nary, encyclopedia, calculator and library full of time-squandering games. How did they ever squander their time without one?

One does what one has to do to survive and I suppose I would have managed somehow had I been around back then. But I know for sure that I would have griped a lot, especially about cooking. I gripe about that now and I don’t even have to grow, pick, catch, hunt and in other resourceful ways acquire my food before I can even put it on the stove. That’s what my mom’s family had to do, and it seems like a lot of trouble to go through for dinner. It makes my weekly trip to the grocery store seem like a cake walk—and sometimes it is.

And then there were the dishes.

Today’s kids argue about who has to load the dishwasher. When I

was growing up, I argued with my siblings about whose turn it was to do the dishes. If I’d grown up back then, I’d have fought with them over whose turn it was to haul water from the well to wash them with. That puts loading a dishwasher into perspective. I still don’t want to do it though.

I’d have had issues with the cars back then too, the main one being there weren’t any, at least not in my grandparents’ garage.

Actually, they didn’t have a garage. Maybe that’s why. And as far as I know, there were no heated seats in the buggy and no DVD in the back to keep the kids occupied.

Probably no GPS device either. I’d never have found my way to town.

And they couldn’t check the weather, look up useless facts and settle senseless arguments over what band was singing on the ra-

dio because Siri wasn’t born yet.

Also, because they didn’t have a radio.

If I’d grown up back then, I’m sure I would have complained that we had no central heating and air conditioning, no laptop computer and no television to watch the Hallmark mystery channel on. And my family would have said, “no what?” I’ve always been a wimp ahead of my time.

Dorothy Rosby is the author of several humor books, including I Used to Think I Was Not That Bad and Then I Got to Know Me Better. Contact drosby@rushmore. com. www.dorothyrosby.com Find me on Facebook Twitter Goodreads. Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time FIRST PLACE Best Public

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ARAPAHOE COUNTY ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County, Colorado shall make final settlement with psi Construction Management, Inc. for its work completed for Arapahoe County on the project identified as ACSO Fallen Officers Memorial. The work generally consisted of landscape services to include site work, irrigation and plantings.

Final Settlement will be made on December 21, 2021.

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 psi Construction Management or any of its subcontractors, or that has supplied rental machinery, tools or equipment to the extent used by psi Construction Management, Inc. or any of its subcontractors in or about the performance of the work done for the above-described project whose claim therefore has not been paid by psi Construction Management or any of its subcontractors may file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid with the Arapahoe County Attorney’s Office (on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners) at 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120, at any time up to and including December 20, 2021.

This Notice is published in accordance with Section 38-26-107 of C.R.S., and all claims, if any, shall be filed in accordance with this statutory section. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement and/or claim prior to the aforementioned date for filing claims shall release Arapahoe County, its officers, agents and employees from any or all liability, claims, and suits for payment due from psi Construction Management, Inc. Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Published in The Villager First Publication: : December 2, 2021 Last Publication: December 9, 2021 Legal # 10524 ___________________________ ARAPAHOE COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP-21-52 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLAN (COOP) DEVELOPMENT AND EXERCISE Notice is hereby given that the Arapahoe County Purchasing Division will be accepting proposals for the Arapahoe County 911 Authority for professional services to develop, deliver, and exercise a Continuity of Operations Plan.

The COOP is intended to assure that the public has access to 911 services that are reliable, redundance, and secure. COOP should enhance the ability of the Authority and its’ PSAPs to maintain operational capacity during a catastrophic system failure, (individual PSAP or County-wide) disaster, acts

of terrorism, pandemic/epidemic, cyber-attack, or any other event that may impact the PSAP’s ability to complete its mission as specified herein from a source(s) of supply that will give prompt and efficient service to the County.

A MANDATORY pre proposal conference will be held on December 14, 2021, 10:00 a.m., local time, via Microsoft Teams. Contractors are required to attend this conference in order to become eligible to participate in the solicitation.

All Arapahoe County solicitations can be obtained from the County’s website. The Request For Proposal (RFP-21-52) document can be obtained by going to the Arapahoe County website www.arapahoegov. com, then go to the Finance Department, and under the Finance Department select Purchasing then go to the Quick Link for the Rocky Mountain ePurchasing website.

Electronic submissions will be accepted online via Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing Systems (RMEPS), www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado.

Submittals must be received, electronically, no later than 2:00 p.m. local time on January 13, 2022.

The County reserves the right to waive any or all informalities or irregularities and to reject any or all submittals.

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Published in The Villager Published: December 2, 2021 Legal # 10525 ___________________________

COURTS DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 (303) 649-6355 Telephone PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest Of: ANA GUTIERREZ, JESUS AUCEDA GUTIERREZ, and LUZ GUTIERREZ, Children, and concerning BIURKA GUTIERREZ MEGIA, JESSY AUCEDA, JOHN DOE, and JOHN DOE Respondents.

Heather L. Tomka, Esq. #50963 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: 303.636.1895 Case No: 21JV278 Division: 22 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding Respondent Fathers, JESSY AUCEDA, JOHN DOE, and JOHN DOE is set for

January 10, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. in Division 22 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

Date: November 10, 2021 Heather L. Tomka, Esq. #50963 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: 303.636.1895 Published in The Villager Published: December 2, 2021 Legal # 10526 ___________________________ DISTRICT COURT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 In re: the Marriage of· Petitioner: Elisa Plata and Respondent: Juan Francisco Ruedas Lamas Attorney for Petitioner: The Law Offices of Rodger C. Daley and Associates Rodger C. Daley, Atty. No. 12226 Carrie Vonachen, Atty. No. 34844 724 East 19th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80203 Telephone: 303-831-1100 Case No.: 21DR31501 Div.: 11 Ctrm: SUMMONS FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE To the Respondent named above, this Summons serves as a notice to appear in this case.

If you were served in the State of Colorado, you must file your Response with the clerk of this Court within 21 days after this Summons is served on you to participate in this action.

If you were served outside of the State of Colorado or you were served by publication, you must file your Response with the clerk of this Court within 35 days after this Summons is served on you to participate in this action.

You may be required to pay a filing fee with your Response. The Response form (JDF 1103) can be found at www.courts.state.co.us by clicking on the “Self Help/Forms” tab.

After 91 days from the date of service or publication, the Court may enter a Decree affecting your marital status, distribution of property and debts, issues involving children such as child support, allocation of parental responsibilities (decisionmaking and parenting time), maintenance (spousal support), attorney

fees, and costs to the extent the Court has jurisdiction.

blanks and not changing anything else on the form.

If you fail to file a Response in this case, any or all of the matters above, or any related matters which come before this Court, may be decided without further notice to you.

C&lBy checking this box, I am acknowledging that I have made a change to the original content of this form.

This is an action to obtain a Decree of: Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation as more fully described in the attached Petition, and if you have children, for orders regarding the children of the marriage.

Carrie Vonachen, #34844 Attorney for Petitioner

Notice: § 14-10-107, C.R.S. provides that upon the filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation by the Petitioner and Co-Petitioner, or upon personal service of the Petition and Summons on the Respondent, or upon waiver and acceptance of service by the Respondent, an automatic temporary injunction shall be in effect against both parties until the Final Decree is entered, or the Petition is dismissed, or until further Order of the Court.

Either party may apply to the Court for further temporary orders, an expanded temporary injunction, or modification or revocation under§14-10-108, C.R.S. A request for genetic tests shall not prejudice the requesting party in matters concerning allocation of parental responsibilities pursuant to §14-10-124( 1.5), C.R.S. If genetic tests are not obtained prior to a legal establishment of paternity and submitted into evidence prior to the entry of the final decree of dissolution or legal separation, the genetic tests may not be allowed into evidence at a later date.

Automatic Temporary Injunction-By Order of Colorado Law, You and Your Spouse are: 1. Restrained from transferring, encumbering, concealing or in any way disposing of, without the consent of the other party or an Order of the Court, any marital property, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life.

Each party is required to notify the other party of any proposed extraordinary expenditures and to account to the Court for all extraordinary expenditures made after the injunction is in effect; 2. Enjoined from molesting or disturbing the peace of the other party; 3. Restrained from removing the minor children of the parties, if any, from the State without the consent of the other party or an Order of the Court; and 4. Restrained without at least 14 days advance notification and the written consent of the other party or an Order of the Court, from canceling, modifying, terminating, or allowing to lapse for non-payment of premiums, any policy of health insurance, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, or automobile insurance that provides coverage to either of the parties or the minor children or any policy of life insurance that names either of the parties or the minor children as a beneficiary.

By checking this box, I am acknowledging I am filling in the

Date: November 29, 2021

Published in The Villager First Publication: : December 2, 2021 Last Publication: December 30, 2021 Legal # 10528 ___________________________

SPECIAL DISTRICTS NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITYSET METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1 AND 2 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the CitySet Metropolitan District Nos 1 and 2 of Arapahoe County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that vacancies currently exist on the Boards of Directors of the CitySet Metropolitan District Nos. 1 and 2 (“Districts”). Any qualified, eligible elector of the Districts interested in filling such vacancy and serving on the Boards of Directors should file a Letter of Interest with the Boards of Directors of the Districts on or before Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the Districts’ Management office at 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, Colorado.

Forms of Letters of Interest are available and can be obtained from the CitySet Metropolitan District Nos. 1 and 2, c/o David Solin at Special District Management Services, Inc., 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80228, (303) 987-0835.

CITYSET METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1 AND 2 By: /s/ David Solin District Manager Published in The Villager Published: December 2, 2021 Legal # 10527 ___________________________ NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2022 BUDGET AND AMENDMENT OF 2021 BUDGET RIVERWALK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1-3 ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that proposed budgets have been submitted to the Boards of Directors of the Riverwalk Met-

ropolitan District Nos. 1-3 (the “Districts”) for the ensuing year of 2022. The necessity may also arise for the amendment of the 2021 budgets of the Districts. Copies of the proposed 2022 budgets and 2021 amended budgets (if appropriate) are on file in the office of the Districts’ Accountant, Marchetti & Weaver, LLC, 245 Century Circle, Suite 103, Louisville, Colorado 80027, where same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2022 budgets and 2021 amended budgets will be considered at special meetings to be held Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Any interested elector within the Districts may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2022 budgets and 2021 amended budgets, inspect the 2022 budgets and 2021 amended budgets and file or register any objections thereto.

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD

BY VIDEO/TELEPHONIC MEANS WITHOUT ANY INDIVIDUALS (NEITHER DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES NOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC) ATTENDING IN PERSON. You can attend the meeting in any of the following ways: 1. To attend via Videoconference, e-mail cwill@specialdistrictlaw.com to obtain a link to the videoconference.

2. To attend via telephone, dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter the following additional information: (a) Meeting ID: 927 6519 1654 (b) Passcode: 499376 RIVERWALK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1-3 /s/ Paula J. Williams McGeady Becher P.C. Attorneys for the Districts Published in The Villager Published: : December 2, 2021 Legal # 10527 ___________________________

MISCELLANOUS PUBLIC NOTICE HEALTHSOURCE OF DTC HealthSource of DTC located at 5105 DTC Pkwy, #305 in Greenwood Village has a retention period for medical records of (7) years past the last encounter date. Medical records with a last encounter date of December 31, 2014 or earlier will be destroyed on January 7, 2022.

Anyone wishing to request their original medical records must call (303) 290-0022 prior to the destruction date.

Published in The Villager First Publication: December 2, 2021 Last Publication: December 9, 2021 Legal # 10479 ___________________________

— End oftoLegals — Continued next page— —

December 2, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 23

DTC., 7801 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. Cost $32. Masks required in public areas.

ADESLKA INTRODUCES “DICKENS” A Family Holiday Experience, a one-night theatrical & experiential event inspired by the classic Christmas tale “A Christmas Carol.” Sat., Dec. 11, 4-8 p.m. A variety of activities from ice skating to a holiday market, gourmet hot cocoa bar, story time with Charles Dickens, and more. Four Mile Historic Park. Two theatrical performances of the famed “A Christmas Carol” narrative played out along the path through the park. Variety of food trucks & a full bar.

Tickets online on Eventbrite Tickets: $25 ages 4-11 and $50 ages 12 & over. Ages 3 and under free. The park is located at 715 S Forest St., Denver.

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT Nightly, Nov. 19-Jan. 8, 4:30-9 p.m., York Street. A twinkling winter wonderland.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

CHATFIELD FARMS TRAIL OF LIGHTS Nov. 26 - Jan. 2 5-8:30 p.m. Winding path glistening with lights. Lights synchronized to music in the children’s play area and two three-sided light tunnels. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

TESORO CULTURAL CENTER’S HOLIDAY EVENTS Dec. 5, Holiday Auction Party; Dec. 24, Las Posadas on Christmas Eve. The Fort Restaurant, 19192 Hwy 8 in Morrison. Dec. 24, 4-5:30 p.m. Las Posadas celebration commemorating Mary & Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. Info: 303-839-1671.

PARK MEADOWS IS MAKING MEMORIES Dec. 4 & 11. Holiday Scavenger Hunt Nov. 18-Dec. 18. For details: Visit: www.park meadows.com/events.

COLORADO BOOK AWARDS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS Awards are presented in at least ten categories. Submissions are due by Jan. 7, 2022. Books must be published in Oct.Dec. 2020 and 2021. Entry forms: visit the Colorado Book Awards webpage.

CENTENNIAL HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET Sat., Dec. 4, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free family-friendly event at Centennial Center Park, 13050 E. Peakview Ave. Purchase holiday gifts from local artisans and vendors. Family activities, cookies & hot cocoa, performances by local school choirs & fruit trucks.

THE VILLAGE TOY DRIVE Donate: First American State Bank, 8390 E Crescent Pkwy, Suite 100, Greenwood Village. Deadline for donations is 12/17/2021 CITY-WIDE TOY DRIVE Denver Santa Claus Shop is collecting new toys for local children in need. DSCS expects to serve 13,000 youngsters this year. Our mission is “A Toy for Every Girl & Boy. DSCS will have a “drive-thru” free toy giveaway in December. Families in need are invited to DSCS by local Social Service Agencies and Community Partners. DSCS serves children ages newborn through 11 years old and CANNOT accept any used toys or new or used stuffed animals due to COVID. Donations can be made online or in person.

UNITED STATES WOMEN’S CURLING ASSOCIATION is privileged to host the United States Women’s Curling Association Senior Women’s National Bonspiel from Dec. 1-5, 2021.

Thirty-two teams, 128 women across the USA. Opening Ceremonies and Welcoming Remarks begin Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 6:50 pm. Curling games will be played daily, closing ceremonies and final games on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 10:30 am., located at 14100 W 7th Avenue, Golden, CO BOARD & BARREL Arapahoe Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora. Saturday, Dec 4, Noon-6 pm, Tickets, $45 after Nov. 15, $50 at the door.

Arapahoe County presents wintertime event featuring a snowboard rail jam, premium barrel-aged libations, smores, great vendors. Get tickets online at www. arapahoecountyfair.com/boardandbarrel.

21+ event only. Pets prohibited. Rain, snow, or shine event – no refunds.

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER HOLIDAY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Tuesday, Dec. 7, 5-8:00 pm. Hudson Gardens. Call 303-795-0142.

CHERRY CREEK CHORALE presents Here We Come A-Caroling, Dec. 10-11, 7:30 pm. Bethany Lutheran Church located at 4500 E. Hampden Ave. in Cherry Hills Village THE ROBERT AND JUDI NEWMAN CENTER UNIVERSITY OF DENVER Kronos Quartet, Wed. Jan. 12 at 7:30 pm at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall Tickets start at $19 on sale at newman centerpresents.com or by phone at 303.871.7720.

ZUMA’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET Dec. 4, 11 am-4 pm, Zuma’s Rescue Ranch, 7745 N Moore Road, Littleton. Crafts, artisans, vendors, photos with Santa & the horses, Hot cocoa & hot toddy’s & treats, holiday music, and hay rides. Tickets $20.

Go to website link for tickets here https:// zumasrescueranch.com/purchase/ christmas-market-and-horse-show FRIENDS OF NURSING CHRISTMAS PARTY Dec 12, 4 pm, Welshire Inn Event Center 3333 South Colorado Blvd, Denver.

Christmas music by a trio. For ticket information, call 720-891-3412. Please make reservations by Dec. 6.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE Collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards from Nov. 22 through Dec. 18.

Citizens can drop items in the collection box in the lobby located at 13101 E. Broncos Parkway in Centennial. Lobby hours are 7 am-5:30 pm Monday through Friday.

TABLES EXTRAORDINAIRE20 Friday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sat., Dec. 4, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Presented by St. Catherine Philoptochos. Beautifully decorated Holiday tables and bake sale. $20 admission includes a to-go Greek pastry sampler. Advance Tickets, pastry pre-orders and donations at stcatherinechurch. org/tables Located at 5555 S. Yosemite St., GreenwoodVillage.

CHERRY CREEK REPUBLICAN WOMEN LUNCHEON Tue., Dec. 14, 11:45 a.m. Speaker: Suzanne Staiert, Chair of the Arapahoe County Republican Party. Also, Barbara Piper, President of the Colorado Federation of Republican Women, will be installing the new 2022-23 officers. RSVP Deadline: Tues., Dec. 7, 5 p.m. Double Tree by Hilton

LITTLETON SYMPHONY HOLIDAY CONCERT Friday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Laura Schleiger Concertmaster, Violin. Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Tickets, littletonsymphony. org CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD ROCKIES Now thru Jan. 2. Journey into Buddy the Elf’s world and help save the holidays, inspired by the hit Christmas film Elf TM. Moe than a dozen interactive activities.

Tickets: ChristmasAtGaylordRockies.com.

Marriot Gaylord Rockies also presents CIRQUE DEAMS HOLIDAZE to light up the stage in a dazzling Christmas show where a fantastical cast of characters comes to life in a beautiful wonderland. Tickets: Christmas AtGaylordRockies.com HUDSON GARDEN & EVENT CENTER FEATURES A HUDSON CHRISTMAS Now thru Dec. 31, select nights only.

Extravaganza of Lights featuring a dazzling display of lights, a winter wonderland inhabited by giant snowmen, a grove of dancing Christmas trees, holiday light tunnel anymore. Tickets: Hudson Gardens.org NEWMAN CENTER AT UNIV. OF DENVER PRESENTS Dec. 9, Christmas with The King’s Singers; Jan. 12, Kronos Quartet; Jan. 14 & 15, Dance Theatre of Harlem; Feb. 19 & 20, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Tickets: Call 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com Ask about other concerts.

SOUTHLANDS PARTNERS WITH AUTISM SOCIETY OF COLORADO Dec. 11, 8-10:30 a.m. A Sensory friendly Santa event. A noise-reduce visit with Santa to take photos. Sign-up is required.

Visit https://www.shopsouthlands. com/

Colorado Statewide Network

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact The Villager at 303-773-8313 LIFE INSURANCE

DIRECTV DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. One Year of HBO Max FREE. Directv is #1 Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) (some restrictions aplly) Call for more details! 1-888-725-0897 COMPLETE CARE HOME WARRANTY Never Pay for Covered Home Repairs Again!

Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE! $200 OFF! 2 FREE MONTHS! 1-877-374-4287

Up to $15,000.00 of GUARANTEED Life Insurance! No Medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company at 855-595-2161 or visit: www.life55plus.info/copa

DENTAL INSURANCE Dental Insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real Dental Insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do NOT WAIT! Call Now! Get your FREE Dental information kit with all the details! Call - 1-855-781-1668 AT&T WIRELESS PHONE SERVICE

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eventprograms/santa-photo/ Located at E-470 and Smoky Hill Road in Aurora.

ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY Thurs., Dec. 16, 5-7 p.m. at The Whiskey Biscuit, 3299 S. Broadway.

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST Jan. 28, 7-9 a.m. Marriott South at Park

Meadows. Plated breakfast will be served.

Tickets: visit best chamber.com/efb or call 303-795-0142 or email info@bestchamber.com Moderator, Kevin Pitts, Publisher of Denver Business Journal. Panelists, Henry Sobanet, CFO- Colorado State University; Elizabeth Gamer, State Demographer - CO Dept. of Local Affairs and Tuhin Halder, VP of Finance & Business Operations for Comcast Mountain West Region. Member Ticket: $75; Non-Member Ticket: $85 also Tables and Table Sponsors for sale.

2021 BMW 430i Convertible is a holiday treat

BY H. THROTTLE AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST

“The Ultimate Driving Machine,” is how BMW describes their vehicles and it certainly is a good description of the 2021 BMW 430i convertible delivered for the weekly test drive.

A great car to drive and enjoy. It was hard to return to the factory delivery crew on Monday after a week of enjoying all of the 430i features. Many treats in this $67,220 beauty, including the exterior “Portimao blue metallic” paint and the stitched black leather bucket heated seats and steering wheel.

The driving surprise was the extension of the seat belt for easy buckling, the mechanical arm just extends the seat belt that eliminates that backward stretching turn to find the seatbelt.

Another treat, especially for a convertible, was the ultimate neck warmer of hot air blowing from the upper head level seat safety pad.

All of these luxury features

just add to the real pleasure of the 2.0L twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine linked to an eight-speed transmission. Mode selections of “sport” and “eco” assist in achieving an overall 27 mile per gallon

ride is excellent on 19-inch tires.

Speed limit signs are posted on the windshield for easy compliance with the changing speed zones and the rapid acceleration of the twin-turbo engine.

fuel consumption. Other luxuries include the Harman/Kardon surround sound system and smart keyless recognition entry.

What is most enjoyable about the 430i is just the perfect harmony of engine and the eight-speed transmission. A quick shift with the variable transmission can result in choice of gear ranges for special hill climbing or descending.

The convertible has a low center of gravity and excellent ventilated 4-wheel disk brakes with the ABS system along with dynamic stability control. This is a fast car and the braking system is part of the overall car safety performance.

The steering is precise, and the

The backseat space is tight, the seats tilt forward easily for entry of placement of packages or smaller passengers. The trunk space is surprising spacious for luggage and golf clubs.

This BMW 430i is a treat to drive and can spoil any driver.

Final assembly for the engine and transmission are made in the final assembly of the convertible in Dingolfing, Germany. The vehicle comes with BMW “Ultimate Care” 36 month or 3-year no cost maintenance program. The car carries a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

If you desire to spoil yourself, take a spin in this beauty.

PAGE 24 | THE VILLAGER • December 2, 2021

Lois Iman, left and Woodie Noel, right. The Villager salutes Lois and Woodie, clerks of Glenwood and Cherry Hills Villages, public servants exceptionale.