12-7-23 Villager

VOLUME 42 • NUMBER 2 • DECEMBER 7, 2023

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“Bacon Flights Landing in the DTC”

Breakfast Brunch Lunch

4930 S. Yosemite St., Suite D1C Greenwood Village, CO 80111

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

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

As we celebrate over 36 years of being your fitness sanctuary, we’re filled with gratitude and pride.

Club Greenwood has been the preferred choice for countless individuals and families on their journey to better health and well-being.

Our commitment is to deliver programs and services to enhance your physical, mental and social needs.

Club Greenwood is dedicated to enriching the community through connection and fitness. We welcome you and hope to make you part of our extended family!

Your Health is our Priority Your Safety is our Promise Your Well-being 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 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

The Art of Close Reading“The boy with the fair hair lowered himself down …”

Those seven words, which open William Golding’s classic comingof-age novel Lord of the Flies, take me roughly thirty minutes to teach.

That is my introduction for freshmen on how to study literature at the high school level. After the students have had the book for a couple days, I propose we revisit the chapter and “read it aloud” employing reading strategies such as “asking questions during reading” and being metacognitive. They seem surprised but intrigued.

So, I begin. I read, “The boy ...” And then, I pause.

“So, what do you know?”

I ask. They seem confused.

“There’s a boy,” they say. But what does that mean? Why does Golding start with the word “boy”? Why not Ralph, as the boy is identified a couple pages later? The reason, of course, is that we must know him as a boy, not a man. He is a child – one who is still innocent – and he will come of age by losing that innocence when he recognizes and understands the darkness that is in man’s heart. Thus, by beginning with boy, and not man or person or Ralph, Golding establishes a potential bildungsroman.

“And why not a girl?” I proceed to ask. Would it be a different novel with a group of girls on the island? We discuss the more aggressive, immature, and potentially savage nature of boys versus girls. We ponder the drama that might arise among a group of adolescent girls.

We discuss the difference between boys and girls at all ages. I share stories of nieces who, as toddlers, would passively observe the flowers in my parents’ garden, whereas my nephews would walk right in, trample, even pick them. I point out that if there is a group of young children frying ants on the sidewalk in your neighborhood in the summer, it will most definitely be boys, not girls. And I share with them Golding’s answer when asked why he chose adolescent boys as his characters. “Well,” he said in perfect deadpan voice, “when you get right down to it, the fourteen-year-old-boy is the closest manifestation of true evil you will find anywhere in the world.”

We proceed. The boy has “fair hair.” Is that an important detail? In this case, the boy’s fair hair is a reflection of his demeanor and role in the novel. He is the “good guy.” Light is a positive motif, and in Western allegory light is a symbol of the forces of good in the battle of good and evil. Additionally, Ralph, the boy, attempts to establish a system of order and justice.

Thus, he is “fair.” However, the next point is that the fairhaired boy “lowers himself down.” Is that significant? Of course, it is. Just as light and dark are symbolic of good and evil in Western civilization, directions of up and down are, too. Thus, the boy - coming from civilization - is going down. This foreshadows and will symbolize man’s “fall from grace” as the boys on the island descend into savagery and wickedness. Additionally, the reflexive pronoun is sig-

nificant as the boy “lowers himself.” Our hero plays a role in his fall as all tragic heroes do.

Following this analysis, the class realizes my expectations for them in terms of close reading and the task of analyzing how the author uses language to achieve his purpose.

The boys are in an Edenic-like setting. It has been damaged with a “scar” from the airplane which crashed.

We discuss the connotation of “scar” and the idea that man’s actions have damaged the innocent natural world.

Other details include the boy shedding his clothes, trailing this sign of civilization behind him. The scar is a steamy bath of heat, and the silence is broken with a “witch-like cry” of a red and yellow bird. These particular words create an om-

inous tone, foreshadowing the evil to come and the fire that will also become a significant motif.

Ultimately, this class is time well spent, as the students are introduced to the ideas of close reading and style analysis. Expectations are set for studying literature beyond the elements of the novel on which they focused in middle school. They will eventually compose a written passage analysis of this first paragraph when they are asked to re-read the passage and analyze the way “the author uses language to convey his theme.”

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

The seven words which open William Golding’s classic comingof-age novel Lord of the Flies take me roughly thirty minutes to teach. This type of analysis is the expectation for “close reading” which emphasizes how authors use language to achieve their purpose.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY C NVERSATIONS

VISIT THE

Holiday Family Fun Day at the Fairgrounds Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center 25690 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016 Celebrate the holiday season at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. There is something for everyone—from shopping with local vendors, to craft activities, Santa meet-and-greet, petting farm, horse-drawn wagon rides, model train display, train rides, free hot chocolate and s’mores, face painting, food trucks, and tons of fun.

Tickets: $10, kids 2 and under FREE | arapahoecountyeventcenter.com Share the holiday season with neighbors in need! Donate a new, unwrapped gift for one free admission per household.

Sponsored by:

arapahoeco.gov

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

WEEK OF DEC. 4

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

Tis the season, “Have a list, and checking it twice, must find out who was naughty or nice…

And so it goes, many of us have lists of things to do, unfinished projects, and what to do this week. It is a busy time for all. It

is always time to honor nurses and their highly revered and honored profession, rated number one in America.

At the top of my list today is to thank the Friends of Nursing for a great celebration of this

organization at Eddie V’s restaurant this past Saturday. This holiday celebration is a prelude to the annual scholarships award program that this organization of nurses and friends of nurses will conduct on April 20, 2024, for

Amahl and the Night Visitors A holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.

Performed with a full orchestra.

DECEMBER 23 & 24 11 am | 1 pm

Central Presbyterian Church 1660 Sherman Street, Denver

TICKETS & INFO: centralcityopera.org 303-292-6700

students entering nursing schools. The goal this year is to award more than $100,000 for

BY BOB SWEENEY scholarships to assist students to become nurses. You can still make donations to this group at www. friendsofnursing.org/donate.

Saturday it was so good to see some of our very longtime friends, like venerable LaFawn Biddle who does so many kind deeds for many non-profit organizations. And there was our friend Greta Pollard who is a stoic supporter of Friends of Nursing.

The organization has a superb leader in President Melanie Wallace and family who planned the celebration dinner with her hard-working committee gathering the silent auction prizes from so many generous contributors. The décor of Eddie V’s was decorated with festive angels with flowers from Swiss Flower and Gift.

The invocation was given by Reverend Bruce Finfrock.

Taking a page from the program of events, sponsor LaFawn Biddle is at the top of the list. Radio personality Rick Crandall was MC for the after dinner musical program where he has served as host and MC for three decades. There was Greta Pollard again stepping up to sponsor her favorite nursing passion. Other sponsors assisting FON to reach their scholarship goal are Dr. Robert Damrauer, The Courtney C. and Lucy Patton Davis Foundation, Mike Fant, Brenda Olson, Regis University, Jerry and Jeannie Taylor Family Foundation, Melanie’s husband Doug, daughter Mandy Wallace, and sister Teri Carlson, and Western Credit Union, and many volunteers.

Following the luscious luncheon, silent auction, and Christmas “Shoppe” shopping treasures the friends gathered in the lounge area for musical presentations and holiday readings by Rick Crandall, with his deep melodious radio voice.

The musical magnificents were soprano, Christie Conover, and pianist Barbie Noyes.

Conover, a Miss America contestant, lives in Denver and is associated with the Eklund Opera program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Noyes matched the beautiful soprano’s voice with perfect keystrokes to “Ava Maria” and Christmas carols. Noyes has performed at Carnegie Hall and serves as the Postdoctoral Lecturer in Collaborative Piano at CU Boulder.

It is still in the holiday season and the real spirit of Christmas in giving, rather than receiving. Support your favorite nonprofits as the scriptures tell us. Thank you nurses for all you do!

The Villager

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

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING Sharon Sweeney sharon@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com Valerie LeVier — 303-773-8313 valerie@villagerpublishing.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Susan 720-270-2018 PHOTOGRAPHER Stefan Krusze — 303-717-8282 octaviangogoI@aol.com EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of Th e 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

A man should QUOTE of the WEEK never neglect his family for business.

– Walt Disney

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

Morning Story offers a delicious array of breakfast classics, infused with captivating plot twists that will leave you craving for more!

Step into our inviting space and indulge in a delectable morning favorite or a satisfying lunch, complemented by our exquisite selection of brunch cocktails, freshly squeezed juices, locally sourced coffee, espresso, and more!

SOME OF OUR FAVORITES… MORNING STORY COMBO Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffle, or Brioche French Toast, Choice Bacon, Sausage, or Ham ROMESCO AVOCADO BENEDICT Red Pepper Pesto, Spinach, Avocado, English Muffin, Hollandaise, Poached Eggs, Fresh Herbs BISCUITS & GRAVY Sausage Country Gravy, Cayenne Pepper Eggs, Buttermilk Biscuit, and Choice of Side TRILOGY Grilled Sourdough Bread, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Ham, Sausage, Hash Browns, American & Cheddar-Jack Cheese, Green Chile Queso, Choice of Side BFG BURRITO Scrambled Eggs, Chorizo, Hash Browns, Avocado Mash, Green Chili Queso, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Flour Tortilla

HUEVOS RANCHEROS Refried Beans, Cheddar Jack, Pork Green Chile or Salsa Verde, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Flour Tortilla, Eggs, and Choice of Hash Browns, Dressed Greens, Grits or Fresh Fruit BACON & AVOCADO OMELETTE Bacon, Spinach, Roasted Onion, Roasted Tomato, White Cheddar, Avocado Mash, Roasted Red Salsa AVOCADO TOAST Avocado Mash, EVOO, Sea Salt, Lemon, Fresh Herbs, Thick Wheat Toast, Eggs FLIGHT OF BACON Butter, Maple, Beer, & Sriracha CUBAN SANDWICH Pulled Pork, Ham, Fried Pickles, White Cheddar, Dijon, Grilled Hoagie BUTTER BACON BURGER Ground Beef, White Cheddar, Butter Bacon, Garlic Compound, Roasted Onions, Roasted Mushrooms, Mayonnaise, Grilled Brioche

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PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION SET RECORDS Packed Sheraton Downtown Denver with 1,500 and dedicated the 15th annual event to its beloved Co-Founder, the late Anna Maria Sie

Global’s Co-Founders John and Anna Sie at a past BBBY kickoff

FLEURISH

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Michelle Sie Whitten and her daughter Sophia Whitten (Not BBBY Chairs Luisa Law and Amanda pictured – husband Tom Whitten and son Patrick Whitten) Precourt Photo by Jensen Sutta

John J. Sie and his daughter Global President and CEO Michelle Sie Whitten at the 2023 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

2023 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardees Bobby Farrelly and Madison Tevlin

Celebrity Amanda Booth (past BBBY chair) with 2023 Global Ambassador Grace Brennan

Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake (past BBBY chairs)

Jandel Allen-Davis, MD and Peter Kudla (past BBBY chair)

Photo by Jensen Sutta

Karen and Rick Jacob

Reunited, award-winning anchors Mark Koebrich (retired from 9News) and Kim Christiansen (9News) were emcees

Auctioneer Grant Snyder

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

BE BEAUTIFUL BE YOURSELF (BBBY) FASHION SHOW Celebrated beautiful and brilliant models with their celebrity escorts - attendees from 16 states and 12 countries!

Celebrity John C. McGinley with model Riza Reji

Models Hope Victor and Vivian Womble with NFL Hall of Celebrity Alexis Floyd with model Celebrity Rob Lowe with models Famer, retired Denver Bronco great Terrell Davis who gave Aldo Canche Photos by Scottie Iverson Raphael Avery and Kate Winfield the Mile High Salute before scootering down the runway

LEFT: Celebrity Kevin McKidd with models James Pritchard and Clarissa Capuano RIGHT: Denver Broncos cheerleaders Emily and Ariana escorted model Ruby Plachta James Keith, Matthew Von der Ache and Kevin Iannucci from the movie Champions directed

by Bobby Farrelly

Celebrities Jake Borelli and Anthony Hill surround models Nick Martin and Andrea Fuertes

Miss Colorado Volunteer 2023 Karlynn Trujillo escorted model Alex Shankle

The runway stars of Be Beautiful Be Yourself

Photo by Jensen Sutta

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

The magic continues at the elegant Brown Palace Hotel

Colorado Ballet Auxiliary and Colorado Ballet’s festive, unique 33rd Sugarplum Ball

Alum Piper Wickliff with parents Katie Sugarplum Reagan Koelbel, sister Alum Harper Koelbel, sister Presley Dr. James and Shannon Johnson with daughters Lucy, with grandparents Buz and Sherri Koelbel, parents Fallon and Carl Koelbel Emmy and Sugarplum Tally Photos by Scottie Iverson and John Wickliff

Alum Anna Claire Ewert with (clockwise) brother Jacob, parents Michael and Suzanne Ewert, Susan Stiff and grandfather Howard Janzen (All set designs by Dave Barnes/Scenographics)

Twin Plums Evelyn and Adelaide Thu with Sugarplum Fairy Keara Nichols

Courtesy of Doug Wells Photography

Boo and Reed Dixon with daughters in matching dresses – baby Julia, Taylor, Rosie and Sugarplum Emerson

Sugarplum Program Chair Katie Johnson, Sugarplum Ball Chairs – Kathleen Hartmann and Hayley Servatius, Colorado Ballet Auxiliary Co-Presidents Christie Del Ciotto and Myra Skinner

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

Farm or Laboratory Being on a cruise where food is one of the main attractions, I decided beforehand that I was going to make this a healthy 73-day adventure. I was determined to stay away from sugar, bread and carbs and make every effort to get in my adequate number of steps to not gain weight. What a bonus it would be to even lose a couple of unwanted pounds and feel more energetic. This task was going to be daunting given the amount of food served, including the plentiful number of yummy desserts and ice cream socials the cruise company hosts during this trip around Africa.

Several years ago, I attended a nutritional seminar. The speaker blew me away with her simplicity and exuberance for health and wellness. It wasn’t about what not to eat. It was about eating and savoring REAL FOOD. Real food is defined as being grown or raised rather than processed.

She told this story about being with her son in the grocery store. The child was whining that he wanted the Captain Crunch cereal. Instead of saying no, she went over to the box of cereal, sat on the floor with him and told him that they were going to play a little game called, “Farm or Laboratory”. She read each ingredient on the box, her son had to tell her if the ingredient was from the farm or laboratory. When she read the last ingredient, all but one of the contents of the box was from the farm, the rest was from a laboratory in the form of additives and flavorings. The child decided that he no longer wanted the Captain Crunch cereal. She did this game with her children often. Soon they were laboratory and farm savvy, and they choose, on their own, to eat

REAL FOOD. According to this food expert, there are more than 75 additives and hundreds of flavorings to make food prettier, creamier, tastier, and stay fresher longer and this doesn’t even include sugar, salt, and fat! Some of these ingredients are more harmful than others.

Research informs us that eating too much of these ingredients can rewire the brain and change its circuitry. Yikes! It’s just too much to think about. What this nutritionist was saying is all you must remember is three words, EAT REAL FOOD. That is the simplest health plan I have ever heard!

This EAT REAL FOOD mantra has served me well thus far. I have been able to stay focused on eggs, chicken, lean meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, and fruit. Being one who dislikes buffets, I started to enjoy them as I go on a hunt exploring the vibrant colors of REAL FOOD. I do not feel as intimidated, out of control, or deprived. Staying focused on what I can have and what I should have makes it easier to make healthy choices.

This strategy can work well in other areas of our lives. Instead of thinking about what we don’t have, we need to focus on how grateful we are for what we do have. Instead of implementing anti-drug programs, perhaps we can ask heart-to-heart questions about what is happening in one’s life that would make an individual want to zone out.

Instead of instituting anti-bullying programs, perhaps we can teach skills to develop kindness and character. “Farm or Laboratory” let’s focus on what is real and good for us. joneenmac@ gmail.com

1 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY

Join us for an evening of giving!

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 5-8pm

209 Kalamath Street, Unit 9, Denver, CO 80223 Suggested NEW toy donation value $25 (ages 0-18) Cash donations go directly to Volunteers of America at www.voacolorado.org/toydrive Brewery Bar II dinner and open bar provided Sponsored by: Gruber Commercial Real Estate and First American State Bank RSVP to russell@grubercre.com or mgruber@fasbank.com by November 24, 2023

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

GV State Rep. Ruby Dickson quits one year after being elected

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

On November 24, HD37 State Rep. Ruby Dickson sent an email inviting her constituents to a community town hall on December 11 at Koelbel Library. She also shared that she had just become engaged to her partner Steve and included a note asking constituents to join her policy advisory committee, along with a solicitation, saying, “Support my re-election in 2024.”

Seven days later, Dickson announced that she will resign her seat in the general assembly effective December 11.

Her letter to the chief clerk of the Colorado House of Representatives said, “It has recently become clear that the sensationalistic & vitriolic nature of the current political environment is not healthy for me or my family.”

Section 2 of Article 5 of the Colorado Constitution provides that a vacancy in the legislature that occurs between elections is to be filled by a member of the same political party as the legislator who vacated the seat.

Traditionally, that has been accomplished by the political apparatus of the political party

One week before announcing she planned to resign, State Rep. Ruby Dickson announced she was engaged to be married.

for the district with the vacated seat naming the person to be appointed.

Soon after January 10, 2024, Democratic Party precinct leaders in State House District 37 will interview those who apply to serve out the balance of Dickson’s term, then announce their choice.

That term ends November 5, 2024.

According to Colorado Politics, 28 of the 100 legislators currently in the general assembly have attained their seats by being appointed by their party’s vacancy committee in the district they serve, including eight just this year.

Of the eight 2023 vacancy appointments, six were in the

The area in blue on this map is HD37.

65-member state House and two were in the 35-member state Senate.

Dickson, who was 26 when she was elected last year, was the youngest member of the general assembly during the only legislative term (2023) in which she served.

According to reports, Dickson worked for Governor Polis when he was a Member of Congress. She was a prime sponsor on five bills that became law during her sole session in the legislature: • HB23-1255 Regulating Local Housing Growth Restrictions that preempted

local regulations limiting the number of building permits issued for development; • HB23-1074 Study Workforce Transitions to Other Industries creating this body and funding it; • HB23-1225 Extend and Modify Prescription Drug Affordability Board that modified the affordability review process to increase the number of drugs for which the board was allowed to set upper payment limits and allow individuals to request an independent review of a denial of ben-

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efit for some prescription drugs; • HB23-1210 Carbon Management ensuring carbon management projects are eligible for certain grants and creating a roadmap on the topic; • HB23-1058 Child-occupied Facility Lead-based Paint Abatement expanding the definition to include more facilities at which leadbased paint must be abated.

HD37 includes all of Greenwood Village, Foxfield, and southern Centennial. fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

M E E T

ABOUT DR. DAUGHTRY Dr. Daughtry has been driven to be a caregiver since he was young.

From the time he spent caring for his horses, to the years spent as a physical therapist, he finds joy in his ability to care for other living beings. Dr. Daughtry grew up surrounded by animals. The majority of his childhood through young adulthood involved riding and training horses for equestrian show jumping. He deeply enjoyed being around and looking after animals. Motivated to continue in a career that involved caregiving, he chose to dedicate himself to helping people heal from injury and illness.

Dr. Daughtry graduated from Drexel University in 1999 with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. He spent the next eleven years of his life working with people rehabilitating from orthopedic, neurological, and cardiovascular deficits.

In 2010, Dr. Daughtry desired to “get back to his roots” of being around and caring for animals. Dr. Daughtry attained this goal when he graduated with honors from the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Since that time he has been practicing small animal medicine in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Daughtry’s interests include geriatric care, feline medicine, surgery, and dentistry.

When not in the clinic, he, his wife Julie, and his son Asher enjoy being outside skiing, hiking, backpacking, bird watching, and exploring the beautiful state in which we live.

"We look forward to creating comfort and happiness in our community by enhancing the health and well being of pets. Please join our family and allow us the opportunity to care for your furry loved ones."

– Dr. Daughtry

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December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Who is Deborah Flora?

On November 1, just ahead of her announcement that she is hoping to replace U.S. Rep. Ken Buck (he is not running for re-election in Colorado CD4) in the Congress, radio host Deborah Flora was the guest speaker at the Arapahoe County Republican Breakfast Club at Maggiano’s DTC. Flora said that what is most needed by those who seek change in our government is moral and strategic clarity, both of which are lacking in Democratic Party policies.

She believes the Republican Party has “the answers for everything that is plaguing our country, our state, our cities, our county, and the world.”

She said she agrees with President Biden that, “We are in the midst of a fight for the heart and soul of this country,” but, “This is our (Republicans’) moment. We are exactly what is needed at this time in this country and we will win if we stay the course.”

She shared about an experience she had when she visited East Germany before the Berlin Wall came down 34 years ago. She met a profes-

Deborah Flora at Maggiano’s DTC on November 1

Photo by Freda Miklin

sor there who told her he was afraid of his students because they’d been raised to believe that their first allegiance was to the state. Recently, she said, “We got very involved in the school freedom movement and what we saw there was exactly what this professor was weeping over.” She continued, “In the school system, what has been exposed…CRT is simply Marx’s critical theory covered in a layer of race so they can manipulate it…You slip people into groups, you put them into opposing sides, and you pit them against each other…Then the government has to ride in and take over—that’s how they gain control…It’s happening here. We know that.”

Flora talked about a movie she made, “Whose Children Are They?” which she de-

scribed as, “The crux of the crossroads we’re looking at when we talk about…separating freedom from Marxism. In the Marxist ideology, children belong to the state (which) has the right to form their very character and their allegiance.”

She contrasted that with what she described as the western Judeo-Christian ideal, which “is the foundation of civilization,” in which parents are the ultimate authority over their children’s lives.

Flora continued, “This started right after the Civil War…It’s taken that long to get where we are (but) it will not take that long to get back because Marxism is unnatural.” She went on, “The father of modern education is John Dewey (who) was a Marxist and loved the Soviet style of education. He is the lifetime president, long after his death, of the teachers’ unions and he started the teachers’ colleges.

That’s how we got here.”

According to a paper published on the U.S. Dept. of Education website and PBS (Public Broadcasting System), John Dewey, who held a doctorate from Johns Hopkins and headed the philosophy department of the University of Chicago, had a pragmatic philosophy of teaching that “put a premium on meaningful activity in

learning” and experience, rather than “authoritarianism and rote learning.” Those sources also indicated that Dewey believed in “learning by doing and development of practical life skills.” We could find no references to him being connected to teachers’ unions, although they existed during his entire lifetime, which spanned from 1859 to 1952.

Flora also told her audience only one of 85 new business items adopted by the National Education Association (NEA) in 2022 had to do with raising academic goals.

The Villager reviewed those 2022 new business items and found that they were generally political in nature, including: 1) “The NEA shall issue a National Call to Action to ensure that all students, educators, schools, campuses, and communities are safe from gun violence.” 2) NEA will support members who educate students and other members about the history, geography, and current state of affairs of the Palestinian people.” 3) NEA shall write a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, as well as the state Departments of Education to promote the appropriation of funding for Aspiring Educators to matriculate in an education preparation program.” 4) “NEA will publicly stand in defense of abortion and reproductive rights and encourage

members to participate in activities including rallies and demonstrations, lobbying and political campaigns, educational events, and other actions to support the right to abortion, contraception, and a person’s decision about their health.”

The common-sense solution that Flora hopes to see in education is the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the use of Educational Service Agencies, under which “the money follows the student, not the system.”

She described the DOE as “a money-laundering system” because, “the teachers’ unions give 98% to 100% of their money to Democrats, who then keep the unions in power, and it goes around in a circle.”

She encouraged people “to stand up for school choice.”

She would like to see “a parental rights’ amendment,” and wants to convince teachers to quit the teachers’ unions, “because we are at a crossroads between Marxism and freedom.”

Pointing to a group of local women she spoke to when she was running for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in 2022, Flora said, “Half of the room, just a few months before, were Democrats…We are winning this war…if we see what is really happening around us.” fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

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PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

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December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

Dr. Dusty - Columbine Hearing Care’s Hearing the Call Colorado - Jamaica

Audiologist Dr. Dusty Jessen, The Villager’s Voice for Hearing Care, has a heart for service. She is part of a non-profit organization called Hearing the Call.

Their mission is to bring hearing healthcare to underserved populations in the United States and across the globe.

Locally, Dr. Dusty and her Hearing the Call Colorado colleagues hold hearing clinics every quarter. Income-qualified Colorado residents receive donated hearing aids and follow-up services at no charge to the recipient. In the past 3 years, more than 100 people in Colorado have received the gift of hearing through this wonderful program.

Dr. Dusty also participates in global hearing humanitarian work. She has traveled to Guatemala, Brazil, and most recently Jamaica to provide hearing services in countries where audiologists are almost nonexistent. Traditionally, the Hearing the Call global initiatives provide the full spectrum of hearing care: examination of the ears, hearing testing, and fitting of hearing devices. Her most recent experience in Jamaica was a bit different. She traveled with a team of 3 other audiologists, and 5 support volunteers. Their mission was to test the hearing of preschool-age children in the Hanover Parish on the northwest side of the island, to measure the prevalence of hearing loss, and to determine if there is a need for hearing aid services in this region.

Dr. Dusty and her team tested the hearing of more than 150 children (and a handful of adults) during their 4 clinic days on the island. Most of their work occurred at a small preschool in the town of Hopewell. Preschools in surrounding communities bussed their children to this school so that all of the

children in the area could be tested. They also provided hearing tests for the parents and grandparents of some of the children, as well as for the children and

grandchildren of the teachers and other staff members. As often happens on these trips, word gets out in the community that a group of American audiologists is nearby, and new patients show up in hopes that they can take advantage of the rare opportunity to have their ears checked. In addition to testing hearing, Dr. Dusty and her fellow audiologists cleaned earwax from more than 50 children’s tiny ears, as the ears have to be clean before testing can occur.

According to Dr. Dusty, one of the highlights of this particular trip was that her 17-year-old son joined her as one of the support volunteers. He and the other members of the support team helped the audiologists by directing and entertaining the children, documenting the test results, and keeping supplies stocked. They also assisted with the testing as young children can sometimes be difficult to test.

Dr. Dusty shared that she fell in love with the Jamaican children as well as the Jamaican culture. She said that the children were well-behaved and respectful and that the adults were incredibly grateful for their services. The team learned that Jamaica is a very expensive island and the local citizens often struggle to feed their families, let alone be able to afford specialized hearing testing and hearing loss treatment. In the end, Dr. Dusty and the other audiologists identified nearly 40 children with hearing loss and they hope to return soon to provide the gift of hearing to these beautiful people.

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The Poinsettia

BY PATRICE MATTESON

The poinsettia, which blooms for only a couple of weeks in November and December, is one of the best-selling flowers worldwide. It’s especially popular in the U.S, where the market was worth an estimated $153 million in 2020.

Aztecs in the 14th century called the plant cuetlaxóchitl, which roughly means “leathered flower” in Náhuatl. They used it for warrior rituals and dyes, and the latex sap to treat wounds and help break a fever. The Maya, called it k’alul wits, which roughly translates to “fire flower.”

It wasn’t until the first Spanish settlers arrived in Mexico in the 16th century that the plant was specifically linked to the Christmas season. Native to Mexico, the plant was called Flor de la Noche Buena (Flower of the Holy Night) due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem.

According to Mexican lore, a young child, Pepita, did not have a gift for the baby Jesus at a Christmas Eve service. She was penniless, so all she could do was pick a bouquet of weeds to offer. The angels felt compassion for her plight. So, after Pepita set the flowers at the crèche of the nativity on Christmas Eve, the angels transformed the weeds into beautiful red flowers. This is why red and green are the colors of Christmas today.

The reason blazing red poinsettias are the Christmas flower in the United States is an accidental discovery by Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779 – 1851), an

American statesman and the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico in 1828. An amateur botanist, Poinsett saw the red flowers when visiting the Mexican town of Taxco, shortly before he was thrown out of the country for trying to buy Texas from the Mexicans for a million dollars!

Poinsett was so impressed by the beauty of these plants that he sent cuttings back to his plantation near Georgetown, South Carolina, where they were propagated and were called the “Mexican Fire Plant.” The plant was shared with botanical gardens and growers across the country. Soon, the plants became popular across the U.S. and were renamed for Mr. Poinsett.

The reason poinsettias became so popular is due to Paul Ecke and his inventiveness. Ecke, who lived in California, discovered a technique that caused seedlings to branch, resulting in a fuller plant. He began growing the plant in the tens of thousands for Christmas when other flowers were scarce. To promote poinsettias as a Christmas plant, he sent the crimson-leaved plants to TV studios nationwide, including “The Tonight Show” and Bob Hope’s holiday specials.

I have loved having a poinsettia in my home every Christmas, and now will appreciate and enjoy them even more. After reading all this history, I want to believe the story of young Pepita.

There is something magical in hearing about the creche and her heart to offer a gift to the baby Jesus.

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PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

Save the Date Sunday, Dec. 24th 4-6 pm

Kid Friendly Christmas Eve Service at Silo Park

presented by Covenant Presbyterian DTC • Petting Zoo • Candy • Craft Ornaments • And More!

EVENT INFORMATION Covenant Presbyterian DTC will be putting on a kid friendly Christmas Eve service with a short and sweet message, plenty of goodies for the kids and families (candy, craft ornaments, and more) and oh... did we mention a petting zoo! Silo Park's barn combined with animals from the petting zoo will really put the families and kids into the setting of Jesus' birth. The event will be held outside so please remember to bring warm clothes to bundle up for this great event! More information to come.

SILO PARK 9300 E Orchard Rd. Greenwood Village

ABOUT US Covenant Presbyterian DTC is a small, progressive church in the PC(USA) denomination. We value inclusion and being available to our community. Our church aims to work alongside our community for the betterment of those around. Every week we run a food bank feeding an average of 160 families a week, we help fund the Village Resource Center which helps with rental assistance for those in need, and we host community partners like Narcotics Anonymous, a Whee Preschool, and Dream Church all within our building. Our standard worship times are from 10-11am every Sunday.

COVENANT STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVITY We are committed to be a scripturally faithful church that reflects the heart of God and the attitude of Jesus Christ towards those who are marginalized. We will not only seek but embody nothing less than the full inclusion and full participation of all God’s people in God’s church regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental health, physical health, or neurotype.

Covenant Presbyterian DTC 5400 S. Yosemite St. Greenwood Village, CO 80111

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 17

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Visit denverbazaar.com for more info and to snag Shop & Sip tickets!

Visit belleviewbeergarden.com for more info on hours, weekly events & more!

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FSU snub stokes fire for expanded playoff

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The annual national championship basketball tournament is. indeed, “madness.” But the 2023 national collegiate football playoff is insanity.

Expanded playoffs can’t get here soon enough.

The final CFP ratings were announced Sunday, and unbeaten Florida State, champion of the Atlantic Coast Conference, was not one of the four teams chosen to compete for the title.

Two-time defending national champion Georgia wasn’t either, even though the Bulldogs ran a 12-game regular-season table before losing to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game by three points.

Nor were the Ohio State Buckeyes, whose only blemish against 11 victories was a loss to top-ranked Michigan at the Big House in Ann Arbor.

It’s hard to argue against Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines, who began and ended the season without their lightning-rod coach, who was suspended for a total of six games. They defeated East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, Penn State, Maryland and Ohio State without their coach on the sidelines, and beat a total of 13 opponents.

Or to disagree with including the Washington Huskies, who beat Oregon not once but twice, each time by a field goal, en

route to a perfect season and the final championship of the once-proud PAC 12’s existence as we’ve known it.

The rub comes with the other two finalists, Alabama and Texas.

Each has one loss, Alabama 34-24 to those Longhorns in the second week of the season, and Texas 40-14 to Kansas, whose Jayhawks are destined for something called the Guaranteed Rate Bowl the day after Christmas against UNLV. The reasoning—I can’t call it logic—behind leaving Florida State out of the playoff is uncertainty at quarterback. Starter Jordan Travis has a broken leg and is out for the season, and his backup, Tate Rodemaker, is recovering from a concussion that kept him out of the Seminoles’ 16-6 victory over Louisville in the ACC title game last weekend.

“Florida State is a different team than it was the first 11 weeks,” CFP selection committee chairman Boo Corrigan said, alluding to FSU’s uncertainty under center. “ . . . the committee voted Alabama four and Florida State five.”

“I wish my leg broke earlier in the season so y’all could see this team is much more than the quarterback,” Travis said on social media.

Florida State Athletics Direc-

tor Michael Alford lambasted the selection committee in a written statement. ”The committee failed college football today,” he said., adding: ”Wins matter. Losses matter. Those that compete in the arena know this.”

He could have added that Alabama got in by winning, while Florida State was left out, despite winning. ”The fact that this team has continued to close out victories in dominant fashion facing our current quarterback situation should ENHANCED our case to get a playoff berth EARNED on the field,” Alford said.

“Instead, the (playoff selection) committee decided to elevate themselves and ‘make history’ . . . by excluding an undefeated Power 5 conference champion for the first time since the (national championship game) era began 25 years ago.

“They chose predictive competitiveness over proven performance, subjectivity over fact.”

Saying he was “disgusted and infuriated,” FSU coach Mike Norvell asked: “What is the point of playing games . . . What was earned on the field (was) taken away because a small group of people decided they knew better than the results of the games.”

Florida State will play Georgia in the Orange Bowl December 30—a matchup that will rival Washington vs. Texas in the Sugar Bowl and Michigan vs.

Alabama in the Rose Bowl— the two playoff semifinals.

In fact, what are identified as the “Selection Committee Bowl Games” make a strong case for the 12-team playoff that’s supposed to begin next year.

Besides Florida State-Georgia, they include: Oregon vs. unbeaten Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl; Penn State vs. Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl; and Ohio State vs. Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

Alford made one comment that I disagree with.

“For many of us, today’s decision by the committee has forever damaged the credibility of the institution that is the College Football Playoff,” he said.

To the contrary, the exclusion of Florida State will stoke the clamor for an expanded playoff, one that won’t omit a team as deserving as the ‘Noles.

What better way to build interest and anticipation for what’s to come than to light a bonfire of controversy and indignation the year before?

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

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 19

Columbine High School Rebels are 2023 5A champs

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

Columbine High School won its sixth 5A state championship since 1999 on December 1 at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins by a score of 28-14, dethroning the Cherry Creek High School Bruins, who had taken home the 5A trophy for the past four years. Creek started their four-year run in 2019 with a 35-10 defeat of Columbine, making the victory a little sweeter for the Rebels.

Both teams came into the game with a 13-0 record for their season.

Creek was known as more of a passing team, while Columbine relied more on the run. That was evident from the stats coming in—Columbine averaged 315 rushing yards per game compared to Creek’s 218.

It was even more evident in the final stats for the game. Columbine had 250 rushing yards to Creek’s 107. Creek had 205 passing yards to Columbine’s 22. Yes, 22.

Columbine Senior Josh Snyder, who is a running back and a defen-

Creek senior running back Jordan Herron

Columbine’s Josh Snyder was the MVP of the game.

Columbine senior QB Reeve Holliday at Creek’s 32-yard line.

After successfully making a fourth and one conversion, Columbine was at the Creek 21-yard line.

Four plays later, Snyder ran the ball in for his and his team’s first touchdown of the game.

On the next series, Creek converted on a fourth and one with QB sophomore Brady Vodicka handing off to senior running back Jordan Herron on all four plays. After another series, Creek had to punt and Goeglen had trouble again, kicking the ball 22 yards. There was 2:26 left in the first quarter.

Snyder split some of the running duties in the next series with Columbine junior James Basinger, but as the second quarter started, LEFT: Coach Andy Lowry has been at Columbine for 30 years.

Cherry Creek Bruins take the field.

This was how the players looked as they completed the final snap of the game.

recovered by Columbine’s Hunter Hamilton with 10:15 to go in the second quarter. After seven run plays, Holliday threw the ball to the

first touchdown. After the PAT by freshman kicker Jolan Quintana, Creek was finally on the board and it seemed like the momentum had

This is the official championship photo, courtesy of Colorado High School Activities Association.

Elated players and coach hold up their 5A trophy.

Coach Dave Logan has won more high school championships than anyone in Colorado history.

sive back, also returned kickoffs and punted. It was no surprise he was the game’s MVP. The game started with Creek going three and out, followed by a punt off the side of senior kicker Thomas Goeglen’s foot that set up

Snyder ran the ball 46 yards in one play for Columbine’s second touchdown, making the score 14-0 in the Rebels’ favor.

Creek started the next series on Columbine’s 43-yard line. It ended with a fumble on the snap that was

end zone, where it was intercepted

by Creek senior cornerback Kiyon Jiohnston.

Then Vodicka completed a 40yard pass to Creek sophomore wide receiver Max Lovett. Five plays later, Herron ran the ball in for Creek’s

shifted their way.

Thirteen seconds later, Josh Snyder ran back the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for another Columbine touchdown and the score was 21-7.

With 2:45 left in the quarter, Vodicka completed a 42-yard pass to Creek senior wide receiver Tyson Mauck, which led to another Creek touchdown run in by sophomore Jayden Fox, and a score of 21-14 in favor of Columbine as the half ended with Columbine having run the ball 122 yards compared to Creek’s total of 82. Creek had 113 passing yards compared to Columbine having gotten zero passing yards.

The second half started with Goeglen kicking the ball off for a touchback, putting Columbine on the Creek 20-yard line. Two runs

by Snyder were stopped by Creek senior Luke Owen and Creek junior Aiden Knapke. Columbine continued to run the ball but only got to midfield after stops by Creek senior defenders Jake Howell and Angelo Petrides, along with Aiden Knapke.

It was fourth down when Josh Snyder punted the ball for Columbine after pretending he was going to run it.

Creek started the next series on their 10-yard line. After four more running plays, Vodicka completed another long pass, this time to senior wide receiver Tyson Mauck, who added yards after the catch to get to Columbine’s 12-yard line. It was fourth and six when Vodicka tried to run for the first down and only got half the yards he needed. Creek turned the ball over on downs on Columbine’s six-yardline with 3:55 left in the third quarter and the score remained 21-14 Columbine.

After Creek sophomore Tufanua Ionatana took down Columbine senior running back Mason Moreno on Columbine’s five-yard line, Holliday handed the ball off to senior James Cillessen, who ran it all the way to the Creek 40. On the next play, Snyder was stopped after a five-yard run, by Creek’s Angelo Petrides. The quarter ended with a Columbine fumble that Holliday was able to recover. Columbine fumbled again on the 18-yard line after a missed snap.

This time Creek recovered the ball but had to punt after only a 48-second possession and it was Creek kicker Quintana who had trouble this time, punting the ball only seven yards. Columbine started on the Creek 25- yard line.

Columbine’s runs on the next series were shortened by stops by Creek defenders Jake Howell, Eli Martinez, and Exodus Johnson, but in the end, Columbine got another touchdown, making the score 2814, where it stayed until the end of the game. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

PAGE 20 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

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Current exhibition, featuring six Colorado artists, on view through 01/21/24

INTERDEPENDENCE Give the gift of original art this season or add to your own collection today!

Our current show features items from $100 - $15,000. There's something for everyone!

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 21

2024 Toyota Tundra is King of the road The Toyota Tundra is a lot of steel, designed, engineered, and assembled in San Antonio, Texas. The attractive “Terra” paint with a black interior is striking in appearance. The four-door truck is a super-star vehicle for those wishing to drive a combo EV and twin-turbo truck that generates 437 horsepower with a 10-speed sequential shift.

This is the “King” of the road.

Along with the powerhouse V6 engine and electric generator the Tundra manages a 19-mpg fuel consumption average.

Multiple drive modes accommodate towing, multi-terrain challenges and crawl control. I spent most of my week’s drive in the “Eco” mode with acceleration to spare. The Tundra has an acceleration growl from the twin-exhausts that is pleasing to hear for truck avocadoes.

This is a large truck and takes some skill in city driving, especially parking, and the Tundra needs space to turn with a long radius requirement.

The best option of driving this truck is just cruising down E-470 attempting to follow the 75-mile speed limit with traffic whizzing by at speeds far beyond the speed limit. This is like a Texas Longhorn; it wants to run wild. With the power and speed this truck has an exceptional safety rating of

five stars.

The cabin is spacious with heated and ventilated and bucket seats. A heated steering wheel was appreciated on these cold mornings. A panoramic glass roof overlooks the the driver’s 8-way power adjustable seat.

Safety is top-drawer with the Toyota Safety Sense System that offers all the latest safety features. I especially like the school zone safety sign alerts.

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PAGE 22 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

LEGALS

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

Denver Friends: Denver Friends: Join Me for Pop Join Me forShow Pop at Up Trunk Tulip Cards & Gifts Up Trunk Show at

Tulip Cards & Gifts Friday December 8 to Sunday December 10 2312 S Colorado Blvd. Denver

Friday December 8 Meet Betsy is LIVE Saturday to Sunday 11 am to 2 pmDecember 10 2312 S Colorado Blvd. Denver Get a free signed art print with every purchase over $35.Saturday Meet Betsy is LIVE

Proceeds education of 11 am to 2support pm young women in Uganda via SITEAW

Get a free signed art print with every Find a wide array of my Art on Purpose onepurchase over size clothing and$35. accessories that will be prefect gifts for YOU, your family and lucky Proceeds support ofhuge friends. You will loveeducation Tulip and it’s selection of Colorado artists via andSITEAW their many young women in Uganda amazing gifts. Come shop and support my favorite Colorado business!

Find a wide array of my Art on Purpose one-

size clothing and accessories that will be prefect gifts for YOU, your family and lucky friends. You will love Tulip and it’s huge service. Prior to that, her husband, SUBMITTED BY KATHY TURLEY selection of1Colorado and their Voryartists Moon, served an additional 10 many Neighbors of District in the City ½ years. The Moon family are a true of Centennial, City Council Members amazing gifts.

Come shop support legend for theirand service and dedication my and community leaders in the Littleton Public Schools met this week to honor to the “birthing” and growth and defavorite Colorado velopment of the City of Centennial.

City Councilwoman Candace Moon business!

CENTENNIAL AIRPORT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority will conduct a VIRTUAL BOARD MEETING at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Please go to the following link to attend this virtual meeting: https://centennialairport.com/virtual-boardroom The agenda will include a Public Hearing on an application under Centennial Airport’s Development Policy and Application Procedures for Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Land Use (“Development Procedures”) from CREO Capital Partners Development Plan.

Information concerning these items may be reviewed at the Airport Authority offices by appointment at 7565 South Peoria Street, Englewood, CO 80112. To schedule an appointment please call 303-790-0598.

Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Published in The Villager First Publication: November 30, 2023 Last Publication: December 7, 2023 Legal # 11401 ___________________________ INVITATION FOR BIDS Sealed Bids for construction of the E. Crescent Parkway Repair Project, addressed to Goldsmith Metropolitan District, 8351 E. Belleview Avenue, Denver, CO 80237 will be received at the office of Goldsmith Metropolitan District, (Owner), until 1:00 p.m., local time, on the 28th day of December 2023. Any Bids received after the specified time will not be considered.

Bids will then be privately opened and read.

Bids are invited for the following: Orchard Road Median Landscape Project – Near 8575 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111. This project generally includes the purchase and installation of the following: removal and replacement of existing trees; soil preparation; mulch; construction of concrete landscape border; installation of boulders, shrubs, and ornamental grasses; installation of irrigation system; traffic and sediment control; and other.

Each Bid must be submitted on the prescribed Bid Form and accompanied

by Bid security as prescribed in the Instructions to Bidders.

A non-mandatory pre-bid and site visit will be at 1:00 pm on December 15th, 2023. Please bring your own personal protective equipment (COVID, hardhats, etc.) as it will not be provided (meet at 8351 E. Belleview Avenue, Denver, CO 80237).

The Successful Bidder will be required to furnish the additional bond(s) and insurance prescribed in the Bidding Documents.

For information concerning the proposed work and bid packages, contact Goldsmith Metropolitan District, telephone: (303) 773-1700.

Dated this 29th day of November 2023.

Goldsmith Metropolitan District By: Ken Lykens, General Manager Published in The Villager Published: December 7, 2023 Legal # 11405 ___________________________

Thank You Candace Moon who is term limited after 8 years of

They will be sorely missed.

Kathy Turley and Candace Moon

Don Sheehan, Robyn Carnes, Kathy Turley, Candace Moon, Amy Tharp, Mike Sutherland, Christine Sweetland

“It’s been a pleasure to serve the residents of the City of Centennial. The District 1 residents had the confidence in me to allow me to serve them for 8 years. I look forward to continuing to live here in Centennial and watch the community grow.”

– Candace Moon, City Councilwoman D1

December 7, 2023 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 23

ICE - FEATURING A CHRISTMAS STORY NOV. 17-JAN. 1 Christmas At Gaylord Rockies.Info: ChristmasAtGaylordRockies.com HUDSON HOLIDAYS & LIGHT UP THE NEW YEAR NOV. 24-DEC. 31. For the First Show. Flexible date tickets are on sale now. This option allows guests to purchase tickets now and use them on any future date of their choosing. This sale is only available thru Oct. 15. Tickets for specific dates will be available for purchase beginning Oct. 16. Santa will make an appearance most evenings, providing the perfect photo opportunity. The second show Light Up the New Year, will run Jan. 2-28 and will feature an entirely new, immersive light display featuring vibrant displays & upbeat music. Coffee and hot cocoa available. Beer, wine and cocktails for adults 21+, plus food concessions. Sensosry-friendly show night will be available on Dec. 10 & Jan. 11. Tickets: HudsonGardens.org/ holidays HUDSON HOLIDAYS & LIGHT UP THE NEW YEAR NOV. 24-DEC. 31. TICKETS: HudsonGardens.org/holidays KNITTING 4 PEACE ONE STITCH AT A TIME GIVING TUESDAY, (NOV. 28) AND COLO. GIVES DAY (DEC. 5) For 17 Years this nonprofit connects service-minded makers who create & deliver handcrafted necessities to families and communities in need, at home and abroad. The office is located in the Park Hill Congregational Church.

Since 2006 they have delivered nearly This nonprofit relies on donations for over 90% of their revenue each

year. Info: knitting4Peace@mailman. bloomerang-mail.com SoSu ARTIST COLLECTIVE AT THE STREETS OF SOUTHGLENN DEC. 7, 4-8 p.m. Holiday reception and weekend event featuring the workof Julie Vincelette, Julie Wojcicki, Kate Dulaney, Mar Knight Hall,Jill Mack, Sonia Fuentes and Janet Moore., The reception includes an art box give away on Dec. 7. Dec. 8 from 11-6 p.m. a portion of proceeds benefit Graceful Care in Littleton. Dec. 9 from 11-6 pm. bring in this notice for a 15% off one purchased item!

They are collaborating with Graceful Cafe this year at 2154 NE Commons Ave., Suite 306in Centennial . Follow on Instagram@sosuartists A WESTERN WONDERLAND EASTER SEALS BENEFIT DEC. 9, 6-10 p.m. 13th Annual Season of Lights Gala, Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E. Tufts Ave., Denver. Featuring the John Adams band. Tickets: https.//aesbid.orgELP/ LIGHTS523 Honoring Plante Moran & Michael & Amy Drennen who will receive the Jake Jabs Community Impact award.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAMILY FUN DAY DEC. 9, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Shop with local vendors, make-and-take craft activities, Santa meet-and-greet, petting farm, horse-drawn rides, model train display, train rides, free hot chocolate and s’mores, face painting, food trucks and more.

Tickets: arapahoecountyeventceneter. com Donate a new, unwrapped gift for one free admission per household.

CHERRY CREEK CHORALE “A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS.” DEC. 8 & 9. Pre—concert talk at

7:10, Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village.

Tickets: CherryCreekChorale.org The Chorale was founded in 1980 by former students and parents of the Cherry Creek school system.

The Chorale became a 501 © (3) organization in 1986. Now with 100 members their repertoire covers a variety of music.

BELLEVIEW STATION HOLIDAY BAZAAR DEC. 9 & 10, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. S. Newport St. & E. Chenango Ave. 80+ Local Makers, Outdoor Marketplace, Free Entry, Live Music, Market Bar, Heated Beer Garden. More info: Visit denver bazaar.com Snag Shop & Sip tickets!

BOOK SIGNINGS DEC. 10. Joseph Caldara, local author will have a book signing of “The Black Walrus “ series for ages 8 to infinity. Reveals the Blubbery Bane of Evildoers in every story. Barns & Nobles on Colo. Blvd., 960 S. Colo.

Blvd., Glendale.

THE VILLAGE TOY DRIVE DEC. 12, 5-8 p.m. at Gruber Commercial Real Estate, 209 Klamath St., Unit 9, Denver. 10 th Annual.

Suggested NEW toy donation value $25 (ages 0-18). Cash donations go directly to Volunteers of America at www.voacoloado.org/toydrive Brewery Bar II dinner and open bar provided. Sponsored by Gruber Commercial Real estate and First American State Bank. RSVP: to russell@grubercre.com or mgruber@ fasbank.com.

THE VILLAGE TOY DRIVE AT FIRST AMERIAN STATE BANK Deadline for donations is DEC. 15.

Donate new toys (ages 0-18) to First American State Bank, 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy, Suite 100, Greenwood Village or

Classified Advertising Colorado Statewide Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact The Villager Newspaper at 303-773-8313 HAPPY JACK Ad ToneKote to Dog & Cat rations to treat dry, scaly skin, doggy odor & insure winter coat.

At Tractor Supply® www.happyjackinc.com

AMERIGLIDE Don't let the stairs limit your mobility!

Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today!

1-877-418-1883

PORTABLE OXYGEN Portable Oxygen Concentrator.

May be Covered by Medicare!

Reclaim independece and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free Information Kit! Call: 844-823-0293

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET Free High Speed Internet for those that qualify. Goverment program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefit, Lifeline, Tribal.

15GB Internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free Shipping & Handling.

Call MaxsipTelecom Today: 1-866-654-9429

GUARANTEED TAX DEFERRED MULTI-YEAR ANNUITY UP TO 6% Rates change weekly, One - Five Year Terms

CALL LAVELLE KNIGHT Call 303-794-4084

LKnight@frontrangefinancial.com 2305 E. Arapahoe Rd. #235, Centennial CO 80122 cash donations directly to Volunteers of America at www.voacolorado.org/ toydrive.

EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT OF CENTENNIAL COAT DRIVE DEC. 11-15. Express will pick up donations Accepting donations of gently used coats, jackets and other winter clothing. Collection information: Call 303-768-0800 or Michael.Ollmstead@ExpressPros.com FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS EVE ACTIVITY; EXPERIENCE A CLASSIC HOLIDAY OPERA! “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

Saturday, DEC. 23 and Sunday, DEC. 24, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church in Downtown Denver. Tickets are on sale now and

start at just $12 for kids. Centered on themes of kindness, generosity, community, and hope, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” tells the story of a shepherd boy who has a propensity to tell tall takes and his mother. Details and ticketing info: visit Central City Opera’s website at centralcityopera. org/amahl.

KID FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT SILO PARK SUNDAY, DEC. 24, 4-6 p.m.

Presented by Covenant Presbyterian DTC. Petting Zoo, Candy, Craft Ornaments and more! The event will be held outside so dress warmly.

Located at 5400 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village.

Holiday season at Gaylord Rockies Marriott Resort This holiday season at Gaylord Rockies Marriott Resort guests can experience the magic of Christmas. The resort features wonderful family friendly events including ICE! and CIRQUE: Spirit of Christmas Show. This year ICE! features the classic film "A Christmas Story," guests can enjoy seeing the movie scenes and characters brought to life through incredible ice sculptures, ice tunnels and ice slides.

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas Show captivates the audiences with colorful dancers, beautiful costumes, and talented performers. If you are looking for a little Christmas magic be sure to visit Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, the events and experiences run through January 1st. christmasatgaylord rockies.marriott.com

PAGE 24 | THE VILLAGER • December 7, 2023

k n a Th ! u o Y hank You! T

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