– See pg 5 - The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation honors Judy McNeil
– See pg 6 - Join Central City Opera for the 12th Annual Theatre of Dreams “Happily, Ever After” Gala
– See pg 7 - Jason Crow town hall in Aurora draws 1,300 residents of his district
– See pg 8-9 - Sterling Ranch is Colorado’s top-selling Master Planned Community
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.
According to a just-released research report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI), writ ten by Coors Economic Mobility Fellow Tamra Ryan and Research Analyst Cole Anderson, adding the formerly incarcerated to the workforce “presents a massive opportunity for both employers and the state” that has the potential to “add $1 billion in GDP growth and $650 million in personal income, annually.”
Using data from the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC), the report found that, “For the 10-year period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average 3-year recidivism rate in Colorado was 45.4%,” a statistic that is shocking but not surprising. It is also unsurprising that recidivism appears to be strongly tied to the ability of the formerly incarcerated to get and keep a job. Ryan’s report states, “Those individuals who were able to maintain employment for one year post-release had a recidivism rate of 16%,” and education, training, and the development of job skills while incarcerated makes former inmates more likely to achieve employment success.
The researchers also looked at the cost of incarceration, noting the annual DOC budget has increased 24% over the past four years to its current level of $1,174,720,793. During FY2022, the state’s taxpayers paid an average of $56,766 for every individual that was in custody at a state facility.
It must be stated that they also found, historically, an
astounding 55% of those who recidivated did not commit new crimes. Rather, they were returned to prison for technical violations of parole or probation, like failing a drug test or missing a check-in appointment with their parole or probation officer. That is a significant but separate conversation about the criminal justice system, but one can surmise that a person with stable employment is less likely to stumble that way. There is also good news to report on the topic of reincarceration for technical violations of parole or probation. The desire to minimize incarceration to avoid the close conditions of prison life that increased contagiousness during the pandemic left a notable positive result. CSI reports that, “The most recent data from CDOC shows that formerly incarcerated individuals released in Colorado recidivated within three years of release at a rate of 28%,” at least partly because, “A steep decline in the number of technical-violation returns since the COVID-19
pandemic has driven a decline in overall recidivism.”
Ryan and Anderson found that about 6,000 people are released from Colorado prisons each year and, in FY2022, 86% were men, and 83.5% were between 20 and 49, prime working age. Another 11.5% were 50-59, so, approximately 5,700 of the people released from prisons could have potentially been added to the state’s employment rolls.
An important finding from the report was, “Employment is a critical component of successful re-entry into the community after release from incarceration.
A study by the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government found a lack of employment was one of the most significant risk factors affecting successful re-entry,” because employment offered other positive benefits, including, “decreased reliance on state assistance, increased self-esteem, a more positive sense of identity, and a life made more stable because of income.”
Additionally, “Researchers found community organizations that offer returning citizens assistance with employment were most successful when they provided a holistic approach that included both training and job placement and emphasized high quality jobs with upward mobility potential.”
Data from Breakthrough, a nonprofit group formed in 2017 that supports formerly incarcerated individuals through “a structured 8-month in-facility educational curriculum that includes job training readiness and re-entry planning,” followed by help in transitioning back to society through coaching, help with finding jobs, and access to any needed mental health and/ or substance abuse services, is encouraging.
Breakthrough operates in four different-sized correctional facilities in Pueblo, Crowley, and Fremont Counties, as well as the Colorado State Penitentiary. They serve around 30 people each year at each facility, totaling 535 in the eight years they have been operating. Data through 2023 shows that 92% of Breakthrough clients were currently employed and only 6% recidivated. That statistic was even less, falling to 1%, for the cohort that completed both Breakthrough’s pre-release and post-release program.
CSI’s report included detailed financial modeling that led to its conclusions about the potential GDP and personal income increases the state could realize through improving the focus on
On March 3, Greenwood Village City Council members, led by Anne Ingebretsen, Dave Kerber, and Donna Johnston, held a lengthy discussion about their belief that the Museum of Outdoor Arts, Inc., (MOA) the nonprofit that owns Fiddlers’ Green Amphitheater (Fiddlers’), may be in technical violation of the terms of its agreement for the operation of the theater. They discussed the possibility of renegotiating the agreement, although it was unclear whether there were documented conditions that could form an objective basis for doing so. The information the council received from its city manager, police chief, and city attorney during the meeting generally pointed to Fiddlers’ being in compliance with the terms of its agreement.
The agreement that governs the operation of Fiddlers’ is a four and one-half page document,
signed on September 26, 2006, that annexed the property into the City because GV “determined that it is in the best interest of the City to…receive revenues from the Property,” and MOA wished “to obtain from the City (its) municipal services,” including “providing all police personnel… necessary for traffic control and police protection in the vicinity of (Fiddlers’),” as well as closing streets around the venue as needed to allow traffic flow to and from events there. Sundry other terms require GV to prohibit the re-sale of tickets to Fiddlers’ events by unlicensed sellers within one mile of the venue and agree not to impose any new fees, including seat tax, aimed at Fiddlers’ events. It also allows MOA to assign its rights to “any person or entity that is financially responsible.”
The terms of the agreement that have long been viewed as the
most important state that noise from the theater cannot exceed “110 decibels at the mix” and events held there cannot go past 10:45 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and 11:15 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
The discussion section of the staff report for the March 3 city council study session states that the City paid $218,066 for traffic control and police services provided to Fiddlers’ in 2024 and that city staff “recommends that the police department continue providing police protection services and traffic control as outlined in the annexation agreement.” There is no mention of city revenue associated with Fiddlers’ in the staff report, nor did any member of council raise that topic during the discussion.
The staff report also says, “Regarding noise control measures and complaints associated
with the thirty-five concerts in 2024, each concert is measured with a calibrated sound measuring system monitored throughout each concert,” and, “For all the concerts combined for 2024 (35), the noise levels never exceeded 103.44 decibels. In addition, historically, in the total concerts from 2021-2023 (66), noise levels never exceeded 103.5 decibels.”
Nevertheless, Council Member Anne Ingebretsen said, “I don’t have any scientific proof but…the noise level at Fiddlers’ today is very different than what it was, even five years ago… Back in the day, in 2006, the kind of concerts that were offered there were kind of the John Denver-kind of mellow concerts. They weren’t…” Council Member Ann Nelson interjected, finishing Ingebretsen’s sentence with, “electronic music festival or rap.” Ingebretsen continued, “I
services that would result in the formerly incarcerated achieving a stable employment situation. You can download the entire report by going to: https:// www.commonsenseinstituteus. org/colorado/research/crimeand-public-safety/ensuringeconomic-success-for-formerly -incarcerated-coloradans.
Founded 15 years ago, CSI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, whose guiding principles are free enterprise, economic vitality, individual opportunity, dynamic research, and non-partisanship. It conducts policy research “founded on the desire to break through the divisive partisanship overwhelming issues, and provide fact based economic analysis not otherwise presented to opinion leaders and voters. The group’s 14-person board of directors includes Dave Davia, president of Colorado Concern, J.J. Ament, CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Robin Wise, President and CEO of Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc, Tyrone Adams, President and CEO of the Colorado Association of Realtors, Charlie McNeil, CEO of NexGen Oil and Gas, Laura Leprino, xx of the Western Titan Fund, and Maureen Tarrant, Vice-President of External Affairs at HCA HEALTHONE. In addition to a permanent staff of 12, CSI has a team of 12 Fellows who do targeted research in areas including criminal justice, housing, energy, urban development, education, and public safety.
don’t know if it does something to the noise level of the concerts that I don’t know…but…the annexation agreement calls for nothing higher than 110 decibels at the mix. Where is the mix?”
GV City Attorney Tonya Haas Davidson explained, “It’s defined as 100 feet from the front of the stage where the sound equipment…is set up.”
After more back and forth, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kerber, who was on the 2006 city council that approved the Fiddlers’ agreement, said, “I remember the battle that was going on with measuring the sound. They had this measurement and that measurement and then they were lying and then they were doing this and then they would do something else. And we were developing the Village Center at the same time…It was a struggle to get to a number. I have no idea why it was 110 (decibels). I know they did the mix because they had to pick a spot. I have no idea if that was scientifically based or
Continued on page 12
Children have always exhibited behaviors that frustrate adults. Parents repeatedly say the same things to their children, reminding them to brush their teeth, make their beds, do their homework, and be polite. When children enter adolescence, other messages about being responsible and making wise choices become the parents’ mantra. If children do not heed this parental advice, school officials and sometimes even law enforcement need to get involved to keep these developing humans on the pathway toward becoming a positive force for social good. Unfortunately, more and more children are not receiving
consistent messages about character and virtue. They are left to their own devices because of fractured or never-formed families. Adults who have given birth or sired these children are in survival mode themselves, perhaps healing from the trauma they accumulated from their upbringing. It is not an exaggeration to declare that when families fail, the government grows.
The family, far more than the government or schools, is the soil in which we grow. When raising our four children, their dad and I were THE Department of Education, THE Department of Health and Human Services, and THE Department
of Corrections. Civilizing these young ones was our primary responsibility. It was all-consuming, laborious, and challenging. However, the investment was worth it. Cultivating the rich soil and combining it with fierce love and calm discipline are the essential elements of legacy and connection. Family structure matters as we seek answers to many of our social challenges.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that family structure is controversial. If one talks about marriage, never married, divorced, or single parents might be offended. Why should the government support marriage and family structure? Dr. Brad Wilcox, a nationally acclaimed social science researcher, found that states with more married parents do better on a broad range of economic
indicators, including upward mobility for poor children and lower child poverty rates. On most economic indicators, the Washington Post summarized, “the share of parents who are married in a state is a better predictor of that state’s economic health than the racial composition and educational attainment of the state’s residents.”
Children living with their married biological parents consistently have better physical, emotional, and academic well-being. Sending educational resources back to the states and making marriage and family well-being a national priority will significantly increase educational outcomes.
Healthy marriages and safe and stable families are pillars of a secure, upwardly mobile society. We must develop an attitude of curiosity and cour-
age to explore the robust and plentiful data that outlines this. Policymakers, teachers, and influencers must share this research as a primary prevention strategy and a way to turn this sizeable cultural ship around to reduce poverty, crime, violence, substance abuse, homelessness, depression, and isolation.
To save taxpayer dollars and shrink government, we must stop looking to the government to save us and demand that leaders prioritize public policy and funding to help strengthen marriage and family while they are also setting priorities for economic development and national security.
A healthy, married, connected family with rich, loving, supportive relationships should be part of the strategy to save the nation. joneen@narme.org
A Special Birthday Celebration
There she was… LaFawn Biddle singing to 150 of her friends at her 100th birthday party in the banquet room of Cherry Hills Country Club. The iconic lady, who has a big heart and a large network of friends and projects including St. Mary’s Academy who is giving her an honorary degree at an upcoming commencement ceremony. The elegant lady stood at the door Sunday afternoon and greeted each guest as they arrived to celebrate her
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
so many friends and colleagues that have enjoyed her friendship and generosity for decades. The Villager will have a tribute of the event in the next week’s paper by colleague Scottie Iverson.
***
It was great to see so many friends at the event, Cherry Hills former mayor Doug Tisdale, former Colorado First Lady Frances Owens, doer and shaker Jan Top, Friends of Nursing leader Melanie Wallace and sister Teri, Lion Club friend Phyllis Wicklund, longtime friend and leader of
DU veteran Steve Edmonds, fabulous hostess Dianne Bartlett, and Bessie’s Hope pioneer Linda Holloway, and just a gaggle of longtime friends. Cherry Hills Country Club went all out for the event with great food and excellent service. The new banquet room added to the ambience of the newly remodeled, iconic club.
Happy and blessed 100th Birthday LaFawn from Gerri and I.
***
Writing about my experiences in the old USSR last week, I must laugh at how happy we were to get out of that country, and we all cheered when
many. Leaving the Soviet State was a relief and instantly we noticed free enterprise signs and we were grateful to be back in western Europe. That experience was 50 years ago. Since that time the communist empire of Lenin has collapsed, and the 14 percent of the communist leadership became wealthy oligarchs, plundering the countries resources. I would guess that Putin’s days are numbered and that the Russian people have just about had enough of the war and death of their youth. I think and hope that this war will end soon with President
EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com
Inaugural T1D Changemaker Award presented at 47 acclaimed Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show
This year, the first ever prestigious Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Changemak er Award was creat ed to honor an indi vidual who displays incredible dedica tion and support of the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) and makes a lasting difference in the Type 1 community. As en graved on the award – passion, dedication and support – those three words beautifully and accurately describe Colorado native Judy McNeil. For over 25 years, she has been passionately involved with CDF in so many ways. For instance, for 18 years, her remarkable talent has been shared by creat ing signature baskets for the Brass Ring Si lent Auction. She also served as The Guild President in 2011 and has chaired the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion show as well as served as Guild Historian several years. Last year, she was honored as a Channel 7Everyday Hero. Judy and husband Charlie were honored with the High Hopes Award at CDF’s 2011 Carousel Ball. In addition, she and Charlie have been honored by nu merous other organizations for countless contributions and support. In 2010, they were honored as Villagers of the Year by this newspaper. Congratulations, Judy! We applaud your passion and dedication in everything you do for your family and community and we are thrilled to see you accept another much-deserved honor.
The mission of CDF is solely to fund programs of clinical care, research and education at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. For more information: www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.
“We are thrilled to welcome our supporters to this event at the magnificent Lanny and Sharon Martin Building” states Christina Dinegar, Gala co-chair. She continued that the Martin family has been tremendous champions of Central City Opera, the Denver Art Museum and numerous other Colorado organizations and beyond.
The Gala honorees are Anne McGonagle and Heather Kemper Miller, extraordinary long-time board members, who both previously served as board chairs. The event is co-chaired by Christina Dinegar and Theresa Ruhl.
This Black-Tie event promises to bring together devoted arts lovers to raise funds for the 2025 Central City Opera Summer Festival, the Young Artists Training Program, community outreach programs, and historic preservation of nearly 30 properties in Central City, CO.
The Gala evening begins at 5:30 PM
and includes cocktails, dinner, a curated live auction, and a paddle raise. The evening ends with a performance by featured performers in this summer’s productions of Once Upon a Mattress and The Barber of Seville.
Gala tickets are $450 and tables of eight are $3,600. To purchase tickets, call the Central City Opera box office at (303) 292-6700 or visit centralcityopera.org/ gala. The reservation deadline is March 20. Complimentary valet parking is provided.
Join Central City Opera for the 12th Annual Theatre of Dreams “Happily, Ever After” Gala Friday, April 4th at the Denver Art Museum
City Opera House in the summer
I bet you shop at Park Meadows, practice your golf swing at Topgolf, and enjoy concerts at Fiddler’s Green. Even if you don’t, you know that South Metro Denver offers fantastic shopping and entertainment options. Everyone agrees this area is a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
The South Metro Denver Chamber celebrates the region’s significance. SMDC is dedicated to enhancing the business environment through its membership and various informative events. A notable example occurred on Friday, March 7, at the Lone Tree Arts Center, where SMDC gathered South Metro mayors to discuss issues affecting our communities.
A room filled with elected officials and members of the business community listened as Dr. Stephanie Fuji, President of Arapahoe Community College, facilitated a discussion with Castle Pines Mayor Tracy Engerman, Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko, Greenwood Village Mayor George Lantz, Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter, and Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon. Englewood Mayor
Sierra was unable to attend.
The six mayors represent 230,000 residents across more than 95,000 households in Douglas and Arapahoe counties. Regional cooperation emerged as a common theme within the group. Another critical issue is the ongoing assault by the state legislature on Home Rule (the constitutional right for local citizens to determine what is best for their city). The mayors also discussed economic development, crime, housing prices, and transportation.
As a Centennial Councilmember and candidate for Centennial mayor, aiming to succeed term-limited Mayor Piko in the November election, I found Friday’s discussion to be both optimistic and informative.
Thank you to SMDC President Jeff Keener, VP Lori Gerlits, and the South Metro Denver Chamber staff for hosting another fantastic community event.
Don Sheehan Centennial City Council/ Mayoral Candidate
of:
Oscar “Osi” Sladek, whose family found different ways to evade the Nazi invasion of their homeland in Slovakia, including hiding in a cave in the Tarta Mountains when Osi was 9. AND
Asher Ben Basat, who as a child, remembers waiting to board a
Holocaust Memorial called Babi Yar Park.
Please join us in honoring all who have been impacted by the Holocaust and stand with us against the rise of Anti-Semitism that has become so prevalent in our time.
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.
Since first being elected to Congress in 2018, the largest number of people to attend one of Congressional District Six U.S. Rep. Jason Crow’s more than a dozen town hall meetings was 500. The meeting at Aurora’s Hinckley High School on Feb. 27 drew a full house of over 1,300, and you couldn’t make a reservation for it unless you had an address that proved you lived in Crow’s district.
The congressman began the town hall by talking about his background, sharing, “My public service life started in uniform, and, to be honest, I didn’t enlist and go into the military for patriotic reasons…I come from a family where I didn’t have the money to pay for school. I did well in school and got into college, so I enlisted to help pay for college. Then I realized I loved wearing the uniform, I loved wearing the flag on my shoulder, I loved serving my country and being a part of something bigger than myself. That love of country grew. As imperfect as our country sometimes can be…I still love this country for what we can be and what we are at our best moments, when we fulfill our highest ideals.
Before meeting the public, Crow met privately with reporters. Noting that it was his first live town hall since President Trump was inaugurated for his second term, the congressman pointed out, “As you can see from the maxed-out capacity, there is a lot of energy and there are a lot of questions about the path forward.” Pulling no punches, he added, “Our community has been targeted by Donald Trump’s lies and his misinformation. There is a lot of fear and a lot of anxiety, as a result of that.”
Asked about the Republican
The only way they can come close to paying for it is by cutting almost $1 trillion in Medicaid coverage.”
The Villager asked the congressman, “What results should people look for that will show what you’ve accomplished” through your efforts?” He told us, “We (the Democrats) are in the minority…Legislating and budgeting require votes. We will do everything possible to prevent them from ripping health care away. There are things that don’t require votes—advocacy, oversight, communicating. We will do that and I will lean into it very hard,” conceding that his party can only prevent Republicans from passing legislation if it can convince GOP members to vote against their leadership, something that has not materially happened since President Trump took office.
We also asked Rep. Crow about threats from Washington to move U.S. Space Command back to Alabama. He told us, “I’m always worried about Space Command being moved back to Alabama…Sitting on the Armed Services Committee and the Intelligence Committee puts me in a
our adversaries where they are actually ahead of us in some very important ways. Moving that command and losing the work force and losing that time would be simply unacceptable. It would put America at risk.”
The debate about the location of U.S. Space Command has been ongoing for the past four years.
In January 2021, after Trump lost the 2020 presidential election but before he left office, it was announced that Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama was the preferred location for U.S. Space Command, despite Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs having been its original and interim headquarters. It was widely reported that Trump had pressured the military to choose Alabama over Colorado after he lost the 2020 election, though a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General found that, “The process used by Air Force officials to select Huntsville as the preferred permanent location of Space Command complied with law and policy,” despite the fact that there were some records used in the process that had not been retained and could not be reviewed. In 2023, then-President Biden reversed that decision and it was announced that Space Command would stay put in Colorado, where it was up and running.
On January 22, 2025, it was reported that, “Congressional representatives in Alabama, where more than 64% of voters supported President Donald Trump in 2024, are increasingly confident Trump will reward their loyalty by prioritizing an administrative plan to move the headquarters of the U.S. Space Command from Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado to Redstone Arsenal in the
on our state’s taxpayers. He said that it could.
During the question-and-answer portion of the town hall meeting, a constituent, who is a former U.S. Marine, asked Crow about the future of Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora (Space Force and Space Command are related but separate entities).
Crow responded, “Buckley is the second largest economic driver in our community, behind the Anschutz medical campus… More than 10,000 people, in uniform and civilians, work there. There is a huge Space Force presence there and it’s one of the largest intelligence epicenters in our intelligence network.” Noting that what he was about to share was not Classified, he added, “All of our early warning happens at Buckley. When there’s a missile launched anywhere in the world, it’s Buckley that sees it first and starts the chain of response. When Iran launched missiles against our troops during the first Trump administration, it was Buckley that saw those missiles coming and started the alert system, allowing our troops to go into bunkers and be protected. That saved lives…I go there a lot. I convened the Future of Buckley Task Force with DOD (U.S. Dept. of Defense), state officials, local officials, and federal officials. We meet regularly and talk about how we can build the mission and protect the mission, because everybody knows that if you take any federal facility for granted, you can lose it, really quickly.”
He continued, “We’re going to fight to defend that. We also have one of the largest aviation and aerospace industries in the nation. There are over 260 businesses and companies in our district that work directly or indirectly in the defense, aviation, and aerospace industries that employ 30,000 of our neighbors. I know, from my service on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees,
could reduce costs, lower prices, and make that ecosystem healthier and more innovative. Colorado would be at the forefront of that effort.”
Another constituent told the Congressman he was concerned about veterans’ services, Ukraine, and Israel-Gaza. He made it clear that he objected to the use of American weapons by Israel in Gaza. Crow responded, “As a veteran, I know we have a sacred promise to veterans. If you’re willing to raise your right hand and take an oath to serve your country, our nation must be there for you and your family, regardless of what happens in the course of your service. This administration’s proposals to pay for their tax cuts on the backs of our veterans and many others is simply unacceptable. Cuts to the VA, including cuts to the suicide hotline, are shameful. I will work to stop that and I will call it out. The willingness of our young people to step up and serve is tied to our country’s willingness to keep its promise to them.”
Moving to the next topic, he said, “I’m a firm believer in our support for Ukraine,” which drew loud, spontaneous applause, “because I believe it’s in our national interest. My job is not to give charity to other countries. The litmus test that I funnel everything through is, will it make your lives better, will it make you safer, will it help our economy?” He added, “Across the board, the answer to this is yes, because supporting and fighting for democracy and world stability and prosperity is in your interest. So, for less than four percent of our annual defense budget, and I think that budget is too high, but that’s a different issue, we are supporting our allies, we’re making peace, we’re pushing back against a violent dictator, we’re promoting economic prosperity in Europe, our single largest trading partner, and we’re
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PAUL SUTER
SUBMITTED BY
Sterling Ranch, a 21st century master-planned community providing residents with an innovative and beautiful place to call home, is pleased to announce that it has been ranked as one of the Top 50 Master Planned Communities in the nation and number one in Colorado for 2024, based on new home sales according to two independent national studies.
sulting, LLC (www.realestateconsulting.com) places Sterling Ranch at number 47 in the nation and first in Colorado RCLCO (www.rclco.com) places Sterling Ranch at number 50 in the nation and first in Colorado.
During the past year, homebuilders in Sterling Ranch recorded 382 home sales, outpac
market.
Chelsea Scott, Senior Consulting Manager with John Burns Real Estate, had this to say:
“Sterling Ranch has once again made the John Burns Research and Consulting Top 50 Master-Planned Communities (MPC) list out of 500+ surveyed master plans across the county. This list is a testament to Sterling
committed to building sustainable homes with state-of-the-art water resource management and energy efficiency. Sterling Ranch benefits from its beautiful natural landscape and outdoor lifestyle. Congratulations to the management team that runs this community.”
Karl Pischke, Principal with RCLCO, had this to say:
“The top-selling community of Colorado, Sterling Ranch,
became the 47th best-selling master-planned community in the country in 2024. RCLCO’s Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities Report is a publication released by RCLCO Real Estate Consultants twice each year to track the top performing communities in the country and to identify development best practices from the MPCs that have pioneered their way into the top ranks. Sterling Ranch is an
excellent example of the success that a project can achieve when community and thoughtful placemaking are the primary focuses.”
“This is the fifth consecutive year that we’ve led the Denver metro area market in home sales, something we attribute to our proximity to the ‘quality-of-life’ vision we established for Sterling Ranch more than a decade ago,” said Brock Smethills, President of the Sterling Ranch Develop-
ment Company. “We’re providing our residents with adjacency to two State Parks, a high-quality sustainable water system, hiking trails and a healthy lifestyle in an idyllic Colorado setting, with a vast array of home designs and price points to choose from.
The people who live in Sterling Ranch also benefit from the community’s incredible partnerships with our technology providers. Every home that is built
in Sterling Ranch comes standard with a technology package that includes among other features, an Android tablet that allows our homeowners to monitor their energy and water use in real time, a low voltage system for security and home automation, dual indoor and outdoor water meters, and solar systems. In addition, each home has a dedicated fiber optic line that provides standard internet speeds of one gig with
options to upgrade to 8 gigs of internet speed. Sterling Ranch is truly unique and it’s a tremendous honor to see so many homebuyers sharing in our vision.”
Smethills continued: “Our national ranking is also impressive considering the size, scope and location of most of the master planned communities in the Top 50. A majority are located on the two coasts or in states that have
a shorter entitlement process and much more available land for development. Sterling Ranch is in a ‘flyover’ state and is comprised of land that was carefully assembled in order to build a comprehensive community.”
Sterling Ranch attributes much of its success to the desire of people to be close to the mountains while walkable to a future urban environment within the master planned community.
Continued from page 7
in the Congress because it requires us to hold multiple truths at the same time.” He went on, “I believe that Israel has the right to defend itself, that it should remain the Jewish democratic homeland. I also believe that the Palestinian people have a right to self-determination and their own state. For there to actually be peace, both of those things must be true. All peoples must have security. I also believe that the manner in which we pursue peace and security is just as important as our commitment to it. I went to war three times for this country. I was an infantryman, so I was on the front lines for all those conflicts. What I saw and what I learned is that if you don’t center the protection of innocents and civilians in conflict zones, there can be no peace and stability. That is why I’m a founding member of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict
Caucus in the Congress…That’s why I pushed back and said that 40,000 civilian casualties were unacceptable. At the same time, I said that the hostages had to be returned and Hamas needed to be taken off the battlefield because it’s a terrorist organization that undermines peace and security. But it’s not OK to have the level of civilian casualties and the starvation that we saw in Gaza. I wrote letters to the last administration to try to hold them accountable for complying with our own laws. I believe we should hold ourselves, our allies, and all countries to the same laws and standards, with no exceptions.”
On the topic of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), a constituent said she was “very concerned,” and wanted to know “what can be done to limit its power.” Crow responded, “I don’t believe that an unelected and unaccountable billionaire…has a right to your information, has the right to our payment system… Not to mention, you have the fox
At St. Andrew’s Village senior living, fabulous amenities plus personalized care and services create a formula for superb senior living. But St. Andrew’s Village is much more than just a place to live; it’s a place to experience and enjoy life, every day.
From Active Independent Living
“They cannot move Space Command (to Alabama) without jeopardizing our national security. It’s fully operational and capable right now. The work force is here. It’s up and running. We’re trying to catch up with our adversaries where they are actually ahead of us in some very important ways. Moving that command and losing the work force and losing that time would be simply unacceptable. It would put America at risk.” - Jason Crow
guarding the hen house. Elon Musk is one of the largest government contractors and defense contractors in our country. To put him in charge of which government contracts to cancel or not cancel…is extremely troubling.” By its loud applause, the room seemed to agree. He continued, “We have a bill—I understand the problem with getting it passed now—but we have to establish the standard and the floor. It would prevent unfettered, unauthorized access to information in our systems. We are going to hold people accountable. If they don’t vote on it, we’re going to call that out. We are
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.
going to force them to say no. Then they can go before their constituents, if they choose to, and be held accountable.”
Something that Crow does regularly, he shared, is show up unannounced at federal facilities, including ICE Detention Centers, Buckley Space Force Base, and Veterans Administration facilities, where he walks around and talks to employees to get direct information on any issues they face. The congressman said this practice has gotten him much valuable information through the years, explaining, “When I announce in advance
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!
Our Signature Amenities & Lifestyle Advantages Include:
• Chef-Prepared Meals with Tableside Service
• Private Dining Room
• Daily Activities & Events
I’m going somewhere, everything smells clean, there’s fresh paint on the walls. I’m going to continue to show up unannounced and bring to light the things that are happening in our community.”
He also reminded the people who came that his office constantly performs constituent services, explaining, “We do thousands of cases every year, helping people who have lost health care, who aren’t getting their benefits, who aren’t getting access to the VA. We will continue to do that.”
• Health & Wellness Center • Indoor Pool • Beauty Salon & Barber Shop
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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.
The 68 teams that make up this year’s March Madness field and their first-round pairings will be revealed on national television Sunday afternoon.
This means the uniquely American ritual known as “filling out your bracket” is imminent, too. Crank up the photocopiers.
A few days before the bracket is announced, Auburn, Duke and Houston seem almost certain top seeds in three of the regionals.
The fourth will likely come from the Southeastern Conference, either Florida or Alabama.
Contenders behind these include Michigan State, coached by the venerable Tom Izzo; St. John’s and born-again Rick Pitino; Tennessee; and a pair of Texas teams: A&M and Tech.
Which will be in your Final Four?
Which will be the next national champion?
As a public service, here are some approaches to consider employing in your nearly impossible quest to pick all 67 winners, or at least enough of them to claim first place in the pool of your choice.
• Play the percentages. The NCAA defines an upset as a higher seed beating a lower seed, beginning with a No. 11 knocking off a No. 6. (A 10 beating a 7 doesn’t make this cut.)
• By this standard, there have been 10 or more upsets in 15 of the past 39 tournaments since the field grew to 64 teams.
• The fewest upsets occurred in 2007 (three), and the most came in 2021 and 2022 (14).
The annualized average is 8.5 upsets—4.7 in the first round
and 3.8 in the round of 32.
• The highest seed ever to win the national title was Villanova, No. 8 in 1985. Three other No. 8s reached the finals. Five No. 11s reached the Final Four.
• The trick, of course, is knowing which teams will pull of these upsets. The NCAA hasn’t figured out how to predict that with any certainty.
• Try the race track strategy. A less scientific way seems to work fairly well when handicapping your garden-variety horse race: Choosing the horse you’ll risk two bucks on to beat all others in the field, based on the colors the jockey is wearing.
• The equivalent is a team’s uniform colors, or more precisely, the combinations they don, since nowadays they do a lot more mixing-and-matching, both home and road.
• There’s no readily available data on the most successful colors.
• Make a game out of it. There have been times in the history of Major League Baseball when the manager of a team mired in a long losing streak resorted to pulling his lineup out of his hat in an attempt to find a winning combination. Sometimes it worked. A variation could be worth a try in this instance, too.
My suggestion: Tape your bracket to a dartboard and throw darts at it until you’ve hit one team in each pairing. Those are your first-round winners.
Advance the winners to the next round and repeat. Continue through all remaining rounds.
Have you already tried all three above? Do they seem frivolous to you? Think you can do better?
Here’s a less imaginative— most would say “more serious”— way to go about filling out your bracket.
Instead of starting with the first round, begin by picking your Sweet Sixteen—the teams you think will emerge from the first two rounds.
Then pick the winners of games in the Rounds of 64 and 32 accordingly, including the upsets you predict, keeping in mind the NCAA data on upsets and its definition.
Then pick your Final Four and work backward, again
Finally, choose your national champion and the loser of the title game. These are your Final Four outcomes.
The NCAA has attempted to ascertain the record for most correct bracket selections to start a March Madness.
According to its research, Gregg Nigl of Columbus, Ohio set the mark for the longest perfect start in 2017 when he correctly picked the winners of the first 49 games of that year’s tournament.
Previously, the record was 39 in 2017 and 36 in 2014.
None of these high-water marks involved darts or team colors.
Will anyone ever get all 63 outcomes correct?
Never say never, but the odds strongly suggest it’s unlikely.
A quintillion is defined as a billion billions, or 1 followed by 18 zeroes.
The odds of getting all 63 winners right in a March Madness bracket are 1 in 9.2 quintillion.
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
Continued from page 2
whatever. As far as what the noise is on the outside, we just couldn’t get to it. This was kind of like a compromise…I wouldn’t suggest that this is some kind of God-given scientific number that experts decided was cool with our residents…And..over time, we got this mix thing down and then we go, all right, they’re cheating, and went back and forth and they had more things that would make it OK. Then they weren’t cheating and they had different stuff coming in…The question we’re talking about is, is the deal that was struck then, is it still appropriate for our citizens?... There aren’t a whole lot of outdoor amphitheaters in the middle of residential or commercial areas…Our question is, what’s going on now, is that deal OK or is it not OK?”
Council Member Judy Hilton offered her view that, “I think it’s too loud. Fiddlers, I think it’s too loud. I don’t think I’d know the difference between 105 and 110, but John (her son, who she stated is a concert musician) says don’t go above 105.”
City Manager John Jackson told the council about a concert at Fiddlers’ where the music played by a band named Outkast exceeded the 110-decibel noise limit. He did not name the date, but that concert was on August 22, 2014, when Jackson was GV’s Police Chief. According to Jackson, city officials met with venue management after that incident and made it clear, “This should never happen again,” adding, “In my opinion, they took it very seriously…and they haven’t violated it again.”
Next, Council Member Donna Johnston noted that Fiddlers’ management had done work on its speaker system in 2014 and 2024, leading Ingebretsen to ask if the city had “tested the mix, factoring in those speakers that are outside of
where we’re testing this mix.”
Chief Varney responded, “When they did the renovation in 2014, they spent quite a bit of money on sound absorption pads along the wall. They included the police department. They asked for our input.”
City Manager Jackson added, “The answer to your question is yes. After they did the enhancements, several of us went out there, myself included, and they walked us through what they did…No concert has violated the 110 and we’ve tested it at different places during concerts, so the answer is yes.”
Ingebretsen continued, “The answer is yes for 2014. What’s the answer for 2024?” Varney responded, “For the past seven years, we have never seen the decibel level go over 110.” Kerber interjected, “The issue is not what happens at the mix. It’s what happens in our neighborhoods.” Ingebretsen agreed, telling Varney, “That’s my question, because I think we’re not picking up the actual sound that is coming out into our neighborhoods.”
Then Council Member Libby Barnacle, who was participating remotely, suggested measuring the bass, which she said “is the real problem…the heavy boom, boom, boom that we’re hearing. So, maybe we can talk about that?”
Ingebretsen repeated that she questioned whether the speakers installed in 2024 had been tested “to see if they are within our contractual agreement,” adding, “I pose this to the council, I think 110 is way too, I don’t know, I’d be very curious to know, if the types of music that’s being played today versus 10 years ago is making that noise louder. Maybe it’s the bass. I don’t know, but I think it’s worth us re-entering into discussions with them about the decibel level and the time. I did not realize that concerts can go to 11:15 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I thought it was just over the weekend.”
Mayor Lantz wanted to know how many noise complaints had been received regarding concerts at Fiddlers.’ Chief Varney responded that, in 2024, with over 386,000 people attending concerts, 20 noise complaints were received. In 2021 through 2023, with the number of concertgoers ranging from 100,000 to 232,000, GV got less than 10 complaints per year.
Council Member Paul Wiesner directed his comments to the city attorney, stating that, after reading the agreement, “It doesn’t sound like we have much negotiating to go back to them and say, you need to change the hours and you need to change the decibels because, if we change it, they can say, we’re just going to be on our own.” The city attorney seemed to agree, responding, “Yes, they could petition to de-annex and join Centennial or stay in the County,” (unincorporated Arapahoe County).
Wiesner continued, “And they’re adjacent to Centennial, right?” Haas Davidson answered, “Yes, they are contiguous to Centennial,” adding that prior attempts to renegotiate the terms of the 2006 agreement had “not gone anywhere,” and, should GV attempt to do that now, “The same thing would happen again, would be my prediction.”
Council Member Donna Johnston shared, “It is true that there hasn’t been that many complaints but no one knows where to complain, so, like, that just to me means nothing at all. And I also want to point out that not every concert is bad…but there are some that I think we really need to start measuring better and understanding where our leverage may or may not be so that when the proper time comes to look at the contract, we have something to show, you know, this is a concern or it’s not a concern. It could very well be that it’s the bass, that’s my feeling, but I don’t know.”
City Manager Jackson responded, “To be clear, there isn’t a time
that’s coming where we will renew or look at the contract.” When Johnston disagreed, saying, “Well, we could set the time,” Jackson clarified, “We could open it. We can do that. We can talk, but it’s an agreement that’s …perpetual until changed.”
When Council Member Tom Stahl wondered if multiple complaints came from some of the same people, Chief Varney said, “A good portion of our complaints” come from nearby apartments that are in the City of Centennial.
Council Member Ann Nelson added to the discussion, “Sometimes when it’s 10:45 at night… you get that thump, thump, thump, thump…It’s that bass and that screaming…Why would I pick up a phone and call you?...They’re not going to be quiet. It’s not like you’ve got a neighbor in your back yard screaming.”
The conversation came back to where it began with Ingebretsen saying, “If we find out that these speakers do add an element of decibel level that puts them outside the level of acceptability, then I would say, from a contractual point of view, they’re not honoring the contract…The number of concerts is way more than back in 2006. The type of concerts, the type of music that we’re hearing, and they’ve done some renovations that…may have also expanded the sound. So, I’m not sure that they haven’t made changes in their contractual agreement to us.”
Responding to Ingebretsen’s expressed concerns, Wiesner pointed out that “changing music” is not addressed in the contract, and “The only thing we can lean on is decibels and hours.” On the topic of the number of concerts increasing through the years, the city attorney reminded council that the agreement states, “It’s year round, so it’s not limited.”
When Barnacle, who is a lawyer, asked the city attorney directly if the council could “limit the number of concerts.” Haas Davidson
responded with a simple, “No.” Kerber, who is also a lawyer, said, “The problem is, it’s not the decibels at the mix, which appear to be just fine. The problem is, what are the decibels at the top of the wall? What are the decibels outside?” Chief Varney referred Kerber to the agreement, which specifically points to the decibel level inside the venue at the mix, noting, “I don’t know how to control it outside.”
City Manager John Jackson told the council that, years ago, after getting repeated complaints from an older GV couple, now deceased, he walked around the outside of Fiddlers’ “six or seven times” when concerts were ongoing, and, “I could hear it, but it was never close to what was inside the venue…and nothing on the outside, at that time, was even close to 110 decibels.” Jackson added, regarding the 2024 upgrades to the sound system, the venue manager told him, “They didn’t add more speakers. They added power to them but they channeled them more into these bays.”
The topic ended with Ingebretsen telling Jackson, “We don’t care how loud it is inside Fiddlers’...I think our issue is how much noise is going out into the communities…I have a feeling we didn’t know these new speakers existed. I certainly didn’t. We need to do something to measure the sound from that wall going out into the community.”
Wiesner’s final suggestion was that GV “spend some of our money and get a sound engineer…to take a hard look at it. They might come up with solutions that would be a win-win for both parties.”
Mayor Lantz brought the lengthy discussion home with, “The question we really need to answer is, do we really have a problem and is there anything we can do?”
NOTICE
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the City of Cherry Hills Village Sanitation District, Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.
The following candidates are hereby declared elected:
William H. Danneberg —4 year term—until May, 2029
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6),
County Public Airport Authority County of Arapahoe State of Colorado
Chairman
Published in The Villager
First Publication: March 6, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025 Legal # 11774
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025, AT 6:30 P.M. FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING A SITE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR ALTERATIONS TO AND THE EXPANSION OF THE CAMPUS FITNESS AND WELLNESS FACILITY AT KENT DENVER, LOCATED AT 4000 E. QUINCY AVENUE. STUDENT ENROLLMENT IS NOT PROJECTED TO INCREASE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROPOSED PROJECT.
THE APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80113 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. OR YOU MAY CALL 303-783-2729 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
PROTESTS OR COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80113 OR PWORKMAN@CHERRYHILLSVILLAGE. COM ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING, OR BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Published in The Villager Published: March 13, 2025 Legal # 11781
District Email: CHVSanDist@aol. com
CHVSanDist@gmail.com
Published in The Villager Published: March 13, 2025 Legal # 11789
Contact
# 11779
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of KENNETH RAY HAMMOND, also known as KENNETH R. HAMMOND and KENNETH HAMMOND, Deceased Case Number 2025PR30118
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado or on or before July 6, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred. The original of this document is on file at the law office of Donald Glenn Peterson /s/. Donald Glenn Peterson Donald Glenn Peterson
Attorney for Personal Representative 5675 DTC Blvd., Suite 250 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: (303) 758-0999 Published in The Villager First Publication: March 6, 2025 Last Publication: March 20, 2025 Legal # 11780
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 ADONAY ROEL CALDERON AND TATIANA JISELA MELGAR CALDERON, Children, and concerning, YANIRA ELIZABETH CALDERON SIBRIAN, BAYRON ORDONEZ, JOSE ARMANADA MELGAR, AND JOHN DOE, 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: 24JV30302
Division: 23
NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENTS BAYRON ORDONEZ, JOSE ARMANADA MELGAR, AND JOHN DOE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above captioned matter has been set for an ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENTS BAYRON ORDONEZ, JOSE ARMANADA MELGAR, AND JOHN DOE, on April 3, 2025, at 2:45 p.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 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 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.
Linda Arnold, Esq., 16764
Assistant County Attorney
Published in The Villager
Published: March 13, 2025 Legal # 11782
DISTRICT COURT ARAPAHOE COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 649-6355
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, IN THE INTEREST OF CARLOS A. RODRIGUEZ LAZOS, Child,
Upon Petition of the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services and ROSAHURA LAZOS ORNELAS, PETITIONER, and Concerning: CAMILO DANIEL CAMACHO AND JOSE C. RODRIGUEZ MUNOZ, RESPONDENTS.
Tracy Rumans
Attorney Reg. #34218
Assistant County Attorney 14980 E. Alameda Drive, Ste 38 Aurora, CO 80012
Telephone: (303) 752-8900
Fax: (303) 752-8901
Case Number: 23 JV 30349
NOTICE TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY AND SUPPORT
NOTICE OF ACTION AND HEARING TO: JOSE C. RODRIGUEZ MUNOZ
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: You are hereby notified that a Petition has been filed to establish paternity and support for the above-named children. You are an interested party. You are further notified that the Petition is set for hearing at 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112 in Division
Published in The Villager Published: March 13, 2025 Legal # 11783
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: JIA CYMONE-RENEE DAVIS, Child, and concerning CHALAYA CYMONE DAVIS, RONNIE JOHNSON, ROBERT JOHNSON, AND JOHN DOE, Respondents.
Shannon Nichols, Esq. #50527 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive, Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: (303) 636-1895 Fax: (303) 636-1889
Case No: 23JV388 Division: 22
NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING ROBERT JOHNSON
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding ROBERT JOHNSON is set on April 7, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. in Division 22 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected and adopt the prepared treatment plan for you in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code, or to de-
termine that there is no appropriate treatment plan.
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-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 408 0614 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 18, 2025Shannon Nichols, Esq.
Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 636-1895
Email: SNichols@arapahoegov. com
Published in The Villager
Published: March 13, 2025 Legal # 11784
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: BABY GIRL HARRIS Child, and concerning, AMBER HARRIS AND JOHN DOE, Continued on next page
Looking for fun things to do over spring break? Arapahoe Libraries will host two kid-friendly improv comedy shows presented by the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company!
The “MAD LIBrarians” will take your suggestions to create a brand-new book title on the spot, then bring it to life with hilarious acting and songs. Each show is free and open to the public.
For ages 5-12 and families. To reserve your spot, please scan the QR code or visit arapahoelibraries.org/events.
Saturday, March 15, 1-2 pm SMOKY HILL LIBRARY (5430 S. Biscay Cir., Centennial)
Sunday, March 23, 1-2 pm KOELBEL LIBRARY (5955 S. Holly St., Centennial)
Respondents.
Erinn Walz, Esq. #43200 Assistant County Attorney 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 PH: 303.636.1308
Case No: 24JV371 Division: 22
NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT
JUDGMENT CONCERNING JOHN DOE SET FOR MARCH 10, 2025, AT 3:30 PM IN DIV. 22
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding Respondent, JOHN DOE, is set for MARCH 10, 2025, at 3:30 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 enter into a treatment plan by default in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.
The Arapahoe County District Court is holding this hearing 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-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).
YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to appear before the Court at said time and place, either in person or by Cisco WebEx Meetings. If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
Dated March 9, 2025.
Erinn Walz, Reg. #43200 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012
Published in The Villager Published: March 13, 2025 Legal # 11786
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:
AILANI INNETH MELENDEZ, ADAM ALEXANDER LIMA AND ANTHONY AZRIEL LIMA, Children, and concerning,
SHELBY OLGA PINTO, ALBERTO MELENDEZ MORENO, BRIAN NAIRA RAMO, AND DIEGO ZOE LIMA-CORDERO, Respondents.
Erinn Walz, Esq. #43200 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: (303) 636-1821 Fax: (303) 636-1889
Case No: 25JV38 Division: 22
NOTICE OF DEFAULT ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING RESPONDENTS ALBERTO MELENDEZ MORENO AND BRIAN NAIRA RAMO
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding ALBERTO MELENDEZ MORENO and BRIAN NAIRA RAMO is set on MARCH 31, 2025 at 3:15 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, or to determine that there is no appropriate treatment plan.
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-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.
Dated March 9, 2025.
Erinn Walz, Reg. #43200
Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner
Published in The Villager
Published: March 13, 2025
Legal # 11787
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: TYSON DESHAWN STURGEON HENDERSON, Child, and concerning, TYQUESHA ELIZABETH GRUYARLOE AND JOHN DOE, Respondents.
Erinn Walz, Esq. #43200
Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012
Tel: (303) 636-1821 / Fax: (303) 636-1889
Case No: 24JV275
Division: 22
NOTICE OF DEFAULT
ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING RESPONDENT, JOHN DOE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding JOHN DOE is set on MARCH 31, 2025 at 2:45 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, or to determine that there is no appropriate treatment plan.
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/
CENTRAL CITY OPERA
Central City Opera Theatre of Dreams Gala: APRIL 4, Denver Art Museum. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, a curated live auction, and a paddle raise, before a performance by headline artists featured in CCO’s summer’s productions of Once Upon a Mattress and The Barber of Seville. Tickets at centralcityopera. org/gala. RSVP deadline: March 20.
CENTRAL CITY OPERA
GUILD OPERA TEASER
MARCH 13, 5:30 p.m. Wellshire Event Center, 3333 S. Colo. Blvd., Denver. Proceeds benefit the Central City Opera House Gardens. 5:30 p.m. cocktails; 6:30 Dinner; 7:30 Program. RSVP Box Office 303-292-6700.
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.
LOCAL ARTIST INVITED TO APPLY FOR 2025 ART ON LOAN PROGRAM
Sponsored by South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Apply by MARCH 17
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
COTTAGE FOOD SAFETY
MARCH 21, 9-12:30 p.m. online. Learn food safety guidelines to operate a business from your home kitchen. Register https://bit.lycuscottagefoods
COLORADO WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME
MARCH 21, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Celebrate 40 years of Women, Wisdom & Wonder. Details at COGREATWOMEN.ORG
DENVER SOUTH 2025 ANNUAL EVENT
WED. APRIL 23, 10:30-1:00 p.m. Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Speaker: Keith Ferrazzi, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Never Eat Alone” and Team Coach. Reservations: 303-792-9447.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
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.
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA - RALLY FOR KIDS
APRIL 25, 12-2 p.m. Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Apeaker Tonier Cain, a trauma survivor, author, filmmaker, and international recognized speaker specializing in trauma-informed care. RSVP: 303-328-2350 or georgia_ reiss@adv4children.org
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.
DENVER HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2-4 p.m. Babi Yar Park in Denver, 1045 E.Yale Ave., Denver
SAVE THE DATE - MIZEL INSTITUTE 2025 HONOREES
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB
MEETINGS
OF DIRECTORS
ANNOUNCES NEW FIRE CHIEF
Selected as the next Fire Chief is John Curtis. A national search was launched in Aug. 2024, attracting 76 applicants from across the country.He will assume the role at the end of April 2025. Chief Curtis has been a dedicated leader at South Metro Fire Rescue for over two decades.
NEW?
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 “CHALK LINES & VINES”
MAY 3 & 4. Art Festival at the Fairgrounds (Indoors). Tickets: Scan QR Code in Arapahoe County advertisement in The Villager.
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, 720-3139741.
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720377-7682.
WHAT’S NEW? - ECHOES OF AN EMPIRE
ANGKOR - The Lost Empress of Cambodia. Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Exhibition Free with Museum admission.
Electric cars have a place in our modern world, especially for shortrange drives to and from the office. Charging overnight or weekly as the vehicle’s electric battery system power drains down works well in city driving demands.
My test drive this week features a new Hyundai model promoted as a longer-range electric vehicle, boasting an estimated range of 270 miles on a full charge. However, my experience with this vehicle, as well as other electric vehicles, indicates that they tend to deplete power faster than specified, particularly when driving in mountainous areas while using air conditioning or heat during the colder months.
Because of the Ioniq recharging system, for a 160 round-trip to Black Hawk: 140 going up the hill and 90 coming down, exceeding the 270-mile range.
Like other new models, there are three modes: eco, normal, and
sport. While climbing the mountains, I used a combination of nor mal and sport modes, and just the eco mode while coming downhill.
A button on the steering wheel instantly changed the power surge, with both normal and sport modes offering a powerful drive. The key point is that when a driver takes an electric vehicle on longer drives that may include mountain roads, they should be cautious of the mileage esti mates.
The Ioniq 6 is a beautiful car, reminiscent of a young filly eager to run in the horse pasture. The vehicle feels warm and friendly, producing a humming sound that alerts the driver to its speed and
gear range. Initially annoying, this sound soon became pleasant and
mileage.
The exterior of the Ioniq was serenity white paint and a gray interior. The dash and instrument panel are very wide with a photo of the power plant system. The
vehicle rides on 20” alloy wheels with a wide ters and all-around LED lighting. Every safety feature is available, including the blind spot view monitor and 360 view panel of the surrounding area, a nice feature for backing out of tight parking
is such a friendly car. proaching with the digital key, the door handles pop open. A Bose sound system adds to the enjoyment. Several of the drive controls are built into the heated steering wheel. Driving an electric car differs slightly from gas models with instant acceleration and
deceleration.
The Ioniq 6 comes with Hyundai’s record 10-year/100,000power train warranty. The vehicle is assembled in Ulsan, Korea. The price on the test model was $56,330, with the only additional optional charge for Serenity paint, $470, and carpeted floor mats, $210.
This is a very attractive model that drives well in all respects, as powerful as any high-end sports car in performance, but does need continual charging for any long-range drives, even with the 270-mile capacity. Charging time is estimated to be 7.5 hours on special charging outlets.
This is a luxury brand that can be used for short distances or longer drives. It won’t disappoint in performance and appearance.
I woke up this morning with that old Four Seasons’ song, “Walk Like a Man,” stuck in my head. I don’t know why. I don’t particularly like it. I haven’t heard it lately. And yet there it was banging around between my ears all morning like a marble in a tin can.
I wish this was an isolated incident. But a few days ago I woke up to Blondie’s “The Tide is High.” And I recently spent an entire afternoon with Abba’s “Take a Chance on Me” going around and around in my mind. At least I like both of those.
It isn’t just music either. I saw a tow truck a few days back and spent the rest of the day silently reciting the words of a children’s book I last read to my son more than 20 years ago. “How many trucks can a tow truck tow. One, two, three, four I don’t know.” It is catchy. I’m sorry if it’s stuck in your head now too.
It’s all prompted me to go to that source of all knowledge, the internet, and research earworms. I’ve always thought that was an unfortunate name for those fragments of songs that lodge in our brains. I prefer to think I have
an inefficient music streaming service in my head. Or a busted jukebox.
Anyway, I can’t tell you how relieved I was to learn that I’m not alone. I read that 98 percent of us admit to at least an occasional earworm. And I think the other two percent would admit it too if they were called something less disturbing.
I don’t know how it is for you, but often there’s no explanation for why a voice in my head starts singing, “We will, we will rock you” or “Don’t worry, be happy.”
Other times there’s an obvious explanation. When I had an ant infestation in my home last summer, I spent a week being pestered by an old children’s song. “The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah.”
And whenever my hus-
band and I go on a road trip, I’m haunted by Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” for the first 50 to 100 miles.
Later when I glance at the gas gauge and see it’s getting low, I start streaming Jackson Brown’s “Running on Empty” until we get to the gas station.
Now that I think about it, travel is one of my major earworm triggers. When I visited Boston several years ago, “Please Come to Boston” was running through my mind for the duration of the visit. And when we traveled to Amarillo, Texas a few years back my jukebox started playing “Amarillo by Morning” right after it finished with “On the Road Again” and it kept it up until we’d arrived.
I’m comfortable admitting all of this to you because, based on my research, there’s a good chance you spend your
days with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Hakuna Matata” or some other catchy tune playing on your own busted jukebox.
But I’m embarrassed to admit that occasionally the music in my head doesn’t stay there and I start humming or even burst into song. It’s like living in a Broadway musical without the applause.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find any statistics on how many other people suffer from this deluxe version of earworms. But I bet it’s around 100 percent of those within hearing distance of me.
Dorothy Rosby is the author of Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time and other books. Contact her at www.dorothyrosby.com/ contact.
