2-8-24 Villager

VOLUME 42 • NUMBER 11 • FEBRUARY 8, 2024

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024

A MATTER OF LAW

BY BILL BANTA

From its beginning, America has been a nation of laws by which we govern ourselves. Our laws also provide the means by which we settle differences and disputes. Importantly, to create, limit, and control the federal government and to serve as the supreme law of the land, Americans produced the United States Constitution. The Constitution, it is, that has the last word on the law.

Indeed, this week brings the urgent appeal of a Colorado Supreme Court decision before the United States Supreme Court.

The case is urgent because the Colorado Supreme Court might be the only court keeping Donald Trump's name off of a presidential election ballot. The question for the U.S. Supreme Court to answer is whether Secretary of State Jena Griswold can constitutionally refuse to place Donald Trump on the Colorado ballot to

run for President. A group of voters including Norma Anderson, Krista Kafer and four others sued the Secretary to prevent her from allowing Trump in the starting gate of the presidential primary.

Anderson and the other voters claim that Trump is disqualified from being President by Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment is one of the Civil War Amendments that ended slavery, that advanced personal rights, that disqualified former Confederates from holding office, and that prohibited voting discrimination. The Civil War is our primary experience with insurrection and rebellion against the Constitution.

In any event, it appears that the Colorado case can be constitutionally resolved by answering one question about Section 3.

The question is this: Without the approval of Congress by a twothirds vote of each house, can a president who took an oath to

support the Constitution but engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution (or gave aid or comfort to its enemies) be president again?

If the answer is "No," there is a Section 3 claim, arid Trump can be disqualified from being president again. However, if the answer is "Yes" because "President" is not among the Section 3 description of officers who may be disqualified, then Trump cannot be disqualified whether there was an insurrection or not or whether Trump engaged in it or not.

To paraphrase Casey Stengel, don't take my word for it, you could look it up! Read Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution for yourself to see whether "President" can be said to be one of the offices specifically described for disqualification.

Incidentally, the reasoning behind why only certain government officers are marked for possible disqualification yet

others are left unmentioned is not entirely clear. Still, it is interesting that while neither the President nor the Vice-President may be disqualified under Section 3, an “elector of President and Vice-President” can be. The fact that electors (of the “electoral college”) are the only people who actually cast votes for president and vice-president probably has something to do with that difference.

Finally, one remarkable feature about the United States Constitution is the wording. As trial attorneys contesting in court a written contract are wont to say, “It speaks for itself.” In other words, the document does not need to be interpreted or translated so much as it requires careful and thoughtful reading and consideration. The meticulous crafting and drafting that went into the United States Constitution was such that the document can usually if not always be understood to mean what it says and to say what it means.

The takeaway from this is that for the American republic to endure and for Americans to govern themselves so as to ensure their own liberties and freedom, it is all-important to read, understand, and apply the laws as they are written, especially the United States Constitution.

So if the United States Supreme Court orders Trump’s name back on Colorado’s ballot based in the high court’s reading and understanding of what Section 3 actually says, then that is acceptable and just, regardless of our feelings about Trump. The main thing is that our experiment in democracy depends on each American’s respect for the law.

Bill Banta is a Arapahoe County resident with a law degree from Northwestern University with honors. He is a Constitutional scholar and admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court in 2021. He has served as Chairman and Director of the Arapahoe County Bar Association.

their government. Spending cess money supply with inflation, The source of economic misery ontransfers decisions out of the one leads to the other. Consehands of citizens into the govern- quently, equate excess money

The Federal Reserve’s decision to increase rates rapidly is a decision to crush private enterprise, not improve the dollar.

High rates will bludgeon the private economy into recession, but will not improve the purchasing power of the dollar.

As founder of a commercial bank, and as one who appreciates the Austrian School of Economics, I must respectfully argue one point in current FedThink. Dollar devaluation, and price inflation, won’t easily be tamed by high interest rates. Not without tremendous economic pain. There is a better way.

Inflation could more easily be reduced and the purchasing power of the dollar restored (these are identical), when two things happen simultaneously: The Federal Reserve engages in serious reduction in the supply of money, called QT (Quantitative Tightening) and thereby forces Congress to stop spending, stop the debt spiral and most important, payoff debt.

QT means reducing the supply of money in our economy.

Excess money supply is the source of inflation, it devalues the buying power of every other dollar. When we spend 50% more

for the same tank of gas as we did three years ago, we call it inflation or devaluation in the dollar.

In order to stop inflation, go to the source, which is excess money supply. The excess was created so that Congress could spend it and thereby exert control over the citizen. In what alternative universe can any thing indefinitely spend more than it takes in?

There is an endpoint. Like the rest of us, our own government has got to stop putting our nation and every citizen into debt.

Excessive government spending is a source of control because federal spending and its resultant debt, depletes private economic activity. Federal spending creates citizens who are dependent

ment. Worse, it transfers capital out of the owners (our) hands into the government’s (citizens pay for this debt). That was not the intent at our founding or as recorded in the founding documents. The government was to act only to protect the inalienable rights of each citizen, not control them and certainly not spend them into serfdom.

Consider, did we agree to be placed into $8 Trillion of debt?

Nope, but the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department made that decision for us when they printed $8 Trillion US Dollars (and bought Treasury Bonds) starting in 2008. We and our progeny will pay back that debt for decades. We must equate ex-

supply with debt whose source is federal spending. Reduce one by reducing the other.

Bottom line, federal spending and debt are finite, they can’t go on forever. There will be a reckoning. We have the opportunity to avoid the catastrophic consequences of past federal action, if we act now to demand significant reductions in spending, debt and regulation.

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.

February 8, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

The Rent is Too High

Though I’m no economist, I have a theory about inflation. The “general increase in prices and the fall in the buying power of money,” commonly known as inflation, has been dominating financial news for several years. Even now, as prices drop and inflation cools, economists and pundits and politicians are talking about the causes of inflation and how to ease it. Well, I have some suspicions about what is causing the most recent wave across the Denver metro area and the country at large.

It’s the landlords’ fault.

Landlords cause inflation.

Property speculation with a specific focus on rental properties leads to an increase in prices that is not specifically related to other market forces. When taxes and utilities and repairs do not cost more, but rents rise dramatically, there can be only one answer.

Basically, landlords are raising rents simply because they can.

The astronomical rent increases across Colorado in the past ten years are personal choices by landlords, as opposed to any other relative increase in costs.

Because housing costs are the highest percentage of most individual budgets, renters can easily be priced out of access to shelter. That disproportionate cost of housing is nowhere more evident than in the mountains, especially Summit and Eagle counties. Resort communities have long passed the time when local residents and service workers could afford to live there.

This disparity has led to communities such as Breckenridge taking action to build affordable housing specifically for resort workers. While that’s an admirable idea, it would be unnecessary if landlords in Summit County were not gouging renters by raising prices to unsustainable levels.

A similar conundrum can be found in communities across the state where public employees, specifically teachers, are unable to afford housing. Granted, the demand side of the equation obviously lends to the increase.

As popular areas draw increased desire to live there, landlords can easily increase prices, and that often means forcing one renter out in order to charge a new renter more. Now, clearly, in a capitalist free market economy, it is the right of any business owner to make as much money as possible. That said, there are residual effects that are not healthy for individuals, communities, and the economy overall.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Denver area is $1700, a 50% increase over ten years. Clearly, other costs have not risen 50%, certainly not taxes and utilities. Thus, rent increases came simply because landlords could charge more and did. The problem is the residual effects. If housing costs more, employers are pressured to pay employees

more, so they can afford to live where they work. That irrational rise in wages subsequently leads to product prices increases – hence inflation. It all happened because landlords started raising rent simply because they wanted to and could.

When my wife and I first moved to Greenwood Village twenty-one years ago, we loved many local independent businesses, and we particularly enjoyed shopping at Cooks Fresh Market in Belleview Promenade. We would often pop in for picnic supplies on weekends or

pick up deli selections for weeknight dinners. Sadly, we heard the popular store was forced out of its location by rent increases, but fortunately found a prosperous location on the Sixteenth Street Mall.

Cooks Fresh market closed permanently last year, but they had a great two-decade run in downtown Denver.

I’d imagine a new Denver landlord killed the business just like one did in Greenwood Village years ago. Denver has recently seen a rash of business closures, specifically independent restaurants, due to rent increases and relative wage increases. What’s particularly sad is these closures have come post-pandemic when the economy has recharged.

In Greenwood Village, we’ve lost mainstays like Tokyo Joe’s and the Starbucks at Belleview Square, and word is those exits

were forced by unreasonable and inexplicable rent increases

by Regency Centers.

I’ve lived in the same duplex house for two decades, just a short walk from Cherry Creek High School. The other townhouses in my neighborhood rent for two-and-a-half to three times my monthly mortgage payment.

In all honesty, that is simply ridiculous. What’s particularly troubling is that many housing units are being bought up by hedge funds and foreign-owned investment companies. They have no connection to the community and no concern for residents. They just raise rents because they can.

Simply put, as the single-issue political party in New York says: “the rent is too damn high.”

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 average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Denver area is $1700, a 50% increase over ten years.

Clearly, other costs have not risen 50%, certainly not taxes and utilities.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY C NVERSATIONS County offices closed All County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 19 in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.

Ballots are on their way!

Check for yours and return it by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5!

The future is on your ballot.

ArapahoeVotes.gov

The Arapahoe County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards (ACMCYA) recognizes teenagers who have overcome obstacles and risen to challenges life has presented. Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have overcome adversity and wish to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities at vocational, two- or four-year schools. Teachers, counselors, and school administrators can nominate exceptional high school seniors through March 8.

Visit arapahoeco.gov/youthawards

arapahoeco.gov

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

WEEK OF FEB. 5

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024

The Villager

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

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USPS # 431010 ISSN 1539-6274 (Print) ISSN 2993-7280 (Online) Postmaster: Send address changes to The Villager, 6972 S. Vine St., Suite 363, Centennial, CO 80122 Deadlines: Display Advertising, Legal Notices, press releases, letters to the editor, 4:00 p.m. Friday.

Classified Advertising, noon Monday.

with Arlene and her family, many guests, friends, patrons, One of the great pleaand doctors sures of publishing this for the Grand newspaper for 42 years in the same communities BY BOB SWEENEY Opening of the Ovarian is that we meet a variety Cancer Innovation Group in of people and make many the newly opened Anschutz friends. At the top of the Health Sciences Building on special list is Arlene Mohler the University of Colorado Johnson, one of the grand Anschutz Medical Campus dames of Cherry Hills VilDec.18, 2023. Arlene gave lage. My, does she knows a major gift to the Ovarian how to throw a party!

Cancer Group and beautiArlene has a wonderful ful new structure housing personality with a very warm Gynecologic Oncology that heart and is a caring person, will combat and seek a cure

Thank You Arlene Mohler Johnson

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

Arlene Mohler Johnson points out her name carved in stone as a proud donor to the University of Colorado Ovarian Cancer program at the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Photos by Bob Sweeney

which explains her hundreds of friends. We featured her generosity in The Villager on Jan. 4, 2024 from an event that Gerri and Scottie Iverson and I attended as invited guests. We gathered

for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer claims the lives of over 14,000 women in the U.S. annually. The massive new building features an atrium sponsored by former CU President and First Lady,

Kian Behbakht prepares for the late night cleaning of the Atrium at the Anschutz Health Science building following the grand opening of the Ovarian Cancer Innovations Group, located in Aurora.

NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com

Bruce and Marcy Benson.

Many civic leaders, philanthropists, and foundations have supported the CU Anschutz Campus for the last two decades. The campus is now world-class in all health sciences. The first new building on campus was the Rocky Mountain Lion Eye Institute.

Arlene’s name is enshrined on the first floor atrium stone wall for her generous gift as a “grateful patient” for the Ovarian Cancer program. Information: cancer.coloradowomens health.com. 303-724-2066.

It was a memorial event with Arlene and her family, along with CU medical professionals, welcoming the attendees and thanking donors for their support of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology Group.

As the evening waned,

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

and Gerri and I were among the last attendees leaving the impressive structure, I passed a cleaning lady arriving to work in the lobby to mop the shining marble floors and clean the party aftermath. It suddenly struck me that there are many diverse, essential professions that are needed to make a hospital, like this one, run smoothly.

I took a picture of Kian Behbakht (above) beginning her shift, as she prepared to care for of the beautiful new structure. Kian may, or may not ever see this photo, but we need to extend a grateful and respectful thank you to the many workers that we seldom see on news pages, but who’s services are essential to making everything shine. Thank you, Kian! ***

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 SUBSCRIPTIONS Gerri 303-773-8313 EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

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

2024 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK

A proud Arlene with family members Seth Mohler, Stan Mohler, Arlene Mohler Johnson, Scott Mohler, Mark Johnson and Jim Johnson.

Photos by Bob Sweeney

QUOTE thetoWEEK We don’tofneed share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respectful.

– Taylor Swift

February 8, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

fo l l ow F R E DA

BY FREDA MIKLIN 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

b e i n t h e k n ow

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 7-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.

New HD 37 Rep. Chad Clifford has already hit the ground running

Zoom meetings, and lots Villager publisher Bob Focusing on his legislative priorities, Clifford said, “Though of opportunities for people Sweeney and I recently sat down with newly appointed it may not be this year, one of the things you’ll see me get to come to me on specific issues,” adding, “We are HD37 Rep. Chad Clifford involved in is criminal justice reform…We are spending trying to get the first town D-Greenwood Village to get to know him and find out more and more money expanding the prison industry… halls scheduled,” and, “I to do some with other what he hopes to accomplish and we’re not spending nearly that amount of money on plan legislators in my district, in his new position. reducing recidivism and getting people worked back into like Rep. David Ortiz, Sen. Clifford, 45, hails from Jeff Bridges, and Sen. Chris Mississippi, where he grew the community in a meaningful way.”

Kolker.” up in a family in which “all HD37 state Rep. told us he could potentially see himself nearby in Centennial and On the challenges associated with the men were local elected Chad Clifford as the next Arapahoe County Sheriff Denver. finding attainable starter homes, includofficials,” including district Centennial is home to The District, a after current Sheriff Tyler Brown has ing condos and townhomes, Clifford attorney, judge, sheriff, and even councompleted his allowed three four-year told us, “The only way people can ty tax assessor, though they belonged to 36-acre mixed-use development under terms in 2030. “Though,” he said, “A construction near the Dry Creek Light build transitional wealth is through different political parties, which made real estate. That’s traditionally how it interesting conversation at family gath- Rail Station. It includes plans for 1,800 lot can happen in six years,” adding, “I know pretty much every sheriff in this residential units. is done and the market has taken that erings. Clifford, who holds a degree in state and I think Tyler Brown is one of Denver has Belleview Station, a away from people. We need to balance electrical engineering from the Univerthe best.”

50-acre mixed-use development of that equation now and focus on what it sity of New Orleans and is a lifelong Focusing on his legislative prioriresidential, office, retail, and a soonwill take to get more for-sale housing learner, lived in Atlanta for much of ties, Clifford said, “Though it may not to-open hotel near the Belleview Light inventory.” his adult life. He has been a resident of be this year, one of the things you’ll see Rail Station.

He continued, “The only win here Centennial since 2013. me get involved in is criminal justice Gov. Polis has said in multiple pubis that we start seeing dense housing The new House representative’s first reform…We are spending more and being built. It’s not just construction assignment is on the Business Affairs & lic forums that housing is our state’s more money expanding the prison intop need and locating it near transit is litigation reform. It might be that plus Labor Committee. Next year, Clifford dustry…and we’re not spending nearly insurance. It might be that plus city desirable because it offers the environtold us, he hopes to be on the Judiciary that amount of money on reducing mental benefit of using transit instead issues,” adding, “I’m not interested in Committee because it offers excellent recidivism and getting people worked of driving to work in single occupancy changing anything about our defects’ preparation for moving into House back into the community in a meanvehicles. protections. I think they got put in leadership. ingful way.” In addition to supporting We asked Clifford how he would because they were very needed due We asked Clifford what he expects former inmates’ successful re-entry vote when city councils he represents to some shoddy construction in some to be the biggest challenge in his new into the work force and the communisingle-family houses. The issue is how position. He described, “finding ground have opposing views on important topics like housing. He said, “I talk the liability is shared by contractors where people have already been in a ty, Clifford believes that some people fight and they are willing to stay in that directly to the people in my district and convicted of crimes around using drugs and who, in the construction chain, becomes liable… We’ve created a conposition instead of coming to the table.” I traffic in facts. I listen to everyone and belong in drug treatment, not jail. struction litigation industry.”

As their new representative, Clifford I will debate with anyone. I can also sift Staying in the realm of criminal through data. I’m a math guy.”

The Business Affairs & Labor spent over two hours with the Greenjustice, Rep. Clifford shared, “I’m not Rep. Clifford is a member of the wood Village City Council on January for making new felonies, as a rule, but I Committee, on which Clifford sits, has Colorado Rangers Law Enforcement already passed HB24-1083 Construc21 learning about their views and poliplan to co-sponsor a bill to make stealtion Professional Insurance Coverage cies. City officials told Clifford that the Shared Reserve, a governmental police ing a handgun a felony, because I’ve agency of sworn, volunteer, P.O.S.T Transparency, which will require a initial draft of a state plan that they’ve talked to the sheriffs and the district study of construction liability insurance seen anticipates significant construction Certified police officers “who serve as attorney and they need it as a stackable force multipliers for law enforcement rates and policies, toward addressing of new housing units near transit stops offense to get a handle on the problem the reasons why condo construction has (GV has two in its boundaries--Orchard agencies throughout the state of Coloof stolen guns.” rado.” Besides volunteering as a police fallen off precipitously in Colorado in Station and Arapahoe Station). GV’s We wanted to know how Clifford officer for the Rangers, he was also a recent years, preventing many younger view is that its city council knows best plans to get feedback from his HD37 adults from purchasing their first home. what should be built within its boundar- volunteer lobbyist for them prior to his constituents. He told us, “Lots of town appointment to the general assembly. ies and noted there is significant multihalls, including some on specific issues It now moves to the House AppropriaLooking into the future, Clifford tions Committee. family residential construction ongoing of interest to our community, lots of

Sen. Bridges and Rep. Froelichtionon property taxes and more flight schools and the frequency to avoid huge jumps in propput in additional earned income On January 17, state Sen. Jeff Bridges D-Greenwood Village and state Rep. Meg Froelich D-Englewood held a one-hour town hall meeting to talk about the 2024 legislative session and respond to listeners’ questions. In our January 25 issue, we wrote about what they said on the topic of land use.

Today we will cover property tax and other areas that came up in the meeting.

To a listener who asked what the legislature was doing for seniors around property taxes, Froelich and Bridges pointed to the $55,000 reduction in actual value of homes for 2023 taxes payable this year that was passed during the special session of the general assembly in November, as well as the reduction in the tax rate from 6.765% of the actual value to 6.7%.

Recapping the November special session of the general assembly, Froelich said, “The governor called us in to deal with property taxes…We did what we could...We also really wanted folks who might not be property owners to benefit from that special session, so we

tax credit, school lunches during summertime, and $30 million for assistance to renters. We flattened the TABOR rebates so that lower income folks are getting the same TABOR refund as higher earners.”

Bridges added that the summertime lunch bill that he sponsored “enrolled Colorado into a federal program that will allow us to get $32 million every summer (to feed) kids who qualify for free and reduced lunch.”

On property taxes, Bridges explained that the state does not collect any money from property taxes, that it all goes to local governmental entities like cities, counties, school districts, water districts, fire districts, library districts, etc. The state can impact the assessment rate and the amount to which it is applied, which it did, even though, “In Colorado, our property tax rate is one of the five lowest in the country.” He also pointed out that local governments have the power to lower their mill levy if increased values result in them collecting more money than they need.

Focusing on a long-term solu-

erty taxes, Bridges said that there are currently proposed ballot measures on the issue but they “would bankrupt the state, school districts, local fire districts… (and) be disastrous for local governments across the state.” He pointed to a commission of knowledgeable people on the issue that was formed during the special legislative session “to come up with some ideas (to) ensure that we (don’t) see the massive increases we’ve seen in property taxes over the last two years,” in the future.

Bridges was also pleased to share that Colorado will finally be rid of the “budget stabilization factor,” which he described as a way for the legislature to not fully fund schools as required. “This year,” he said, “It will finally be eliminated in a way that is sustainable, so we don’t have to worry about creating it again in the future,” which he said will help school districts pay teachers better salaries.

On noise and air pollution from Centennial Airport, Froelich pointed out that it is a longstanding problem, now centered around

with which their students train.

She reported, “The good news is (U.S. Rep.) Jason Crow has made headway, held some good meetings with the FAA.” She also talked about a widespread problem with wage theft in the construction industry. Many times, contractors disappear and don’t pay subcontractors. She has introduced HB24-1008 Wage Claims construction Industry Contractors, which will be heard by the Business Affairs & Labor Committee on February 8, to address this problem.

Bridges talked about a plan to make the senior homestead exemption portable this year to help seniors “age in place.” Under current law, one must live in their home for at least 10 years to take advantage of it. Under the proposed change, there would be no waiting period. The senior homestead exemption reduces the actual value of one’s home for property tax purposes by 50% of the first $200,000 in value and it is available to seniors every year once they become eligible.

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

Sweetheart Couple of the Year: Steve and Susan Struna

Amazing energy (no industry pun intended) and deep roots

West (Denver, Colorado) meets Midwest (Toledo, Ohio) = Romance “Steve likes celebrations regarious, gracious, genand planning memorable erous, gifted occasions. My favorite leaders with occasion, when I knew he compassion was the one, was our first and passion – Valentine’s Day in NYC! that just begins to describe our He made reservations at sweethearts. Susan Douglas and Steve Struna knew they were a Top of the Sixes at Fifth perfect match at first sight. They Avenue and Central Park met at a fraternity party when South with champagne Steve was president of his chap(out of range for a college ter of Beta Theta Pi at Columbia kid – but he believed in his where he was on academic future.) After dinner, we scholarship, studying engineering. Susan was in NYC for a strolled to the street level one-year visit to the Fashion where there was a mini Institute of Technology. Their zoo of animals to pet – as first date was to a ballet (with though he had planned it. great seats and Steve having just This was the first of many studied about the performance) magical events in our 44 La Sylphide starring Rudolf Newlyweds cut the cake at Inverness Country Club, home of many PGA tournaments, Nureyev, beginning a lifelong years together.” love of the arts. Just six months in Susan’s hometown of Toledo, Ohio. (The rehearsal dinner was at Tony Packos – made -Susan Douglas Struna famous by Corporal Klinger in MASH.) after that date, Steve proposed in front of Madison Square Garden and they got married a year later (1982) after Susan graduated from Purdue University. After the wedding they moved to Ventura, California where Steve worked in the offshore oil industry and Susan commuted to LA working for Lord & Taylor. Because of their shared faith and common goals, they were able to easily navigate many moves to gain access to ABOVE: Stephen Michael opportunities for Struna as a toddler who Steve’s career. graduated from North High (LA, Boston, New School in 1977.

Orleans, Chicago, Houston – even BELOW: Aboard a trimaran Golden-haired Susan Douglas with her brother in the British Virgin Islands Pete growing up in Toledo Canada and the UK!) Susan and Steve as a young couple

Sharing another love – a life with labradors – Argy and Duke here, now blessed with Murphy and Diesel Photos courtesy of the Struna Family

Daughter Molly, Susan and Steve surround son Samuel at his graduation from Bucknell with a degree in chemical engineering

The personalized mug for chairing Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Saturday Night Alive raising $1.8 million After being on the show “Say Yes to the Dress” daughter Molly is escorted for her debut at Le Bal de Ballet in 2013 the year Susan was president of Denver Ballet Guild (Son Sam was a Young Man of Distinction at Le Bal in 2010)

Always up for adventure – on an African safari

Son Sam and wife Josie, their daughter Eloise (not pictured their newborn son Sterling), at the wedding of daughter Molly and Travis Bagford, Susan and Steve.

Event hosts for a Colorado Ballet gathering with the organization’s Chief Advancement Officer, Karen Sumner

Photo by Scottie Iverson

They complement each other and have created the perfect team. “Susan was the family leader,” said Steve. “She always settled us in quickly in the new city, found new friends, play groups for the kids, and ushered the kids into new schools. She loved the challenge and adventure of the new moves that allowed me to focus on work and settle into a variety of new jobs.” Happily ensconced in Cherry Hills Village, while sharing a passion for classic architecture, they have restored their old Tudor-style home over the years. The sought-after Strunas are gracious hosts for numerous causes. No stranger to politics (Susan’s entrepreneur dad was very involved and ran for governor of Ohio), they often support candidates and open the doors to their home and resort-like grounds for receptions and fundraisers.

Steve has 37 years of petroleum industry experience and is president, CEO and founder of 18-year-old Bayswater Exploration & Production (the name inspired by one of the favorite places they lived in London near Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens). He serves on the boards of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, Protect Colorado and Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development and is a member of Colorado Concern to name a few. He is often featured in numerous editorials throughout Colorado. He earned his BSc degree in chemical engineering from Columbia, his MSc degree from Colorado School of Mines and MBA from Harvard Business School. He is related to one of the oldest families to homestead in Colorado. The couple has naturally been drawn the arts - including Saturday Night Alive Silent Auction chairs, Saturday Night Alive chairs and Susan is a past president of Denver Center Alliance. Additionally – Colorado Ballet trustee assigned to development. Susan was secretary for Grand Lake Creative District Board (where they own a vintage cabin), capital fundraising and snack shack coordinator for Kent Denver School and 20-year Senior Lunch Bunch director at All Souls Parish and so much more! They enjoy all their residences and club memberships, including Winter Park, Florida and continually contribute to each community. Congratulations, role model Sweethearts!

Thank you for sharing your love, leadership, success, kindness and inspiration.

“Steve and I share a love of giving back, a deep faith, devotion to family and dedication to making each day matter.”

- Susan Douglas 1st VP Susan Struna received acknowledgment Struna for generosity from then president of Cherry Creek

Republican Women Evie Ashmore Photo by Scottie Iverson

t i n g

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024

Coming to Greenwood Village

February 8, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

Ting Internet holds open house at Greenwood Village City Hall CONTRIBUTED BY NEIL MOTHEW

An open house event on the Ting Internet Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) project was held at Greenwood Village City Hall on Tuesday, January 30.

City officials and Ting representatives gave an update on the project and answered numerous questions on topics including the implementation timeline, installation details, internet service and cost.

The room buzzed with multiple queries from approximately 70 residents who attended, nearly all of whom were excited at the prospect of fast asymmetric two gigabits per second internet service – about 40 times faster than standard 50 Mbps cable – that Ting expects to be able to deliver to GV homes beginning next month. Ting expects to have the service available to every GV home by 2027.

The timelines, as well as the speed, given verbally at the event were noted as being more optimistic than those promised on the city’s website.

The new Ting is being installed in three main phases. Installation to the residences east of I-25 is currently well underway.

Residences west of I-25 are next in line

for installation of service, followed by the central area serving mostly businesses.

A Ting representative at the open house explained that generally, installation would be in tranches starting from the south end of the city and move toward the North in each project phase. The fiber optic communication service to each home will be connected to the internet via the backbone at Ting’s data center located in the City of Englewood.

The map on the next page shows the current project status.

GV City Manager John Jackson provided details about the agreement between Ting and the city that sets the price at $89/ month with no contract requirement for 2 Gbps symmetrical service that includes unlimited data. He told GV residents that the price will be locked in for the first five years of Ting lighting up the fiber to each phase area and that connection fees would be waived indefinitely.

Ting said that their process is to contact residents 30 days prior to construction.

They tell potential new customers where they can learn more about Ting, construction progress, and how to sign up for ser-

vice. For those eager to be first on the list that Ting calls for installation in an area, interested parties can pre-order their service using the ting.com/greenwoodvillage URL below. Ting collects $9.00 for the pre-order and it is applied as a credit to the first bill.

Installation will involve Ting’s technicians placing equipment underground on property and running a small half-inch conduit that carries the fiber cable about eight inches underground to a small external utility box on each home. A thin fiber cable will egress through a wall to a fiber-to-ethernet modem provided by Ting.

Customers will then be able to use their own wireless routers to provide Wi-Fi or rent a router from Ting at additional cost.

More information can be found at https://ting.com/city/greenwood-village-co and https://greenwoodvillage.com/2741/ Fiber-Initiative Representatives stressed the reliability of Ting’s FTTP network. Further information showing recent uptime and service interruptions for Ting’s fiber networks in different metro areas is available at: https://www.tinginternetstatus.com/

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

-Phase 1 construction to start 2024 -Phase 2 construction to start 2025 -Phase 3 construction to start 2026

Bundle Up with Ting!

GV City Manager John Jackson and Ting team answered residents questions. In the foreground, GV residents Mayor Emeritus Ron Rakowsky and Margaret Rakowsky.

2 Gig light speed internet is coming!

Pre-order Ting Internet today!

Your refundable $9 pre-order gives you a free month of service and no start up costs.

Visit us at ting.com/greenwoodvillage to get started.

@tinginternet This shows the installation process and what the inside looks like after it’s installed.

Photos by Neil Mothew

This is the Ting box outside customers’ homes.

Here’s what’s inside Ting’s fiber to the home.

/tinggreaterdenver

tinginternet

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024

Opera and its artists will be inducted by CO Music HOF

BY DON IRELAND SENIOR REPORTER

When the Colorado Music Hall of Fame conducts its first-ever “Opera in the High County” this summer, the spotlight won’t solely shine on the historic Central City Opera (CCO). The HOF will also induct several of the opera’s singer-professionals and its late conductor/music director during the June 29 ceremonies.

The Hall event, at its first “destination” induction, will celebrate the CCO’s history and three individuals who have helped contribute to the organization’s success over the years. They include Cynthia Lawrence, Keith Miller and the late John Moriarty.

John Moriarity The late conductor/artistic director for the CCO, Moriarty, created the CCO’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program in 1978. The program is considered a national model for the professional development of young singers. With only 30 artists selected from 1,000 applicants yearly, the competitive program has trained many of the nation’s most notable opera professionals, including fellow inductees Cynthia Lawrence and Keith Miller.

Moriarty passed on Jan. 5, 2022, at the age of 91. “While much of his professional career was spent at Central City Opera, his impact on the opera industry is far-reaching,” said General/Artistic Director Pelham “Pat” Pearce.

“He was an exceptional teacher and helped develop the careers of some of the most renowned opera performers.”

Moriarty’s first professional opera position was with Santa Fe Opera, where he also founded an artist training program. He also worked as the training director and conductor at Wolf Trap Opera, in addition to several other notable

opera companies. He led the opera departments at the Boston Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory. Among his publications is the widely assigned education instruction manual Diction. According to the CCO, training future opera stars was always at the core of his work. Holding a bachelor’s degree and an honorary doctor of music from the New England Conservatory of Music, Moriarty has two named opera scholarships at the Conservancy: The John Moriarty Presidential Scholarship and the John Moriarty Encouragement Award. In his adopted town of Central City, the John Moriarty Award of the Central City Opera is named after him.

He was also the recipient of the National Opera Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

To honor his 30th anniversary with Central City Opera, a street next to the opera house in Central City was renamed Moriarty Lane.

Cynthia Lawrence Lawrence serves as the Endowed Chair for Voice and Opera at the University of Kentucky School of Music. An alumna of the University of Colorado Boulder, the soprano became a principal artist with dozens of opera companies across the globe and in Colorado, including Central City Opera, Colorado Opera Festival and the Fort Collins Opera. Boasting over 70 performances with Maestro Luciano Pavarotti, Lawrence has taken on some of opera’s most iconic parts. As a dedicated music educator, Lawrence conducts Master Classes and serves as a judge for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Keith Miller Miller is from one of Colorado’s smallest towns, Ovid, with a population of less than 300. A star football player at the University of Colorado Boulder, Miller went

This winter the Central City Opera House is quiet, but come June 29 it will be the place to be, because the Opera will be inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy Eric Chinn

John Moriarty

Cynthia Lawrence

Keith Miller

on to play professional football before shifting his career to opera.

Once an Apprentice Artist at Central City Opera, Miller has had an impressive musical career across the U.S., from Colorado, where he served as the Crested Butte Music Festival Opera Director for six years to the iconic Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He performed in New York as a principal artist for 18 years.

Karen Radman, executive director of the Hall, said, “Colorado Music Hall of Fame is honored to be presenting an opera-themed induction class for the first time, recognizing the important contributions that opera has made in music while expanding to a new musical genre for our inductees. Opera in the High Country, focused around the impressive and historic Central City Opera and those whose careers were

influenced by it, also expands The Hall of Fame’s reach into the Colorado mountains and out of the metro area. This June 29 event in Central City will be the first of many destination inductions that The Hall plans to host statewide.

With all it has to offer, we really hope that folks from across the state and out-of-state tourists come out and celebrate opera with us in Central City for a summer weekend this year.”

Inductee photos courtesy CCO

Central City to co-host Opera into Hall of Fame induction

BY DON IRELAND SENIOR REPORTER

Not only will the Central City Opera become inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame this summer, but the Opera will also host the associated festivities along Eureka Street on Saturday, July 29.

According to the non-profit music organization, this is the first time the Hall will hold its first “destination” induction.

Scott Finlay, Central City Opera’s president and CEO, said, “We are deeply honored to be receiving this recognition. Central City Opera’s 92 years of rich musical heritage is a testament to the dedication of our supporters, volunteers, artists and staff who have made this milestone possible.

This distinction is a tribute to their commitment.”

Commented Central City Mayor Jeremy Fey: “It is a great honor for Central City to host the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. We are especially proud as Central City Opera, a pillar of Colorado’s cultural landscape for 92 years, leads the 2024 class of inductees. June 29 will be a landmark day, celebrating both the Opera’s venerable history and Central City’s ongoing revitalization. I have literally been

working on this [induction] for six years.”

The mayor is the son of the late Barry Fey, a 2012 Hall inductee whose promotion of Denver brought big-name music acts to the Mile High City from the late 1960s through his retirement in 2004. For three consecutive years, Barry Fey was Billboard Magazine’s «Concert Promoter of the Year.»

The Central City induction will be hosted in a partnership between the Opera and Central City. The event will include a pre-ceremony reception and dinner at the Teller House. The audience will head next door to the main opera house, where the Hall induction will occur at 5 p.m., followed by the inaugural performance of the Opera’s first show of its summer music festival, The Pirates of Penzance. Central City Opera is the fifth-oldest opera company in the U.S., originating in 1932. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark, built in 1878 by Welsh and Cornish miners who ventured to Central City to find gold.

Karen Radman, executive director of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, said, “Colorado Music Hall of Fame is honored to be presenting an opera-themed induction

class for the first time, recognizing the important contributions that Opera has made in music while expanding to a new musical genre for our inductees. Opera in the High Country, focused around the impressive and historic Central City Opera and those whose careers were influenced by it, also expands The Hall of Fame’s reach into the Colorado mountains and out of the metro area. This June 29, event in Central City will be the first of many destination inductions that The Hall plans to host statewide.

With all it has to offer, we really hope that folks from across the state and out-of-state tourists come out and celebrate Opera with us in Central City for a summer weekend this year.”

Traditionally, the induction was held at the Hall’s location at the Red Rocks Trading Post, part of the City of Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheater near Morrison.

However, the Hall is expected to move into a yet-undetermined location in downtown Denver in the next several weeks. Radman said the Hall may hold additional inductions that aren’t related to the Opera induction ceremony later in the year.

Tickets, $250 each, are available through the Central City

Opera box office or website. Opera members who have a subscription for the 2024 will receive special $200 ticket pricing for the June 29 induction festivities. The Hall is seeking sponsorships of $1,000 or more for participation in the event.

Sponsors will be invited to the opening-night cast party and given a guided tour of historic Central City, founded in 1862. Sponsor-

ship details are available through the organization’s website, www. cmhof.org.

Visitors who plan to attend the Hall and opening night of the Opera are offered special room rates for June 28-29 at the Grand Z Casino and Hotel on Gregory Street in Central City and at the Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk.

(The promo code is Opera24.)

February 8, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

5 possible Swift wagers for Super Bowl Sunday The Super Bowl annually attracts the most wagering of any American sporting event—second internationally to the FIFA World Cup championship game.

If Taylor Swift shows up in Las Vegas this Sunday to root for Travis Kelce and the Chiefs in SB LVIII, this Super Bowl could offer a whole new dimension of betting for a whole new audience—namely, Swifties.

Why wouldn’t she be there? you ask.

Well, ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, Swift’s Eras Tour is scheduled for four concerts at the Tokyo Dome, Wednesday through Saturday.

The flight from Narita International Airport to the runway on Wayne Newton Boulevard is a little more than 12 hours. But, thanks to the International Dateline, Taylor can arrive Saturday night, well before kickoff—unless there’s a glitch.

Here are some possibilities, and my suggested plays: Over/Under—Will this game break last year’s record for largest television audience?

When Kelce & Company knocked off Philadelphia, 115.1 million pairs of eyeballs watched (according to those who measure such things), topping the previous record set in 2015 by almost 700,000. (There’s been no suggestion that Taylor’s Baby Blues were among them last February.)

My choice: With Swifties tuning-in to once again catch glimpses of their idol, take the Over. * * * Another Over/Under—Will CBS show Taylor more or fewer than six times between kickoff and 0:00?

In the American Football Conference Championship Game Sunday-before-last, the same network cut away to the future Mrs. Kelce (?) on four occasions, all in the first half. This included once in a replay of the Chiefs’ second touchdown (a two-yard run by Isiah Pacheco on which Kelce sealed off a would-be tackler with a well-executed block), and with 3:42 left in the second quarter as part of a promo for live coverage of the Grammys a week later.

My choice: If this is the most-watched SB ever, because of her, then take the Over on this one, too.

(Expect bonus post-game cameos—and maybe even one of the lovebirds hugging and kissing, depending on the outcome. There were two of those after KC beat the Ravens, plus two cutaways to Taylor beaming proudly during the trophy presentation.) * * * Prop Bet No. 1—Will CBS feature an interview with Taylor Swift as part of its multihour pre-game programming?

There’s plenty to talk about: Her relationship with Travis . . . What’s in their future. . . the 12-hour flight from Japan . . . all the attention and public fuss over her budding romance . . . and . . . and . . .

My choice: If she’ll agree to do it, I can’t imagine the network passing up the chance. But will she? I’d say she won’t want to upstage her beau, so I’d bet No. * * * Prop Bet No. 2—Will Taylor Swift be shown on TV during either the national anthem or the halftime show?

Reba McEntire, called the “Queen of Country,” will sing The Star-Spangled Banner, and Usher, heralded as the “King of R&B,” will be the star of intermission.

My choice: Of course, a resounding Yes! Who could pass up checking on the reaction of the world’s pop icon to the performances by two of music’s other megastars. * * * Prop Bet No. 3—Will Travis propose to Taylor at midfield after the game?

This could be the last game of Kelce’s illustrious pro football career, if you believe widespread rumors. There’s also a report that he popped the question on New Year’s Eve, with plans to announce their engagement after the Super Bowl. And the shows of affection after the Baltimore game appeared to include Taylor mouthing the words, “I love you.”

My choice: Quite a setting, but this is HIS show, if not his swan song. Their “moment” would be overshadowed in the post-game hoopla, especially if there’s a Kansas City victory. Anything’s possible, but I don’t think so. * * * Who will win? Kansas City opened as a slim 1.5-point favorite. A few days later, bettors had made the 49ers the 2-pont choice.

With Taylor watching in person, the Chiefs beat Miami, Buffalo and Baltimore to reach SB LVIII with a 14-6 record. San Francisco is the top seed in the NFC and, with playoff wins over Green Bay and Detroit, stands 14-5, My choice: Taylor will be there. Need I say more?

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 16 books, nine of them sports-related. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@ comcast.net.

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PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024

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The Board of Directors for Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research and University of Colorado Cancer Center researchers attend a recent grant review meeting. Seated from left, Colin Daugherty, Jim Comerford, Janet Comerford, Jim Noon, Maureen Shul, Ann Adams, Stacy Ohlsson and Kathryn Haber. Standing from left, Drs. Hatim Sabaawy, Heide Ford, Rui Zhao, Todd Pitts, Carlo Marchetti, Christina Coughlan and Sana Karam.

Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research launches new year with new hope $175,000 in recently funded grants pay tribute to friend and longtime survivor Cathy Noon

BY PETER JONES

In the face of continued loss and challenges, Colorado’s Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research has announced four new and promising locally-born scientific studies that the organization is funding—just as the devastating disease has taken the life of another beloved friend.

In a tribute to Cathy Noon, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in December after a hard-fought five-year battle, Wings of Hope is providing $175,000 in new grants to support groundbreaking research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Noon was a respected civic leader who served as mayor of Centennial. She and her husband, Jim, were also Wings of Hope board members. Two days after her passing, the board met for its annual grant award presentations. Despite the timing, Jim attended, knowing how important the work was to her.

The meeting and this year’s grant awards were both dedicated to Cathy’s memory.

Noon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2017 and quickly became a fierce advocate for raising awareness and funding research, even while facing her own battle with pancreatic cancer. She had worked closely with Maureen Shul, the Wings of Hope executive director who founded the organization more than a decade ago after losing two family members to the disease.

Shul spoke at Noon’s celebration of life.

“One of the projects Wings of Hope funded two years ago, of which Cathy was an integral part, involved radiotherapy in combination with a specific drug for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer,” Shul said. “On Jan. 3 of this year, that project had progressed to opening as a clinical trial, all of which was dedicated to Cathy’s memory by the researchers and physicians involved.”

Resectable refers to the cancers for which the tumors can be surgically removed.

The first newly funded

research project, led by Dr. Christina Coughlan, aims to tackle one of the most frustrating challenges in treating pancreatic cancer—the seemingly inevitable frustration of late-stage diagnosis. Coughlan and her team hope to increase the chances of catching the deadly disease earlier by finding out if some genes in the body can serve as indicators—or biomarkers—of pancreatic cancer. The study will borrow an approach that has been successfully used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and looks to develop a biomarker that may serve as the basis for an eventual routine screening. Wings of Hope has awarded $50,000 to help fund the important research.

Another $50,000 grant will go to Dr. Marco Del Chario’s efforts to get a better grasp on the evasive neoplasms—or abnormal growths—that are often harbingers of pancreatic cancer. Plans are to reproduce the structure and function of the pancreatic duct in a lab setting to more fully understand the neoplasms’ connection to the development of pre-cancerous lesions.

A third $50,000 grant has been marked to support Dr. Sana Karam’s continued research into inventive uses of immunotherapies to fight the development of cancer tumors in the pancreas. This new study will use animal models to see how complementary treatments may lead to greater successes.

The final grant of $25,000 will support Dr. Carlo Marchetti’s new study that will use mice to develop methods to treat inflammation and the bodily resistance associated with one of the chemotherapies used to treat pancreatic cancer.

Wings of Hope’s mission is to provide seed funding to newer research projects that may potentially later receive larger funding from the National Institutes of Health and other major national sources. Without seed funding, many newer promising research projects never get attention from larger funders, a fact that illustrates the importance of even small contributions to this important cause.

For more information or to contribute, visit wingsofhope pcr.org.

February 8, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Littleton ballet school ranked 21st in nation The International Ballet School in Littleton made waves by being ranked #21 of ballet schools in the USA by a study conducted by Northeastern University The study is titled “Quantifying Hierarchy and Prestige in US Ballet Academies as Social Predictors of Career Success” Researchers at Northeastern University have delved into the intricate world of ballet, unraveling the dynamics that link social prestige in ballet schools to future career success. In a groundbreaking study, researchers analyzed two decades of data from the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) to uncover the relationship between a ballet school’s social standing and the trajectory of its students’ careers.

The study revealed a compelling correlation: the odds of securing a coveted contract increase by 65% for students graduating from the top 5% of ballet schools. The findings suggest that the social prestige of a ballet school plays a pivotal role in shaping the future paths of aspiring dancers.

As ballet continues to be a discipline where talent, training, and opportunity intersect, this study sheds light on the social dynamics within ballet schools.

The Northeastern University research provides valuable insights for both aspiring dancers and the schools that mold their careers, opening avenues for further exploration into the intricate interplay of hierarchy and success in the world of ballet The International Ballet School has been in existence in Colorado for over 25 Years under the direction of Mark Carlson and Sandra Kerr producing students that have been awarded professional contracts at over 30 ballet companies in the USA and Europe.

The couple have been awarded Outstanding Teacher 14 times and Outstanding School 8 times by the Youth America Grand Prix Ballett competition.

Students have participated 4 times at the Prix de Lausanne ballet competition, twice at the USAIBC (known as the Olympics of Ballet) and also the Beijing International Ballet Competition.

The school is located in Littleton at 250 East Dry Creek Road, Suite 203. www. internationalballetschool.net

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PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024 PAGE 22 | THE VILLAGER • June 8, 2023

Forced conformity

Forced conformity is the imposition of uniformity in thought, behavior, or appearance. It is a phenomenon that has pervaded our society. It reflects a suppression of individuality and diversity, often driven by societal norms, political ideologies, or authoritative establishments.

At its core, forced conformity stifles individual expression and hinders personal growth. When individuals are compelled to conform to a particular set of beliefs or behaviors, they may suppress their unique perspectives and talents. This suppression not only limits personal expression but also diminishes the richness of many contributions.

Creativity, innovation, and progress thrive in environments that allow individuals to speak freely without judgment, condemnation, or the threat of being ostracized from a group or even canceled.

Historically, forced conformity has been a tool employed by authoritarian regimes to maintain control and quell dissent.

Totalitarian governments often impose strict ideological conformity to solidify their power and suppress opposition. Citizens are coerced into conforming to a prescribed set of beliefs, and deviation from these norms is met with severe consequences. This manipulation of public opinion and behavior creates

a society where dissent is stifled, and individual freedoms are curtailed. If an individual disagrees with the prevailing narrative, they get ostracized by the group and now feel like they do not belong. This is an effective manipulative tactic and is being utilized by many, especially in an election year when there are political talking points that those on one side or another must repeat often.

In a democracy, this is dangerous. When this happens and groupthink prevails, critical thinking and common sense suffer. One might even question their feelings or opinions on matters of great importance. We must have critical thinking and many voices to be able to solve complex social challenges.

Diversity of thought and experience are essential for addressing complex issues and adapting to changing cir-

COURTS SUMMONS – NOTICE OF HEARING Probate Court, Horry County, South Carolina In re: Estate of Carrie Ann Hughes Case No: 2023ES2603868 Jacob Hughes v. Zachary Pollara TO:

ZACHARY POLLARA

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Petition filed in the above referenced Probate matter within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Summons and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Petitioner’s attorney at the following address: Butler Law Attn: Danny V. Butler, Esq. 4420 Oleander Drive, Suite 203 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 For your information, the Petition was filed December 21, 2023 with the Clerk of the Probate Court for Horry County, South Carolina. You can obtain a copy of the Petition from the Office of the Horry County Probate Court located at 1301 2nd Ave, Conway, SC. Your Answer must be in writing and signed by you or your attorney and must state your address, or the address of your attorney if signed by your attorney. If you fail to answer the Petition within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

A hearing has been set in the above-entitled action on April 3, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED to be present in the Probate Court for Horry County, South Carolina, Courtroom 2A, Horry County Government and Justice Center located at 1301 2nd Ave., Conway, South Carolina at the above-stated hearing at that date and time.

Danny V. Butler, Esq. Phone: (843) 808-9224 Email: dbutler@butlerlaw.net Published in The Villager First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Legal # 11461 ___________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner, IN THE INTEREST OF JESSICA GARCIA-PENA and FRANCISCO GARCIA- PENA, Children,

And concerning BERNARD FOOTE, EDLITA LITTLE, FRANCISCO GARCIA Respondents.

Linda Arnold, Reg. No. 16764 Office of the Arapahoe County Attorney Attorney for the People Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: 303-636-1882 Fax: 303-636-1889 Case No: 23JV316 Division: 23 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENTS BERNARD FOOTE AND FRANCISCO GARCIA PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above captioned matter has been set for an ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENTS BERNARD FOOTE AND FRANCISCO GARCIA, on March 1, 2024, at 10:45 a.m.

(MST) in Division 23 of the Arapahoe District Court. The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/ or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: • https://judicial.webex. com/meet/D18-ARAP-Div23 • 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 into 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 and enter access code 2598 320 5548 (followed by #, #).

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

Published in The Villager Published: February 8, 2024 Legal # 11460 ___________________________

cumstances.

On a personal level, the psychological impact of forced conformity is profound. When individuals are compelled to conform due to a mob mentality, it can lead to feelings of alienation, anxiety, and frustration.

The suppression of thought makes one question oneself and their intellect.

Recently traveling around Africa on a cruise, I sat next to a couple who disagreed with what one of the lecturers was saying about colonizers. During the question-and-answer period, they told me they were afraid to challenge the prevailing thought and ask a question. I encouraged them to speak their mind and elicit a dialogue. They overcame their fear and asked their questions. The audience responded negatively. I was incensed. How could these people

LEGALS be so rude? Defending this couple, I shared that they had every right to challenge what was being said and asked the audience to be respectful and open to a different point of view.

Forced conformity poses significant challenges to both individuals and societies. It undermines personal freedom, stifles creativity, and creates environments ripe for manipulation by authoritarian forces. Embracing diversity of thoughts and opinions and allowing for the free expression of individuality is crucial for fostering resilient, adaptive, and compassionate societies.

As we navigate the complexities of our national challenges, the recognition of the value of sharing ideas becomes a moral imperative and a pragmatic necessity for democracy and collective well-being. joneen@ narme.org

SPECIAL DISTRICTS CASTLEWOOD WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT 2024 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Rehabilitation Project The Castlewood Water and Sanitation District (the “Owner”) is accepting sealed bids for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Rehabilitation Project (the “Project”). Sealed bids will be received until the hour of 10 A.M. local time on February 26, 2024 by the District Engineer (Merrick & Company), at 5970 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, 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:

• 1886 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 1, 2024. 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 1, 2024 Last Publication: February 15, 2024 Legal # 11456 ___________________________ GOLDSMITH GULCH SANITATION DISTRICT 8390 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Phone 303-779-4525 Fax 303-773-2050 INVITATION TO BID Notice is hereby given that Goldsmith Gulch Sanitation District will accept sealed bid proposals for the Chenango Lift Station Improvements project. The project is located within the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado and includes, but is not limited to: Furnish and install approximately 1,100 linear feet of 4-inch PVC force main using open cut excavation, one (1) cleanout manhole with plug valve, one (1) vault with cleanout, plug valve, and combination air valve, one (1) bypass connection in existing manhole, abandon existing 4-inch CIP force main in place and remove CIP force main as necessary to install new pipe, remove and replace two (2) submersible sewer pumps and mechanical piping in the wet well and meter vault, remove and replace electrical and instrumentation equipment. Project also includes removal of existing generator at Cherry Creek School campus and installation of new generator supplied by Owner.

A mandatory pre-bid conference with a site walk after will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy., Suite 300, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111. Representatives of the Owner and Engineer will be present to discuss the Project.

Sealed Competitive Bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy., Suite 300, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111. An abstract of the amounts of the base Bids and alternates (if any) will be made available to the Bidders after the Bids have been opened. Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “GOLDSMITH GULCH SANITATION DISTRICT: CHENANGO LIFT STATION IMPROVEMENTS”. Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after said closing time.

Bid packages will be available electronically starting on February 5, 2024 at www.questcdn.com under Login for a minimal charge. The user will be directed to enter a project code of 8791536. Contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration and downloading this digital project information.

Bid security in the form of a Bid Bond, Cashier’s Check or Certified Check, payable to Goldsmith Gulch Sanitation District in the amount equal to ten (10%) percent of the total amount of the Bid, to be retained by the District, will be required until a contract is executed. If the successful Bidder should fail to enter into a contract with the District, his check or bid bond will be held as liquidated damages, in which event the Contract may then be awarded to the next lowest qualified bidder.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informalities or irregularities therein, and to accept the proposal that in the opinion of the Owner is in the best interest of Goldsmith Gulch Sanitation District.

Published in The Villager First Publication: February 1, 2024 Last Publication: February 8, 2024 Legal # 11458 ___________________________

MISC. Public Notice HealthSource of DTC located at 5105 DTC Pkwy, #305 in Greenwood Village has a retention period for medical records of (7) years past the last encounter date.

Medical records with a last encounter date of December 31, 2023 or earlier will be destroyed March 22, 2024.

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

Published in The Villager First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 15, 2024 Legal # 11461 ___________________________

NAME CHANGE ARAPAHOE County, Colorado 1790 W LITTLETON BLVD LITTLETON, CO, 80120 PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: 24 CI 00022 Petitioner: ESTER JOY EKBERG Public Notice is given on ESTER JOY EKBERG is requested to be changed to GRIER SYMPHONY RHODES. Date: 1/11/2024

By Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk Published in The Villager First Publication: February 1, 2024 Last Publication: February 15, 2024 Legal # 11459

Legal Notices: Your Right to Know!

Tell your

elected officials you read

Public Notices in

LEGALS

February 8, 2024 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

Classified Advertising Colorado Statewide

ARAPAHOE LIBRARIES HOSTS PROM ATTIRE NOW-FEB. 29. Clothing Donation Drive at Castlewood, Eloise May, Koelbel, Sheridan, Smoky Hill and Southglenn libraries. Free Clothing Swaps Sat., March 2 1-5 p.m. at Smoky Hill Library, s5430 S. Biscay Circle, Centennial. Info: arapahoelibraries.org or Call 303-542-7279.

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER GRAND OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING FEB. 8, 5-6:30 p.m. at Harvest Functional Medicine, 7173 S. Havana St., #600 in Centennial. Hosted by Village Workspace & Event Center. Appetizers & drinks. Harvest Functional Medicine is a Virtual Functional Medicine Clinic to improve gut health, hormone balance, and addressing diseases at the root cause. RSVP: info@bestchamaber.com or call 303-795-0142.

VALENTINE’S BAZAAR AT ASPEN GROVE FEB. 9, 4-8 p.m. and FEB. 10, 11:00 a.m.- 6 p.m. Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., Unit 450, Littleton. Onestop shop in an indoor marketplace.

50+ local makers & craft vendors, live music, DIY workshops, pop-up bar with festive cocktails, food and fashion trucks. Free Entry with add on’s for special events.

6TH ANNUAL LOVELAND SWEETHEART FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN LOVELAND! SAT. FEB. 10, Bring the family or your sweetheart for FREE fun in the Sweetheart City, including a day full of LIVE Ice carving and art demonstrations, musical and dance performances. Fun for the whole family at the Kids zone including oversized building bricks, outdoor games and even a community mural. Festival Hours 10am – 8pm. visitloveland.com/sweetheartfestival APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR CENTENNIAL’S LARGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT GRANT Submit applications online until Tues., April 2. Informational sessions FEB.

12 AND FEB. 15 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. both nights at Centennial Public Works bldg. (7272 S. Eagle St.) in the community conference room. The grant offers up to $10,000, empowering Centennial residents and groups to spearhead communitybased projects while providing the building blocks and resources for neighborhood identity and improvement. Info: visit centennialco. gov/communitygrants or call 303325-8000 or 303-754-3375.

CHERRY CREEK REPUBLICAN WOMEN LUNCHEON FEB. 13, 11:00 a.m. DoubleTree-Hotel I-25 and Orchard. Program: Rich SokolElected Member/Treasurer, So. Metro Fire Rescue Board and New member, State Equalization Board. Rich will describe his recent trips to Israel, and his insights.

RSVP: cherryCreekrepublican women.org APPLY FOR CENTENNIAL’S BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES Deadline for applications is FEB. 16, 2024 at 5 p.m. Applications are invited for Audit Committee, Budget Committee, Election Commission, Investment Commission, Open Space Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Senior Commission based on current vacancies. New appointments will be made in March with terms starting in April.

To apply, residents must submit an online application form by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16. The same form can be used for multiple vacancies. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified via email. Application requirements at centennial.gov/ boaradsandcommissions. Inquiries, contact the City Clerk’s Office at Clovelace@centennialco.gov.

CENTENNIAL ARTS & CULTURAL EXHIBITION FEB. 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fighting Human Trafficking Exhibition at the Village Workspace (across from Top Golf). 7173 S Havana St. #600. Free tickets at TheVillageWorkspace.com/Art Freedom 58 is a foundation started by

former Bronco player, Bob Swenson and Mayor Piko, artists, and Arts & Cultural Foundation members.

ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTING & OPEN HOUSE FEB. 23, 4-7 p.m. at Rooted 303, 5933 S. Fairfield St.,Littleton. Celebrate Rooted 303’s move into a new space. RSVP: 303-789-4473.

KALEIDOSCOPE 2024 FUNDRAISER FOR ROCKY MTN. CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION. SAT., FEB. 24. Reception 5 p.m., Dinner & Program 6:30 p.m. Featuring a Live Charity Auction at the RitzCarlton, Denver. Honoring Dr. Reginold and Faye Washington.

ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER AFTER HOURS NETWORK & RIBBON CUTTING FEB. 28, 5-7 p.m. Chula on Broadway, 3866 S. Broadway, Englewood.

Commemorate the completion of the facade of Chula’s building. RSVP; lindsey@myenglewoodchamber.org COLORADO PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024 12TH ANNUAL JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DENVER JOURNEY FUNDRAISER MARCH 8, 6 p.m. (International Women’s Day.) At Mile High Station . Bubbles & Bow Ties theme. Lauren Whitney with CBS Cool will emcee, Halie Behr - auctioneer. Tickets JLD.org or 303-692-0270.

CHERRY CREEK CHORALE “HOPE’S JOURNEY” MARCH 8 & 9. Pre-concert talk - 7:10 p.m.; Concert 7:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave. in Cherry Hills Village. The chorale, and Cecilian Singers directed by Phil Drozda from Overland High School. Tickets: cherrycreekchorale.org or at the door.

WANT TO PUBLISH AND SELL MORE OF YOUR BOOKS?

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MARCH 15 online – zoom via your computer or MARCH 16 in person at Dr. Briles office. Lunch & snacks with one day intensive training. Early Bird registration ends Feb. 17. Register: https:/./bit.ly/PublishingUnplugged SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2024 MARCH 14, 5-8 p.m., Curtis Ballroom at The Landmark/Comedy Works in Greenwood Village. Deadline for nomination, Feb. 10. Contact Jeff Keener at jkeener@bestchamber.com COLORADO AUTHORS’HALL OF FAME TO OFFER FIVE $2,000 SCHOLARSHIPS For aspiring Colo. authors & authors-to-be. Winners will have an opportunity to participate in an extensive 12-mo. Mentoring program.

Applications deadline MARCH 31, 2024, with the winning recipients announced in August at a luncheon event to be held on Friday, Sept. 16.

Scholarships envisioned by founder of the Hall, Dr. Judith Briles. Info: www.

ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS 1ST & 3RD THURSDAYS at 7 p.m. at Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway, Englewood. Next two meetings: Feb. 15 and March 7. Info: Gail 720-3777682.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BOYS STATE JUNE 2-8 FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS Premier civic program in

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CONDO FOR RENT Available Mar 1st. Sunny, secure, 1 bed, 1 bath, W/D, ground lvl, lg patio, Yosemite & Hampden. Close to shopping. $1,685/ mo. Deposit, $20 app fee. lapointevidence@ earthlink.net 303.638.1517.

Sterling, CO. Applications: www.

CoLegionBoysState.org WHAT’S NEW IN AWARDS? FINALISTS FOR DCPA STUDENT PLAYWRITING COMPETITION “CONSIDER THE RAVENS” by Victoria Schnell - Cherry Creek High School.

“MY FUTURE IS (KINDA) IN YOUR HANDS” by Esther Weiss - Cherry Creek High school. There were 107 High School submissions for these awards.

MS COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA ACCEPTING CONTESTANTS FOR 2024 Ms. Colorado Senior America is not a beauty pageant. The pageant redefines and gives honor to the senior woman in all her glory. It champions the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior women. Currently accepting contestants who will be 60 years old or better by our pageant date of APRIL 27, 2024.This is the year to do something for yourself and have fun! Call Rene’ Green at 720-3846249 for more details. (ColoSrAmerica. com)

2024 Honda Passport Trailsport Is Mile Hi The 2024 “Sonic Gray Pearl” Honda Passport all-wheel drive was laden with ice and snow this past Sunday morning parked in the driveway.

The gentle night rain had turned the mixture to ice overnight. Not to damage this $46,330 factory test model, I scraped very carefully with the short-handled tool, but it was a slow process, winter experience in snow country kicked into my mind. I filled a bucket with hot water and splashed it on the ice laden windows, “Walla” the ice melted away and soon the Passport “Trail Model” was ready to make tracks in the six-inch snowfall.

Honda makes great products and this model assembled in Lincoln; Alabama is no exception. Powered by a 3.5L- VTEC-V6 engine and versatile 9-speed transmission, this vehicle was hungry for deeper snow

or a mountain trail. The intelligent traction management added to the ease of the driving challenge.

and a seven-speaker sound system.

The phone charge pad is easy to reach with an indented area to hold the phone. A push

The interior hosts leather trimmed black seats and heated leather wrapped steering wheel and seats. All the latest safety features

button transmission was easy to use with drive and reverse selections. Paddle shifters would select gear choices,

but the versatile drive mode handled all speeds efficiently. The driver 10way power seat with memory was very comfortable. There are second row sunshades with a 60/40 split fold down rear seats and storage area under the rear seats. The trunk has a 115-volt power outlet for camping experiences.

The “Trail sport” model has gray wheels, grill, and bumper with a skid plate for rocky trails along with trail emblems and seat logos with all-season floor mats to clean off mountain mud.

Safety features include collision mitigation braking to avoid those

By H. Throttle

front-end collisions, lane keeping assistance, and road departure mitigation. Abundant air bags, front, side, and window locations.

The exterior has front and rear camera sensors and blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors. LED headlights and fog lights and heated rearview mirrors and windshield are perfect for snow country. Roof rails for skis and snowboards, with a power moonroof.

The Passport rides on rugged 2245/60 R-18 all-season tires with deep treads.

Colorado mountain campers and outdoor enthusiasts will find this vehicle extra special with the many outdoor amenities.

Honda made this vehicle for states like Colorado. Along with the nature features, this is a solid allaround drive for all-purposes.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • February 8, 2024

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Attention Villagers! February is National Pet Dental Health Month! shorten a pet’s life by 2-5 years. By caring for their teeth, you’re To celebrate this occasion we are offering a 30% discount off of your pet’s scaling, polishing, and oral exam portion of their dental procedure for February. We look forward to supporting your pet’s dental health, this month and forever!

Why is dental health so important for pets?

Dental disease, which affects a large majority of animals, can be life altering. Dental diseases can be a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to heart, liver, or kidney diseases in pets. By ensuring regular dental check-ups

and maintaining good oral hygiene, such risks can be minimized.

Dental problems, if ignored, can cause significant pain for pets. Infections, gum diseases, and tooth decay can be excruciating and might alter your pet’s behavior or reduce their appetite. Pets’ oral pain often goes unnoticed at home, as they only offer subtle clues to their owners. Identification of disorders and diseases of the teeth forms a significant part of a routine wellness examination.

Good dental care can extend a pet’s life. Dental diseases can

not only ensuring a happier pet but also a longer companionship.

Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to periodontal disease, which affects the structure holding the teeth in place. This can result in loose teeth or even tooth loss, making it difficult for your pet to eat or play.

Regular dental care means fresher breath for your pets, making your close moments more enjoyable. Persistent bad breath in pets can be an indication of underlying dental or gastrointestinal issues.

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