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From Active Independent Living to our customized Assisted Living services, we offer living options to fit everyone’s unique needs. Outstanding Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing is also available on-site and operated independently by The Ensign Group, Inc. Here, lifestyle components including dining, social events, wellness and activities, and even traveling about town can all be customized for each resident. A wide array of amenities awaits residents at St. Andrew’s Village.
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Come explore St. Andrew’s Village, and choose with confidence to enjoy unmatched quality and exceptional value. Call 720.684.5913 to schedule a tour today and enjoy lunch on us!
Discover the heart of compassionate care at St. Andrew’s Village. Every person deserves an ally in life, and our team members, specially trained for this purpose, are committed to serving as that unwavering partner in care. Whether for yourself or a loved one, St. Andrew’s Village is dedicated to offering top-tier Independent and Assisted Living. Our residents’ well-being is our top priority, and we are here to be a friend to depend on when it matters most.
Welcome Home to Paul and Carol Archer
I attended a special event this past Sunday that was memorable. The occasion was an invitation from Paul and Carol Archer to attend their program at the Centennial Ward of The Church of Latter-Day Saints. The local couple have just returned from being LDS missionaries to Africa for the last 18 months. They spent time in Kenya working in many African communities.
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
attended by many leading citizens.
Publishing the local newspaper, we would always welcome young missionaries leaving home for a year as part of their education and LDS faith. Whenever we had a cooking contest the LDS women would win, but sometimes the Greek sheep women would offer stiff competition.
Fast forward again to Colorado State University and my senior year taking many
We became friends when Paul ran for State Representative several years ago. He ran a good race but lost the election. Colorado has become a “Blue State,” even here in Arapahoe County. After the election, he and Carol left their home and a huge family to serve as missionaries for their LDS faith. This meant being away from a thriving business and a host of family and grandchildren.
the Carthage jail in Nauvoo, Ill. at the age of 38. It is a fascinating story of his life, and death, and the emergence of one of the world’s fastest growing world-wide religions of our time.
Fast forward again to The Villager in Greenwood Village and the LDS wanting to build a Temple in the area that would serve the many Wards across metro area and the state. There was considerable opposition to structure decades ago over traffic and religious discrimination. Having a strong belief,
church has been significant, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is world-class. The Angel Moroney rests atop the Salt Lake Temple. The Angel is part of the story of Smith’s life.
While not a Morman, I sent two of my daughters, Sharon and Susan, to volleyball camp at BYU and they both ended up being top-flight, first-string athletes in high school. Sharon even tried out for the CSU volleyball team.
writing classes. Along with a creative writing class of short stories, I enrolled in a research paper project that would last a school quarter.
I have a long history relating to the Mormons as a native of Craig, the last town before entering Utah on U.S. 40. We had a large population of Mormons in Craig with an attractive church and
Hearing about the “golden plates” that led to the Book of Mormon, I chose to do a research project on the founding of the religion in the 1800s by Joseph Smith born in 1805 and murdered at
Wanda Fanning Allen passing
The Villager received notification that Wanda Fanning Allen passed recently. She was married to the late Larry Fanning, the acclaimed Western artist. Many locals have one or a collection of his paintings. His work was later sold in an art gallery in Beaver Creek. Wanda, a retired attorney, in later years worked with Larry in marketing his famous paintings. They were active in the local social scene and donated art to the Cancer League of Colorado Hope Ball for their live auction. Wanda is survived by her husband Larry Allen.
not only in freedom of the press, but believing strongly in freedom of religion… I penned some strong editorials about welcoming the Temple to the area and this quelled most of the opposition. The local LDS community thanked me to the extent of placing The Villager in the cornerstone time capsule of the Temple. Gerri and I were invited guests to the dedication of the Temple and we sat on the stage with Ezra Taft Benson, one of the top leaders of the Salt Lake LDS church, founded by Brigham Young. I completed my college paper with the death of Smith but followed the leadership of Brigham Young and the church success in Salt Lake City. As I recall, viewing the lake, he said, “This is the place.” I did the research many decades ago, and the growth of the expanding
Number of community banks in decline, due to regulatory burden
As the founder and CEO of a 30 year old community bank, I’ve seen the regulatory burden grow on community banks out of all proportion, to the point of take -over of our business decisions. Our business model is simple, uncomplicated and direct. Yet we have to comply with regulations for much larger, more complex banks. Further,
the regulations are nebulous and arbitrary, allowing examiners to interpret the rules any way they want.
Finally, we are controlled by a much higher requirement than any regulator can impose: We brought our own capital to start the bank and we are beholden to every person who owns a part of the bank and to every depositor
who trusts our bank, to act in a safe, sound and honest fashion. Finally, community banks are the last bastion of free market capitalism, of true individual empowerment to choose without coercion. We empower local businesses and individuals to attain financial success and independence. That individualism rankles the government-employee mentality. And we independent banks become the target of central-control mentality that
Back to the Centennial Ward service, featuring the Archers as main speakers. They both fell in love with Africa and the people who they came to help and cherish. They loved Kenya and one story from Paul related that on their departure they were missing one of their best female friends. Paul asked her husband where she was? “She has been home crying all day because of your leaving,” he replied. I heard that Americans do fall in love with the African people who have so little and are so loving of others.
I enjoyed the program; a highlight was about 30 of the Archer clan singing a hymn to Paul and Carol. My son, and two of his guests, enjoyed the service and we met numerous friends at the church.
I’ve asked the Archers to write about their adventure that will appear soon in The Villager with photos and commentary. They can share the love earned, and learned, in the African continent. Mission accomplished, and never to be forgotten. WELCOME HOME!
inhabits many federal employees.
There is so much more at stake here, than regulatory excess, but that is the cause of the decline of independent banks in our nation and the decline of free market capitalism. Where is John Galt, indeed.
Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank. He is a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. He believes there is a direct connection between individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.
CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com
EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com
Martin Niemoller
BY FREDA MIKLIN
follow FREDA
I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college. I am a 9-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.
17-year-old killed in shooting at GV’s Dayton Light Rail Station
According to a press release from the City of Greenwood Village, on February 11, at 3:12 pm, GV police (GVPD) received a call about “shots fired at the Dayton Light Rail Station at 4151 South Dallas Street. Upon arrival, officers located one male subject suffering from a gunshot wound.
A second victim sustained injuries from an apparent assault.” The following day, GVPD reported that a 17-year-old male had succumbed to the injuries he received during that incident.
On February 13, the city issued a follow-up press release stating that the second victim from that incident was a 14-year-old male who had been treated at and released from a local hospital.
It also said, “Neither victim appears to have ties to The City of Greenwood Village,” which may have sounded unusual to those not familiar with the history of the area near the Dayton Light Rail Station.
A 1976 annexation brought a parcel of land into Greenwood Village, north and south of I-225, near the north end of the city’s boundary. It included four undeveloped lots north of I-225. It also included the Dayton Light Rail Station at 4099 S. Dallas Street.
One of the four GV lots north of I-225 eventually became the parking lot for the Light Rail station. Two others are used as region al drainage facilities. The fourth parcel (outlined in
black, above), comprised of 5.78 acres, was de-annexed by Greenwood Village after 90% of the 30% of GV voters who participated in a special election last year, said yes to a request from Nova Plaza LLC, the property owner, to be de-annexed after the GV City Council said no to its request to build 80 moderately-priced condos on the land. Statements from city council members at that time sent a clear message that it would not approve any request for development there, then or in the future, even though the property was zoned Mixed Commercial.
The area north of I-225 is
The area in red is part of Greenwood Village, except for the portion outlined with black dots, which was de-annexed in 2024.
testimony to the city council about the proposed condo development in 2023, GV’s police chief pointed out that it took his officers more than twice as long to get to that location when they received a call for service, compared to virtually anywhere else in the city’s boundaries. For that reason, he supported the de-annexation. The impact
of the 2024 de-annexation was to place that 5.78 acres into unincorporated Arapahoe County, though it could be annexed by another nearby municipality (Aurora or Denver) with agreement from that city and the property owner. The Dayton Light Rail Station remains in Greenwood Village.
BY FREDA MIKLIN
follow FREDA
I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college. I am a 9-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.
Centennial moves forward with Colorado Boulevard improvement project
In June 2021, the City of Centennial adopted the Colorado Boulevard Orchard Road to County Line Road Multimodal Corridor Study, prepared for the city by Muller Engineering Company of Lakewood. Its goal was to “identify, evaluate, and select multimodal alternatives for the Colorado Boulevard corridor for inclusion in the City of Centennial’s Transportation Master Plan.”
The study’s objectives were to:
• Identify multimodal opportunities
• Reflect community character through design
• Embrace citizen participation
• Provide connectivity for bikes and pedestrians
• Improve safety for all users.
After the study was adopted, Centennial applied for federal funding from DRCOG (Denver Regional Council of Governments) to construct the first phase of the improvements on Colorado Boulevard between Arap-
ahoe Road and Dry Creek Road. In 2023, it was awarded a grant of up to $9.4 million for construction of the improvements as outlined in the project documents. 90% of the cost ($8.41 million) is to come from state and federal funds. The City of Centennial will provide a 10% match of up to $950,000.
Ten possible multimodal alternatives were created, then the best four were presented to the public for comment and evaluated in more detail. A preferred alternative emerged from that process that has since evolved to a design containing one vehicle travel lane in each direction with a center left-turn lane, and shared use paths in each direction for pedestrians and bicycles, buffered from the vehicle lanes by landscaping.
Centennial’s website contains the description, “This project focuses on a 1-mile segment of Colorado Boulevard between Arapahoe Road and Dry Creek Road. These updates include lane reductions and enhance-
ments to bicycle and pedestrian facilities, aimed at creating safer and more efficient travel for everyone— whether walking, biking, or driving.”
Centennial residents who left comments about this project between February 4 and February 14 said things like, “As a resident of the Knolls, I support this project. It will provide a safer route for kids going to school at Newton. I also think this will cut down on speeding, street-racing, traffic, noise pollution, etc.,” and, “I witnessed a Newton student crossing Colorado Blvd. two days ago who was nearly hit by a car. The student had the right of way. The car was using Colorado Blvd. as a race track as usual, running a red light. Thank you for considering this project to keep students safe.”
Others who left comments disagreed, saying, “This feels like another instance where the city is trying to solve a problem that does not exist. The new light at
Easter already serves to slow traffic. There are ample sidewalks already in place. I drive this road almost daily and as with pedestrian traffic, bicycle traffic is very light. I do not observe any conflict or contention between motor vehicle and bicycle traffic. Surely there are wiser uses for limited city funds,” and, “I believe this is a solution looking for a problem! It’s based on an outdated traffic count. Vehicle counts continue to go up.
To cut in half the car lanes in
Colorado GOP announces it is suing key members of its own party
A Valentine’s Day greeting from RINOWatchColorado, (RINO is a pejorative acronym for folks who have been deemed Republicans In Name Only), which describes itself as “the voice of grassroots Republicans,” announced that a lawsuit has been filed by the Colorado GOP State Central Committee (CRC) and state party Chair Dave Williams, Vice-Chair Hope Scheppelman, and Secretary Anna Ferguson, in their official capacities, in El Paso County District Court, “seeking to hold traitor RINOs accountable for their disgraceful and illegal attacks on the Party.”
Named in the lawsuit as defendants are six prominent Republicans: Eli Bremer, former El Paso County GOP chair who failed to wrest control of the state party last summer after a vote of the CRC to remove Williams and replace him with Bremer on August 24 was deemed not valid on September 25 by El Paso County District Judge Eric Bentley; Todd Watkins, former El Paso County GOP
Vice-Chair, who failed in his bid to advance to El Paso County Chair on February 8, 2025; Nancy Palozzi, former Jefferson County GOP chair, who did not run for re-election and was replaced by Rich Wyatt, a convicted felon and former reality TV star, on February 8, 2025; Kevin McCarney, former Mesa County GOP Chair who was elected on August 24, 2024 as new state party secretary at the meeting subsequently declared to be invalid by Judge Bentley, and who has announced a run for state party GOP chair in the upcoming spring election of the CRC; Kristi Burton Brown, who chaired the state GOP from 2021 to 2023 and is currently an elected member of the State Board of Education; and Brita Horn, previous Routt County treasurer and another announced candidate for GOP State Chair this spring.
The 43-page lawsuit alleges that the six named defendants were part of a group that went from majority to minority status in the CRC
when Williams was elected state GOP Chair in 2023, and that they used illegal and unethical means, assisted by former CRC general counsel Christopher O. Murray, utilizing his “apparent desire to keep a lucrative retainer, to effectuate a series of unethical, dishonorable, and fraudulent actions,” to advance the defendants’ desire “to cling to power.” It further alleges that the actions taken by the defendants, “disregarded the integrity of the state’s established mores of democratic decorum and separation of powers,” and also “violated both the CRC’s bylaws and Colorado law.”
Beginning on page 31 of the lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege that the defendants breached their contract with the CRC, abused the legal process using “fraud, malice, or willful and wanton conduct,” and engaged in identity theft, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, defamation, and a civil conspiracy, resulting in reputational harm to the State
GOP.
The CRC and the State GOP officers, as plaintiffs, have requested a jury trial, and are seeking economic damages, non-economic damages, punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
The RINO “Wall of Shame” posted on RINOWatchColorado’s website contains 22 names of well-known Republicans from all walks of life. It includes business mogul and owner of the Denver Gazette, Phil Anschutz, former U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, current U.S. Reps Jeff Crank and Jeff Hurd, Independence Institute President Jon Caldara, Denver Post columnist Krista Kafer, former GOP state chair Dick Wadhams, 2022 GOP Colorado gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl, and Deborah Flora, who sought the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2022, losing to Joe O’Dea, and the GOP nomination for Congress in CD4 in 2024, losing to U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert.
a time of increased use does not seem to be prudent!!! I believe this stretch of road is fine the way it is!!! Please do not spend money to make it WORSE!!!”
Centennial plans to finalize the design for Colorado Boulevard between Arapahoe Road and Dry Creek Road this year while also seeking additional public input via an Open House, tentatively scheduled for September 2025. Construction is planned to begin in 2026.
Diagram of existing and proposed design of Colorado Blvd. between Arapahoe Rd. & Dry Creek Rd. in Centennial.
Dave Williams
Hope Scheppelman
Anna Ferguson
Celebrating Our 75th Year
CHANGING THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE
At Junior Achievement we believe in “possible.” Each day, we work to help young people discover what’s possible in their lives. We do this by helping them connect what they learn in school with life outside the classroom. We let them know it’s possible to invest in their future, to gain a better understanding of how the world works, and to pursue their dreams. We show them that it’s possible for tomorrow to be a better day.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TO HONOR THE 2025 COLORADO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME LAUREATES!
Your support is a testament to our community's spirit of innovation and commitment to philanthropy. We hope to continue fostering relationships with community members like you who value free enterprise and the contribution it has made to Colorado's economic vitality.
As we shared at the event, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain (JA-Rocky Mountain) is celebrating our 75th anniversary this year. We are proud to inspire our community's young people to carve their own path and build a bright future for themselves and Colorado. The JA Free Enterprise Center, our state-of-the-art educational facility, prepares the next generation for economic success through our experiential student programs and motivates them to dream big by sharing the stories of the more than 200 Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureates. Please contact JA-Rocky Mountain President & CEO Robin Wise to schedule your tour.
Congratulations to the Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureates! We extend our gratitude for their dedicated commitment to the community and their entrepreneurial spirit. Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees who joined us to celebrate these remarkable individuals.
Celebrating Our 75th Year
Love at the Library
I call this story “Love at the Library,” but if you manage to make it through the whole thing, you’ll see that’s not quite accurate. I chose the title because we’ve just celebrated Valentine’s Day and because February is National Library Lovers Month. Also romance does get a couple of mentions and there is a library involved. But mostly though, I thought calling it “Love at the Library” might make it sound more interesting than it actually is.
in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Believe it or not, I was a good student—mostly. But the bigger issue was that my roommate had a boyfriend. The romantic life of roommates has sent more students to the library than algebra quizzes and English tests ever have.
world. I once wore two different shoes to work. And on several occasions, I’ve attempted to get into the wrong car because it looked so much like mine—gray with four wheels.
the seagull flying and balls rolling toward the sun and the tiles getting smaller and smaller.
I spent a fair amount of time at the library when I attended Augustana University
Like most libraries, Augustana’s had a variety of fine art on display, most of which I don’t recall. I’d like to say that’s because I was so focused on my studies but I hate to lie this early in my story.
The truth is, I’m not the most visual person in the
I admit these things to you so you’ll know just how remarkable it is that I not only noticed a particular painting at the university library, but that I can still picture it in my mind’s eye. The painting featured a long hallway with large black and white tiles on the floor and a green plant hanging from the ceiling. A seagull was flying toward the sun at the end of the hallway and two large balls, a blue one and a red one, were rolling in the same direction. I know nothing about such things, but I suppose the artist was demonstrating perspective—
2025 Mazda CX-5 is a smart family SUV
The more Mazda test vehicles that I drive, the better I like the brand. This latest 2025 Mazda CX-5 is a high-performance turbocharged model with all-wheel drive and loaded with many features. I’ve driven it during this recent snow and cold weather and it has all the winter weather options and a great heater and temperature control. The heated steering wheel and front seats add to the winter comfort on these below zero morning drives.
This Mazda CX-5 has final assembly in Hiroshima, Japan with all Japanese parts including engine and transmission. The craftsmanship of this SUV is excellent with “Machine Gray Metallic” exterior paint and
To be completely honest, after I left Augie, I remembered the bird as being a dove, not a seagull. That notion was corrected some years later. And it seems like a pretty minor mistake when you consider the above-mentioned shoe incident.
Anyway, I’m not sure why I was so drawn to that painting. Maybe to me it represented a light at the end of the tunnel that was my academic existence. Or maybe its geometric neatness appealed to me at a time when I felt overwhelmed by the busyness of college life. Or maybe it was magic.
About five years after I graduated, I happened to meet
a charming, handsome guy who was working as a picture framer at an art gallery in my community. It might not have been love at first sight, but it was an instant crush. I told you the story involved romance.
We chatted about this and that and I discovered that he had also graduated from Augustana, though seven years before I had. I learned that he had studied art and at some point in the relationship that followed, I learned that he had painted the painting I’d loved so much back at Augustana. So…I went ahead and married him.
Dorothy Rosby is the author of I Used to Think I Was Not That Bad and Then I Got to Know Me Better and other books. Contact her at www. dorothyrosby.com/contact.
“Caturra Brown” interior trim. The smaller SUV can seat five passengers seats heated and cooled. Comfort controls on the front passenger leather trimmed seats. Front and rear UBS charging stations. A 10.25 color center console controls many vehicle applications,
including the BOSE 10 speaker system.
The power train is a 2.5L
dles flawlessly at high freeway speeds with all wheel drive and front and rear stabilizer bars.
Skyactiv turbo engine that produces 227 horsepower with Skyactiv versatile drive with drive, sport, and off-road modes and steering wheel paddle shifters. The car han-
Operationalizing Love
Celebrating Valentine’s Day reminds me that love is often romanticized as a mysterious, spontaneous, and intangible feeling. However, love is increasingly seen as operationalized in psychology, sociology, business, and leadership, meaning it can be broken down into actionable behaviors that demonstrate care, respect, and commitment. While love is frequently associated with romance and sexuality, actual loving behaviors transcend physical intimacy and are deeply rooted in emotional presence, support, and intentional actions.
The concept of operationalizing love stems from psychology and relationship studies, particularly the works of Dr. Gary Chapman. He identified five love languages:
words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. His work helped shift the perception of love from an abstract feeling to a series of observable and repeatable behaviors. Beyond personal relationships, this concept has been embraced in organizational leadership and social work. Scholars advocate love as a verb, emphasizing that love is an action rather than a passive emotion. Similarly, philosophers explored love as a skill that requires discipline, patience, and practice. These perspectives lay the foundation for operationalizing love in romantic relationships, friendships, families, and
even workplaces. Love is often confused with sexual attraction, but the two are not synonymous. While sexual intimacy can be an expression of love and connection, it is only one of many ways to show care and commitment. The actions that define love are to make a person feel seen, heard, understood, supported, honored, and valued.
Doing something thoughtful for another person without being asked is a tangible way to show love. This could be as simple as cooking a meal, offering to help with a project, or taking care of small but meaningful tasks. Service-oriented love demonstrates reliability and consideration. Being present for someone during difficult times, offering
The CX-5 has both dynamic stability control and traction controls systems.
Safety and technology are prime considerations with 360 view monitor, very handy in crowded parking lot. A plethora of safety feature include driver’s attention alerts and blind spot monitoring. Traffic sign recognition is very handy with many school zone alerts. Airbags are located front, side, and rear with side airbag curtains. With the turbo power and five passenger seating, this is
a family car with a sport’s car feel. Extensive safety features, and LED lights all around, with automatic high beam control for easier night driving. The car has advanced technology in every field with the SUV design and all-wheel drive, and a competitive price of $42,750 with all options included, except the metallic paint, for an extra $595. I drove this car many miles during the recent nasty cold weather and it was excellent. The heating system was outstanding and it warmed up almost instantly with the heated seats being very comfortable. This is a very sound all-around vehicle with Mazda’s superior engineering. A solid car for Colorado weather and highways.
encouragement, and validating feelings are powerful expressions of love. Emotional safety, availability, and reassurance help to build trust and deepen attachment and connectedness.
Non-sexual physical touch, such as hugs, holding hands, or a reassuring pat on the back, conveys warmth and comfort. When appropriate and consensual, these gestures can be as meaningful as words. Spending quality time together, engaging in shared hobbies, or simply enjoying each other’s presence strengthens relationships.
Telling someone you appreciate them, acknowledging their efforts, and affirming their worth reinforces love verbally and in writing. Simple statements like “I appreciate you” or “I’m grateful for you” can have a lasting impact as it touches the heart.
Action-oriented love recognizes and honors others’ personal boundaries. It gives people space when needed, respects their autonomy, shows patience, and communicates deep care and understanding.
Genuine love seeks the well-being and flourishing of the other person. Encouraging their dreams, supporting their personal growth, and celebrating their successes reflect an investment in their happiness and fulfillment. Operationalizing love means transforming it from a vague concept into concrete behavior. Love is not just about grand gestures but is enhanced in everyday moments of kindness, respect, and support. This Valentine’s Day has come and gone. All the candy, hearts, and flowers cannot hold a candle to operationalizing loving behaviors consistently and selflessly. joneen@narme.org
By H. Throttle
Can Rockies be ’25’s Kansas City Royals?
In 2024 the Colorado Rockies had a total payroll budget of just over $146 million for the 40man roster, according to Spotrac.com. Their 26-man active payroll was calculated to be $79.5 million.
season.
payroll around $110 million, it’s important to remember what else can influence a team.
But, despite that big budget, they lost more than a hundred games for the second straight year, finishing 61-101.
Kansas City, Cleveland, Baltimore, Detroit and Milwaukee all had lower 40-man payrolls, between $96.96 and $122.57 million. And all except Kansas City were below the Rockies in 26-man active salaries, ranging from $33.2 to $71.4 million.
Yet all five had winning records—as many as 93 wins and no fewer than 86—and all made the postseason.
While everyone considers the Dodgers, with their morethan-$300 million payroll heading into 2025, the handsdown favorite to win another World Series, money is not the sole determinant of a team’s success.
Among other factors are young players’ maturation and corresponding improvement, surprising individual performances (both good and bad), injuries and, simply, luck.
As the Rockies prepare to play their first game of 2025 spring training tomorrow, with a beginning 40-man
Kansas City is the best example. The Royals finished 56-106 in 2023. A year later—with only two new faces in the batting order—they made a 30-game improvement, finishing 86-76.
Veteran catcher Salvador Perez improved at age 34, to .271, 27 HR and 104 RBI.
In his first season as a regular, third-year player Vinnie Pasquantino (.247, 9-26 in 61 games in ’23) blossomed: .262, 19-97 in 131 games.
Superstar-to-be Bobby Witt, runner-up for American League MVP, outdid his .276, 30-96 in ’23 with a league-leading .332, plus 32-109 and a league-best 211 hits.
Such a turnaround is possible for the Rockies in 2025, for a couple reasons.
One is young players maturing, such as outfielder Jordan Beck (one of the injured for part of last year), first baseman Michael Toglia and catcher-outfielder Hunter Goodman.
Can at least one of them progress the way Vinnie Pasquantino did?
The other is injuries. In 2024, Colorado spent slightly more than $51 million— fourth-most in MLB—on players who couldn’t play for extended stretches of the
Can Kris Bryant, who has averaged 59 games per season the first three years of his seven-year free agent contract, recapture his health and pull off a Salvy Perez season, one year younger?
The lineup, of course, isn’t the whole story. KC re-made its pitching staff, too.
The Royals used 23 starting pitchers in ’23. They needed only nine in ’24, and five of them made 151 of the 162 starts. Veteran additions Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, together, had 29 wins.
In Denver, six Rockies pitchers started 140 games in ‘24. Three of those six are no longer with the team.
That leaves Austin Gomber, Ryan Feltner and Kyle Freeland (a combined 13-31 with a 4.78 earned run average in 81 starts) to be joined by reinforcements.
Maybe German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela will equal Lugo and Wacha this season after combining for only four starts and 16 1/3 innings last year.
The sleepers are rookies, righthander Chase Dollander and lefty Carson Palmquist. They’re non-roster invitees, which means they aren’t part of the 40-man payroll at this point.
Dollander could be this year’s Paul Skenes, the former Air Force Academy pitcher who transferred to Louisiana State, was the top pick in the 2023 draft, and was the National League Rookie of the Year last season.
Skenes went 10-3 with a 2.73 ERA for Air Force, then 13-2 and 1.69 for LSU.
While Skenes was starring for AFA, Dollander went 100/2.39 for Tennessee, and was considered by some to be the better prospect.
But, trying to get better, Dollander tinkered too much the next season and finished 7-6 and his ERA ballooned to 4.75. Because of that, he was available in the ’23 draft at No. 9 when it was Colorado’s turn to pick.
Skenes appeared in seven games for Indianapolis (AAA) at the start of last season, then went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings for the Pirates.
Dollander, meanwhile, pitched at two levels in the Rockies farm system, going a combined 6-2/2.59, striking out 169 in 118 innings.
Don’t be surprised if he’s in the rotation to start the season and the Rockies are unexpectedly better.
Denny Dressman’s 17th book, a collaboration with Kansas City artist Anthony High titled Black Baseball’s Heyday – Capturing An Era in Art and Words, will be published in late June. You can write to Denny at denny dressman@comcast.net
How to choose and use a home blood pressure monitor
Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it.
Just Turned 63
Dear 63,
Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80 or higher) should have a home blood pressure monitor. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure in a comfortable setting. Plus, if you’re taking medication it will make certain it’s working, and alert you to a health problem if it arises.
Here are some top-rated blood pressure monitors to consider along with some tips to help ensure you take an accurate reading.
Best Monitors
The most accurate and easiest to use home blood pressure monitors today are
Dear Readers,
What are the Funding Instructions for a Revocable Trust? (Part 3) a
Stocks and Bonds Not Held in Investment Accounts
If you possess original stock or bond certificates, there are two ways to transfer the certificates to your trust.
• Open a brokerage or investment account in the name of your Revocable Living Trust and deposit your original certificates in the account. (You may later have your broker deliver the certificates to you made out in the name of the trust if you wish.) Your future account statements that will be titled in the name of your Revocable Living Trust will prove your ownership of the transferred stock or bonds.
• Work directly with the transfer agent for the stock or bond and direct the agent to reissue your stock with your Revocable Living Trust named as the new owner.
Retirement Plans
You should never transfer the ownership of a qualified retirement or pension plan or individual retirement account to your Revocable Living Trust. Instead, if you have pre retirement death benefits under such a plan, my general recommendation is that you choose from among your spouse, children, or partner as primary and contingent beneficiaries.
electric/battery powered automatic arm monitors, which are more reliable than wrist or fingertip monitors. With an automatic arm monitor, you simply wrap the cuff around your bicep and with the push of one button the cuff inflates and deflates automatically giving you your blood pressure reading on the display window in a matter of seconds.
user memory that allows two or more users to save their readings; and downloadable memory that lets you transmit your data to your smartphone or computer.
Many automatic monitors also come with additional features such as irregular heartbeat detection that checks for arrhythmias and other abnormalities; a risk category indicator that tells you whether your blood pressure is in the high range; a data-averaging function that allows you to take multiple readings and get an overall average; multiple
Making the proper beneficiary designations for retirement plans involves many complex tax and individual family issues. Therefore, making a recommendation without further consultation is difficult. You have many tradeoffs to consider in naming your beneficiaries-tradeoffs that affect your required minimum distributions and the taxation of your benefits after your death.
Thus it is best to discuss the issues and solutions for designating your retirement plan beneficiaries to best match your unique goals with an experienced estate plan attorney.
Your retirement plan administrator should send you a letter confirming the change of beneficiaries in your retirement plan records.
Life Insurance Policies and Annuities
You may want to tax-proof your major life insurance policies by creating one or more irrevocable life insurance trusts. Alternatively, you may want the proceeds from your insurance policies paid directly to your Revocable Living Trust. An attorney can help you determine
The top five automatic arm monitors as recommended by Consumer Reports for 2025 are the Omron Platinum BP5450 ($90), Omron 10 Series BP7450 ($70), Omron Evolv BP7000 ($70), A&D Medical UA767F ($55), and Omron 3 Series BP7100 ($55). And the top wrist monitors are the Omron 7 Series BP6350 ($55) and the Equate (Walmart) 4500 Series ($40). You can purchase these blood pressure monitors at pharmacies, medical supply stores or online and you don’t need a prescription to buy one. Prices, however, will vary slightly depending on where you buy.
How to Measure
After you buy your mon-
the proper ownership and beneficiary designation for each policy.
If you decide to name your Revocable Living Trust as the beneficiary of a policy, here are several points you should consider.
Your policy beneficiary designation, not your Will and Revocable Living Trust, controls the disposition of the policy benefits.
Generally, you should designate your Revocable Living Trust as the beneficiary of your life insurance policies so the policy proceeds will be governed by the terms of the Revocable Living Trust. To do so, I recommend you advise your insurance agent that you want your Revocable Living Trust as the beneficiary. Your agent will make the change for you or provide you the beneficiary designation form for you to complete.
If you name your Revocable Living Trust as the primary beneficiary, you should name your spouse, partner, or children as the secondary beneficiary.
Each insurance company will have its own preferred format for designating your Revocable Living Trust as the beneficiary. Here is a typical format:
Primary Beneficiary: The John and Mary Smith Living Trust dated ______________.
Secondary Beneficiary: Spouse, partner, children, or other heirs.
Your insurance company should send you a letter confirming the change of beneficiaries in your insurance policy or annuity records.
itor, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office so they can check its accuracy and make sure you’re using it properly. Here are some additional steps to follow to ensure you get accurate measurements at home.
Be still: Don’t exercise, smoke or drink caffeinated drinks or alcohol for at least 30 minutes before measuring. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements.
Sit correctly: Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration.
Don’t measure over
Real Property
Transferring your real property to your trust will require attention to ownership and tax issues based on the nature of the current title to the property. Ultimately, the transfer will require preparing, executing, and recording new deeds for each property. This should be done through an attorney.
Regarding your homeowner’s policy, contact your insurance provider to discuss adding your trust as an additional endorsee on your policy.
What are the four key medical/estate plan documents you need now?
Many of my clients have asked what are the critical estate plan documents needed. Simply being married does not give you the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals,
cloths: Put the cuff directly on your bare skin. Putting it over clothes can raise your systolic (upper) number by up to 40 mmHg.
Measure at the same time: It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as in the morning before taking medications, or evening before dinner.
Take multiple readings: Each time you measure, take at least two readings one minute apart and record the results.
For more information on high blood pressure numbers and how to accurately measure it at home, visit Heart. org/HBP
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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.
INTERESTINGPLACES
Stockholm and the Dancing Queen
Stockholm was our final stop on this amazing journey through northern Europe. We were partially traveling for a medical conference, which was the primary reason for us ending up in Stockholm.
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, home to over a million people, 14 islands, and the Nobel Prize. The city has a great metro system that we navigated
well, with minimal confusion. The metro stations, adorned with artwork, are the world’s longest art galleries.
Stockholm is made up of islands, so ferries are another easy way to get around town. The same transit card works for the metro, ferries, streetcars, and buses.
First up was a snack: an open-faced sandwich
called smorrebrod, made with sourdough rye bread topped with shrimp and an egg, washed down with an Aperol Spritz.
Next was the ABBA museum. You can purchase tickets online in advance but expect a line. The museum is in the Djurgarden district, easily accessible by public transport. This mega band from the 1970s included Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Anni-Frid, whose initials formed the band’s name.
Waterloo launched Abba’s fame at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. The band sold hundreds of millions of records, but Dancing Queen was its only US number-one song. The band was once two married couples, but after their divorce, they learned and sang that breaking up is never easy. They reunited in 2008 for the premiere of the Mamma Mia movie. If you love ABBA, the museum is a must-see, so you can say thank you for the music.
most visited museum in Scandinavia. The climate-controlled museum keeps the restored wooden warship in optimal condition.
Walking tours of the city are a great way to see the sights, especially in the old town of Gamlastan. It has hundreds of years-old buildings, cobblestone streets, and numerous cafes for lunch or dinner.
My conference held an evening reception at the Vasa Museum, another worthwhile stop. The museum is built around an almost fully intact 17th-century, 225-foot, 64-gun wooden warship that sank in the Stockholm harbor on its maiden voyage in 1628.
It was found buried under the harbor sea floor in 1956 and, in the 1980s, was salvaged, meticulously floated to the surface, and brought to a dry dock for cleaning and restoration, including guns, cannonballs, coins, and the magnificent woodwork.
The museum opened in 1989 and is now the
A high-speed train connects downtown and the airport, making arrival and departure easy. As frequent United fliers, we could only fly to Newark and then to Denver. Alternatively, we could fly to London or Frankfurt, then directly to Denver. Currently, there are no nonstop flights from Denver to Stockholm.
This was an incredible two-plus-week trip through six countries by land, sea, and air. During it, we explored beautiful ancient cities—though we only scratched the surface. Summer is an ideal time to visit this region of the world, as the days are long and warm but not scorching hot like in southern Europe. Thanks for joining us on our journey!
Celebrating Our 2nd Anniversary Feb. 17-23
In celebration of our Denver Tech Center's second anniversary, come enjoy 1/2 off select desserts and Caipirinhas! Join us tonight through Sunday, Feb. 23 to celebrate!
Obrigado! Thank you, Denver, for your support the past two years! (Valid Feb. 17-23, 2025 at Rodizio Grill Denver Tech Center only. Select desserts and Caipirinhas 1/2 off. Offer not valid with other promotions.)
Located in the Denver Tech Center Conveniently located off I-25 & Dry Creek Rd. 7340 S. Clinton St. 720-779-2949
Retinal specialist, writer, Greenwood Village resident email: joonbug@mac.com
Gamlastan waterfront
Smorrebrod - Yummy!
The restored Vasa warship
County Court
Arapahoe County, Colorado
Court Address: 7325 S Potomac St #100 Centennial, CO 80112
In re to the Marriage of:
Petitioner: CLAUDIA IVETTE PRADO and Respondent: JORGE LUIS PRADO IBARRA
ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: Kelsey A. Layman, #55158 NEW LEAF FAMILY, a division of ANDERSONDODSON, P.C. 14143 Denver West Parkway, Suite 100-50 Golden, Colorado 80401 Phone: 720-647-7158
Email: klayman@andersondodson.com
Case Number: 2025DR30018
Division: 35 Courtroom:
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
TO: JORGE LUIS PRADO IBARRA
You are hereby summoned and required to file with the Clerk of the Court an answer or other response to the Petition filed in this case. You are required to file your answer or response on or before March 27, 2025, in the Arapahoe County Court, Centennial, Colorado.
Please take notice that an Initial Status Conference is scheduled to be held on February 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the above referenced Court to be conducted via Webex.
The nature of this action is a proceeding in rem.
The relief sought by the Petitioner is a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
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 (decision-making and parenting time), maintenance (spousal support), attorney fees,
Because the public has a right to know
1st place - 2018, 2nd place - 2023
COURTS
CASE NUMBER: 2024CV30755
and costs to the extent the Court has jurisdiction.
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.
The court has issued a Case Management Order on January 7, 2025, that contains important information and pertinent deadlines. This full document is available to you through the court record.
Dated at Denver, Colorado, this 27th day of January 2025.
NEW LEAF FAMILY
By: /s/ Kelsey A. Layman Kelsey A. Layman CO Atty. Reg. No. 55158
ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER
Published in The Villager
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: February 27, 2025 Legal # 11719
DISTRICT COURT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO Arapahoe County Justice Center 7325 S. Potomac St Centennial, CO 80112
DATE February 6, 2025 1:20 PM
CASE NUMBER: 2024CV30755
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner - Plaintiff, v. MAYKIN RONALDO MELENDEZ-ZUNIGA, and any unknown persons who may claim any interest in the subject matter of this action, to wit: $13,025.00, in United States Currency, Respondent –Defendant(s)
CITATION TO SHOW CAUSE WHY CONTRABAND PROPERTY SHOULD NOT BE FORFEITED
Arapahoe Libraries
The Arapahoe Libraries Board of Trustees (the “Board”) invites interested residents to apply for an open position.
The Board is a seven-member governing, policy-making board. The Board is responsible for a $43 million budget, nine facilities, and the policies for funding and operating these facilities.
Arapahoe Libraries serves all of Arapahoe County except the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Aurora. It also serves a small portion of Adams County that is within the Deer Trail School District. New Trustees are recommended by the Board and confirmed by the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners and the Deer Trail School District Board of Education, the two governmental entities that formed the District in 1966.
The time commitment for Trustees is substantial. The Board meets on the third Tuesday of every month beginning at 5:30 p.m. (dates and times are occasionally changed.) Meetings are scheduled on a rotating basis at the various District libraries. In addition to the 2-4 hours of reading to prepare for each meeting, trustees must also commit to attending some library events, study sessions, and occasional workshops, conferences and related meetings. An iPad will be provided for Board reading material. Besides your time and interest in the Library, the most important qualification is a sincere commitment to provide the best possible library service to the residents of the entire District. Experience interpreting financial statements is also encouraged. Applicants must live within the Arapahoe Library District service area to serve on the board.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the functions of the volunteer position.
Interested persons should complete the online application found at https:// arapahoelibraries.org/board-of-trustees. Applications must be received by Sunday March 2, 2025 at 4:00 pm. For further information please contact Oli Sanidas, Executive Director, at 303-792-8987.
Published in The Villager
First Publication: February 13, 2025
Last Publication: February
Div./Ctrm.: 202
THIS MATTER comes before the court pursuant to §16-13-501, et seq., C.R.S., as a Petition in Forfeiture seeking a Citation to Show Cause Why Div./Ctrm.: 202Div./Ctrm.: 202Contraband Pro Div./Ctrm.: 202 Div./Ctrm.: 202 Div./ Ctrm.: Property Should Not Be Forfeited, brought by the District Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial District, State of Colorado.
The Court has examined the Petition and the supporting affidavit and has considered the PetitionerPlaintiff’s request for the issuance of a Citation to Show Cause.
The Court is satisfied that the Petitioner-Plaintiff has shown probable cause that the seized property in this action, as described in the caption above, is contraband property subject to seizure, confiscation, and forfeiture pursuant to §16-13-501, et seq., C.R.S. The Court finds that each named Respondent-Defendant in the caption is the only person or persons known to have, an interest in, or to have asserted and interest in, the subject matter of the action.
The Court, therefore, issues this citation:
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE RESPONDENT-DEFENDANT:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND ORDERED TO APPEAR for a first appearance on this case in the District Court in and for the Eighteenth Judicial District, State of Colorado, at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial, Colorado 80112 in Division/Courtroom 202, on April 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., and to show cause, if any there be, why the court should not grant the relief requested in the Petition in Forfeiture served herewith, which seeks the forfeiture of the subject matter property described in the caption above, which was seized on the date of 2/28/2023, at or near the location 519 Sable Blvd, Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado 80011, Arapahoe County, State of Colorado. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is the agency holding the seized subject matter property.
The Court orders that this citation may be served by certified mail, in accordance with §16-13-505(7), C.R.S.
WARNING: If you wish to have the subject property returned to you, you must respond to this Citation to Show Cause. You are warned that, pursuant to §1613-505(1.7)(b) and (8), C.R.S., if you fail to file a response to the Petition in Forfeiture in accordance with §16-13- 505(2)(d), or if you fail to appear personally, by counsel, or as otherwise directed by the Court at the first appearance, pursuant to §1613-505(8), C.R.S., judgment by default shall be entered against you by the Court forthwith for the relief demand in the Petition in Forfeiture, without further notice and any interest you may have in the subject property will be lost forever.
Pursuant to §16-13-505(2)(d), C.R.S., the responsive pleading shall be designated a response to petition and citation to show cause and shall be filed with the court at or before the first appearance on the petition and shall include:
(I) A statement admitting or denying the averments of the petition;
(II) A statement setting forth with particularity why the seized property should not be forfeited. The statement shall include specific factual and legal ground7s supporting it and any affirmative defense to forfeiture as provided in this part 5.
(III) A list of witnesses whom the respondent intends to call at the hearing on the merits, including the addresses and telephone numbers thereof; and
(IV) A verified statement, supported by documentation, that the claimant is the true owner of the property or an interest therein.
You are advised that, pursuant to §16-13-505(5) C.R.S.: “Continu-
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
CASTLEWOOD WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT 2025 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Rehabilitation Project
The Castlewood Water and Sanitation District (the “Owner”) is accepting sealed bids for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Rehabilitation Project (the “Project”). Sealed bids will be received until the hour of 10 A.M. local time on February 27, 2025 by the District Engineer (Merrick & Company), at 8051 E. Maplewood Ave, Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. At that time, bids received will be opened.
The Project will include rehabilitation work for existing 8-inch and 10-inch sewer pipe including approximately:
§1,317 LF of UV CIPP including all manhole reconnections, service reconnections and reinstatements and any required excavations.
The work shall include all bypass pumping, erosion and traffic control and other related improvements and appurtenances. This Project is located within the Castlewood Water and Sanitation District, located within the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado.
Copies of the Bidding Documents may be requested from the Castlewood Water & Sanitation District at the email of the District Engineer, Wade. wheatlake@merrick.com, beginning February 13, 20245. No payment required. Reproductions are prohibited. No pre-bid conference is scheduled; however, interested Bidders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the area where the work will be performed.
Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) calendar days after the Bid date and time. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive any errors or irregularities, and to require statements or evidence of Bidders’ qualifications including financial statements. The Owner also reserves the right to extend the Bidding period by Addendum if it appears in its interest to do so.
For further information, please contact Wade Wheatlake at Merrick & Company at 303-751-0741.
Published in The Villager
First Publication: February 13, 2025
1st place - 2018
ance of the hearing on the merits shall be granted upon stipulation of the parties or upon good cause shown.”
DONE this 6th day of February, 2025 B
D
Published in The Villager
First Publication: February 13, 2025
Last Publication: February 20, 2025 Legal # 11735
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: ATLAS EROS KIPRAKIS AND ROMAN RAMIREZ, Children, and concerning, ELISSE LUZ RAMIREZ-JEFFRIES, DEMETRIUS KIPRAKIS AND JOHN DOE Respondents.
Sarah Simchowitz, Reg. #44890 Assistant County Attorney Office of the County Attorney 14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 303-636-1821
Case No: 24JV15 Division: 22
NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING JOHN DOE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding JOHN DOE is set on February 24, 2025 at 2:15 p.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 and adopt the prepared treatment plan for you in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.
The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smartphone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:
https://judicial.webex.com/ meet/D18-ARAP-Div22
Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom. Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below. If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664. When prompted enter Access code: 2594 887 9073 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).
If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
Date: February 14, 2025
Sarah Simchowitz, Esq. #44890 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (720) 800-5788
Email: SSimchowitz@arapahoegov.com
Published in The Villager Published: February 20, 2025 Legal # 11757
Last Publication: February 20, 2025 Legal # 11740 A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Sections 1-4-912; 1-13.5-303; 1-13.5-305; 1-13.5-501; 1-13.5-1002 and 32-1-902(2), C.R.S.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the SUNDANCE HILLS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, of ARAPAHOE County, Colorado.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 6th day of May, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a. m. and 7:00 p. m. At that time, one (1) director will be elected to serve a two (2)-year term and two (2) directors will be elected to serve four (4)-year terms. Eligible electors of the SUNDANCE HILLS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT interested in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self- Nomination and Acceptance form from Sarah E. E. Shepherd, the District Designated Election Official (DEO), at info@ccrider.us, or by calling 303-482-1002. The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance is close of business on Friday, February 28, 2025 (not less than 67 days before the election). If the DEO determines that a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form is not sufficient, the eligible elector who submitted the form may amend the form at any time prior to the close of business on the day of the deadline. Affidavit of Intent to be a write-in-candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the designated election official by the close of business on Monday, March 3, 2025 (the sixty-fourth day before the election).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that requests for an application for an absentee voter’s ballot may be made orally or in writing with the designated election official no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the address and telephone number listed above between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
SUNDANCE HILLS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /S/ SARAH E. E. SHEPHERD Designated Election Official
Published in The Villager
Published: February 20, 2025 Legal # 11757
ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER HOSTED BY ENGLEWOOD ROTARY & ENGLEWOOD
LIONS CLUB
FEB. 21 8-9:30 a.m. Mally Recreation Center, 3380 S. Lincoln St., Englewood. RSVP lindsey@myenglewoodchamber.org
ARAPAHOE COUNTY COTTAGE FOOD SAFETY
TUE., FEB. 21, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Learn how to operate a home-based cottage food business. Visit https://bit.ly/ csucottagefoods
ARAPAHOE COUNTY LEARN ABOUT COMPOSTING
FEB. 22, 11 a.m. - Noon.Free class at Mission Viejo Library in Aurora. Register at https://big.ly/CSU-Compost or scan CR code in Arapahoe County ad on page 3 of The Villager
CENTENNIAL CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
MEETING
TUE., FEB. 25, 6-8 p.m. with Robyn Cranes and Amy Tharp at YMjCA Center of Generations, 6972 S. Vine St., #366 in Centennial. Learn about the city’s new Active Development Maps with Q & A.
CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO HOPE BALL 2025 KICKOFF HAPPY HOUR
WED., FEB. 26, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency DDTC Centennial Room, 7800 E. Tufts Ave., Denver. Guest speaker Dr. Virginia Borges, research professor at the University of. of Colorado Cancer Center, specializing in innovative breast cancer treatments. Register by Feb. 19 at 303-281-9864. Admission is free. info@cancerleague.org
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA
FEB. 28, 4:45 p.m.
Celebrate the retirement of Nancy Steele at their office. The celebration will follow the Volunteer Swearing-In Ceremony at 4 p.m. RSVP: Victoria_ raphael@adv4children.org
SCREENAGERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE
MARCH 4, 6:45-8:00 p.m. Sponsored by Cherry Creek School District and “One Chance to Grow Up.” A PIN (Parent Info Network) Free event.
Panel and refreshments. 14603 E. Fremont Ave., Centennial. Info 303-210-5412.
IRAN’S 2025 PLAYBOOK: UNRAVELING THE NEXT WAVE OF THREATS TO U.S. SECURITY
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
FAVORITE STORY
Arapahoe County Early Childhood Council is seeking adult volunteers to join our Giggle & Grow team to share love of literacy and play All volunteers must pass a background check and attend orientation www.acecc.org/volunteer
Continued from previous page
NOTICE AS TO AMENDMENT OF 2025 BUDGET
COPPERLEAF METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 4
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., that the necessity has arisen for the amendment of the 2025 budget of the Copperleaf Metropolitan District No. 4 (the “District”). A copy of the 2025 amended budget is on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, Simmons & Wheeler, P.C., 304 Inverness Way South, Suite 590, Englewood, Colorado 80112 (phone 303-689-0833), where such is available for public inspection. The 2025 amended budget will be considered at a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the offices of McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C., 450 E. 17th Ave., Ste. 400, Denver, Colorado, and via Zoom.
1. To attend via Zoom videoconference, use the following link, or e-mail csorensen@specialdistrictlaw.com to have the link e-mailed to you: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83625344631?pwd=BaEI4Rdw7iYt2WSbXvFn LRTKvaYHla.1
2. To attend via telephone, dial 1-719-359-4580 and enter the following additional information: (a) Meeting ID: 836 2534 4631
(b) Passcode: 501375
Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 amended budget, inspect the 2025 amended budget and file or register any objections thereto.
COPPERLEAF METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 4
/s/ Paula J. Williams
BECHER CORTESE WILLIAMS P.C. Attorneys for the District
WED., MARCH 5 12-1:15 p.m. Join the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL) & the Centennial Institute for a conversation with Dr. Matthew Levitt, foremost expert in counterterrorism, Middle Eastern affairs, and intelligence. Part of CCU’s Israel Week. The Armstrong Center Parlor, Colo. Christian University., 8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood. Register: 303-963-3157.
CHERRY CEEK CHORALE CELTIC FESTIVAL XI
MARCH 7 & 8. 6:40 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village. Soul-stirring performances by Nerea the Fiddler and the Michael Collins Pipes & Drums. Joined by Overland High School Concert Choir. Artistic Director & Conductor Brian Leatherman with Associate Conductor William White. www.cherrycreekchorale.org/
SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER SMDC ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS
WED., MARCH 12, 5-8:00 p.m. Curtis Ballroom, Comedy Works South. Presented by Vetra Bank. Nomination deadline: FEB. 7. Nominees must be a member of the Chamber from Jan.-Dec. 2024 and beyond. Nominations to: info@ bestchamber.com
MIZEL ARTS & CULTURE CENTER’S DENVER CHILDREN’S THEATRE, “CHARLOTTE’S WEB.”
FEB. 20-MARCH 16. FEB. 23 Performance at 10 a.m. is a SCFD Free Day event and Accessibility Day for the public.
Additional performances March 2, 9, and 16 at 10 a.m. at Theatre at the Mizel Arts & Culture Center located at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center. Tickets available for public performances.
WHAT’S NEW? POSTMASTER GENERAL LOUIS DEJOY ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO LEAVE USPS
The Post office is forging ahead to include a large rate increase in July.
LOCAL ARTIST INVITED TO APPLY FOR 2025 ART ON LOAN PROGRAM
Sponsored by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Apply by MARCH17. Selected sculptures will be displayed at Goodson Recreation Center or Hudson Gardens for a year, and artists will receive a $500 honorarium for the display. Call 720-245-2604 or Info: gpeterson@ssprd.org
A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
GREENWOOD NORTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the Greenwood North Metropolitan District, Arapahoe County, Colorado.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 6th day of May, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, three (3) directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms and one (1) director will be elected to serve a 2-year term. Eligible electors of the Greenwood North Metropolitan District interested in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District Designated Election Official (DEO):
Catherine T. Bright c/o Seter, Vander Wall & Mielke, P.C. 7400 E. Orchard Road, Suite 3300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 cbright@svwpc.com 303-770-2700
The Office of the DEO is open on the following days: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance is close of business 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 (not less than 67 days before the election).
The Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-In-Candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the designated election official by the close of business on Monday, March 3, 2025 (the sixty-fourth day before the election).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, an application for an absentee ballot shall be filed with the designated election official no later than the close of business on Tuesday preceding the election, April 29, 2025.
/s/ Catherine T. Bright Designated Election Official Signature
Published in The Villager Published: February 20, 2025 Legal # 11759
The Arapahoe County Mayors & Commissioners Youth Award recognizes teenagers who have overcome adversity & risen to challenges. Scholarships awarded to graduating seniors who wish to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities at vocational schools, two or four-year colleges, or trade & certification programs. Teachers, counselors, and school administrators can nominate exceptional seniors through March 7 at arapahoecogov/youth awards.
MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA - CALL FOR CONTESTANTS
Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant is taking applications for the 31st pageant on APRIL 26, 2025 If you are a lady 60 years or better, this is your opportunity to get out and do something for you in 2025!!! Not just a “one and done” pageant, we are involved with year round activities and make a difference in our communities. This is the “Age of Elegance!” For more information - website: ColoSrAmerica.com, FB - Ms Colorado Senior America Pageant or call René Green, Pageant Administrator at 720- 384-6249.
WHAT’S NEW? - ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE
SENIOR LIVING EVENTS
Upscale dining, engaging events and activities, indoor pool, pet friendly. Call 720-684-5913 to schedule a tour and enjoy lunch on the Village. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY WINE & CHALK ART FESTIVAL
MAY 3 & 4 - Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Enjoy wine from local wineries, chalk art, live bands, activities, shopping and more. Early bird tickets $30 for Sat./ $20 for Sunday. arapahoecountyeventcenter.com
SAVE THE DATE - MIZEL INSTITUTE 2025 HONOREES
THURSDAY, MAY 22 . Honoring Bonnie & David Mandarich. 2024 honoree was Peyton Manning.
DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-313-9741.
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-377-7682.
NOTICE OF BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING CHERRY CREEK VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the necessity has arisen to amend the Cherry Creek Village Water District’s 2024 Budget. A copy of the proposed Amended 2024 Budget has been filed in the District office located at CRS of Colorado, 7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, where the same is available for inspection by the public Monday through Friday during normal business hours (i.e., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the Cherry Creek Village Water District will consider the adoption of the proposed 2024 Amend Budget at a public hearing to conducted at a regular meeting of the District’s Board of Directors at the District office located at CRS of Colorado, 7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 to be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 8:15 a.m.
Any interested elector of the Cherry Creek Village Water District may inspect the proposed 2024 Amend Budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the Budget.
CHERRY CREEK VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT
By: /s/ Lou Schroeder President
Published in The Villager
Published: February 20, 2025 Legal # 11760
Four considerations as you save for college
There are several savings options as you and your future college student prepare for the costs of college.
When you add up the costs of raising a child, education looms large. “Four years at a public in-state college is projected to cost $47,152 today,”1 says Richard Polimeni, head of Education Savings Programs at Merrill. At a private college, that total could hit nearly $169,0001, and at the most elite schools you could spend far more. “You can expect tuition costs to rise by about five percent each year,” he adds. That’s why it’s important to start saving as early as you can. “Ideally, you want your savings to pay for a larger portion of the costs, so you or your child can borrow less.”
“Start by setting up automatic monthly contributions to an account earmarked for college,” Polimeni suggests. Then, as freshman year approaches, you can look for ways to fill in the gaps. Contribution limits, tax benefits, and other factors differ across the four major college savings options, including a 529 savings plan, a 529 prepaid tuition plan, a Coverdell Education Savings Account, and UTMA/UGMA custodial accounts created under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. Consider a conversation with your advisor about which options best align to your family’s overall financial plan. Make the most of tax benefits
“There are various federal income tax provisions that not only encourage people to set aside funds to pay for higher education costs but could also help offset some of those expenses,” says the Chief Investment Office (“CIO”) National Wealth Strategies Team for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank. Those include tax credits for higher education expenses and a deduction for student loan interest. What’s more, you can withdraw funds from individual retirement accounts
to cover eligible college costs without incurring additional taxes for early withdrawals, but it’s better to leave those funds invested for your long-term goals, the CIO notes. For more on these tax rules, ask your advisor for the CIO’s Wealth Strategy Report: Tax Provisions Related to Higher Education Expenses, June 2023.
Final stretch? Fill in the gaps… On average, families cover only 54% of college costs with savings and the parents’ and student’s income. 2 Another 26% comes from scholarships and grants, with loans covering 18% (friends and relatives kick in the rest). 2 That means that in the final run-up to college, you may want to look into one or more of these options:
Apply for federal student aid: Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you can do beginning October 1 of your child’s senior year in high school. “Everyone should apply for federal student loans and grants, even if you think you won’t qualify,” says Polimeni. Your aid eligibility doesn’t hinge on your income alone, although it is a significant factor. Financial aid awards, which often take the form of student loans, take into account the size of your family (are you sending more than one child to college?), the cost of the college and your child’s year in school. If necessary, students should consider using federal direct subsidized loans before other types of loans as they generally have lower interest rates and more favorable repayment terms.
Borrow against your investments: A Loan Management Account® (LMA® account) from Bank of America is a line of credit that allows you to use the
value of your eligible investments as collateral. “You can borrow against your account without disrupting your longterm investment plan, and your interest rate will be lower than most other borrowing options,” says Patrick Bitter, a credit and banking product executive at Bank of America. Plus, you can get access to a loan quickly. “When you’re borrowing against your investments, you can set that up within a couple of days,” says Bitter. The LMA also offers flexibility; it can be used as needed, with no defined repayment time frame. Just keep in mind that if the value of your investments drops sharply, you may have to repay the loan, move more money into your account or sell some of your stocks or bonds, Bitter adds.
“Your financial advisor can help you evaluate all of these options and determine which might make the most sense for you,” says Polimeni. One more tip: “Involve your child in the process,” he adds. “It’s a great way to kickstart their financial education and it will help them understand the financial impact of considering one school over another.”
For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor Andrew Neal in the Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303.689.8043 or andrew.neal@ml.com.
1 College Board, “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2022,” October 2022. Estimates based on average published tuition and fees for 2022–2023 and 5% annual increases.
2 Sallie Mae and Ipsos, “How America Pays for College 2022,” August 2022.
Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. This material does not take into account a client’s particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill financial advisor. The Loan Management Account® (LMA® account) is provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Opportunity Lender. The LMA account requires a brokerage account at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and sufficient eligible collateral to support a minimum credit facility size of $100,000. All securities are subject to credit approval and Bank of America may change its collateral maintenance requirements at any time. Securities-based financing involves special risks and is not for everyone. When considering a securities-based loan, consideration should be given to individual requirements, portfolio composition, and risk tolerance, as well as capital gains, portfolio performance expectations, and investment time horizon. The securities or other assets in any collateral account may be sold to meet a collateral call without notice to the client. The client is not entitled to an extension of time on the collateral call, and the client is not entitled to choose which securities or other assets will be sold. The client can lose more funds than deposited in such collateral account. A complete description of the loan terms can be found within the LMA agreement. Clients should consult with their own independent tax advisor. Some restrictions may apply to purpose loans, and not all managed accounts are eligible as collateral. All applications for LMA accounts are subject to approval by Bank of America, N.A. For fixed rate and term advances, principal payments made prior to the due date will be subject to a breakage fee. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (BofA Corp.) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered brokerdealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available. Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA.:
