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VOLUME 38 • NUMBER 22 • APRIL 23, 2020
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Arapahoe County is
PREPARED Keeping costs down to $15,000 for the entire project, Arapahoe County was able to find new cots and bedding in its emergency supplies to outfit the facility. Photo courtesy of Arapahoe County
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds transformed into alternate care medical facility Operation will host recovering COVID-19 patients after discharge SUBMITTED BY ARAPAHOE COUNTY
The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds have been converted to a tier 4 alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients to help alleviate crowding at regional hospitals. The temporary facility will host cases that don’t require acute or critical care.
Upon opening, the site can hold 54 individuals and can increase capacity up to 150 if the need arises. The medical shelter is the product of a multi-agency response team that completed the transformation in a matter of days with the help of the Colorado National Guard. The alternate care facility does not accept walk-up patients and is not a hospital.
Rather, the facility operates as a medical shelter and is best suited for those patients who are ready to return to their original housing situation but are unable to do so because of their circumstances. Local hospitals will make direct referrals for guests to the facility. The temporary alternate care facility is being managed by the Arapahoe County Emergency Operations Center (EOC),
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with paramedics and medical students providing care and observation for recovering guests. “We are grateful to have the expertise and resources to provide this much-needed facility for Arapahoe County,” said Nancy Sharpe, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “Reducing patient loads on our hospitals means that those who need critical care can get
it, and the temporary facility will provide observation and care for individuals recovering from the disease.” The Emergency Operations Center—which operates under the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office—is managing the County’s response to the pandemic, working in partnership with the Board of County Continued on page 2
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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
County is prepared for virus Continued from Page 1
Commissioners, Tri-County Health Department, state and local officials. The EOC coordinates resources, implements emergency operations and handles logistics support for law enforcement and municipalities across the County. Building on established emergency plans, the EOC outfitted the facility, relocating existing supplies such as durable medical equipment and beds from across the County.
Local municipalities and nonprofits also donated to support the facility, including use of a shower trailer donated by the nonprofit Aurora Warms the Night. The EOC also finalized contracts with local businesses for feeding, linens, sanitizer stations, janitorial services and security. Assisting with the transformation of the site was the South Metro Fire District, Sable Altura Fire Department, the Colorado National Guard, Xcel Energy,
Rocky Vista University and Concorde Career College. “Arapahoe County is fortunate to have amazing partnerships in place to assist with our COVID-19 response. The skill, ability, and resourcefulness of our partners allowed us to convert this building to an alternate care facility in record time,” said Nate Fogg, the County’s emergency manager. “Their contributions are monumental and important for our efforts to maintain the health and safety of all Arapahoe County citizens.”
Local not-for-profit Aurora Warms the Night donated this shower trailer for use at the Arapahoe County Tier 4 medical facility.
“What an outstanding job these folks did in this partnership to support our Arapahoe County hospitals, all in a week’s time and for a total cost of $15,000.00 to the county. Everyone is very concerned about the overflow from the hospitals with COVID and regular emergencies. This was a way to free up rooms and space in hospitals for people who didn’t really need to be there and needed somewhere to go. If it becomes necessary, we can increase the size of the facility from the current 54 beds to up to 150 beds and even upgrade it to Tier 3 status, should circumstances warrant.” – Arapahoe County Commissioner Nancy Sharpe
Arapahoe County Commissioners Bill Holen, Jeff Baker, and Nancy Sharpe, along with a member of the Colorado National Guard, stood in front of the privacy screens provided for patients. Photos courtesy of Arapahoe County
Be safe. Stay Strong.
April 23, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3
South Suburban board election is May 5 BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
Two of the five seats for the board of South Suburban Parks & Recreation (SSPR) are up for election on May 5. Current directors are Pete Barrett, Scott LaBrash, Dave Lawful, Susan Pye, and Jim Taylor. The positions held by LaBrash and Taylor are the ones that are up for election. LaBrash is term-limited and cannot run. Taylor is running for re-election to a second term. He also served as a SSPR director for 14 years beginning in 1986, before term limits were implemented. Barrett, Lawful, and Pye were elected to their first terms in 2018 and are eligible for re-election in 2022. Taylor is a retired administrator in the Sheridan School District and former 20-year member of the Littleton City Council. He has lived in SSPR for 45 years. In addition to Taylor, former Centennial City Council Member Ken Lucas and U. S. Army veteran and financial executive Michelle Cuellar are seeking one of the two open positions on the board. Unlike other jurisdictions, SSPR does not conduct a mail-in vote. However, all voters in the district can apply for an absentee ballot on a permanent basis, which will result in the receipt of a ballot by mail for this and every subsequent SSPR election. Directions for obtaining an absentee ballot are on the sspr.org website. For the current election, those requests must be filed by 5:00 p.m. on April 28. In-person voting is available at the Goodson Recreation Center at 6315 S. University Blvd. in Centennial, where there is also a drop box for absentee ballots available 24/7. For additional information about voting, SSPR residents can contact Jennifer King, designated election official at 303-483-7011 or elections@sspr.org. The two people who are elected in May will serve for three years instead of the customary four-year term. These early May elections, held every two years to ensure staggered terms, were held in even-numbered years until March 15, 2018, when HB 18-1039 changed the elections to odd-numbered years beginning in 2023. Those elected in May 2020 and May 2022 will serve three-year terms in order to implement the change. Lucas, a military combat veteran who served three tours in Vietnam while in the United States Navy, has 30 years of senior executive level financial and business management experience in financial services, natural resources, life sciences, telecommunications, and retail-based companies in the US, Europe, China, and Canada, along with senior level experience in corporate finance and consolidated GAAP financial reporting, and extensive knowledge and experience in audit compliance and corporate governance, according to the background information he provided for this election. Prior to his election to the Centennial City Council, Lucas served on the city’s budget committee. During his city council service, he chaired the Centennial Fiber Works committee, which successfully built a fiber optic network and also served
volunteered at Children’s Hospital and for the PlayStrong Cherry Creek parent committee. PlayStrong is a group of high school students who raise money for pediatric cancer reMilitary veteran and financial executive Michelle search. Said Cuellar, pictured with her husband and childrean, is Cuellar, “My running for the SSPR board in the May 5 election. whole family as the city’s liaison to SSPR. Luenjoys both the indoor and outcas has lived in Centennial since door facilities of South Suburban 1983. Parks and Recreation Centers. I Cuellar spent six years on am an avid runner and take fitness active duty in the military before classes. My husband of 25 years earning a bachelor’s degree in runs on the High Line Canal to finance and accounting from the ensure that he passes his military University of Colorado Denver, fitness tests with the Army Nationaccording to her candidate quesal Guard…My four-year-old son tionnaire. After starting her career goes to the pre-school program at at the big-four accounting firm of the Lone Tree Recreation Center.” Ernst & Young, her other positions Cuellar is a resident of Centenniincluded a stint at Denver Water as al and has lived in SSPR for 13 a senior accountant. She has also years.
SSPR Board 2018: Members of the current SSPR board are, from left to right, Dave Lawful, Jim Taylor, Scott LaBrash, Susan Pye, and Pete Barrett.
SSPR was formed miniature golf in 1959 as a regional courses, 50 tennis provider of parks and courts, a BMX recreation services. It biking track, batserves approximately ting cages, athletic 157,000 residents in fields,100+ parks, the cities of Littleton, 61 playgrounds, Lone Tree, Sheridan, more than 3,800 and Centennial west acres of parkland of I-25, along with the and greenways, towns of Bow Mar Former Centennial City and nearly 100 and Columbine Valley Council Member Ken Lucas is running for one miles of trails. and unincorporated SSPR’s $80 of two positions on the portions of Douglas SSPR board. million annual County, Jefferson budget is derived primarily from County and Arapahoe County. property taxes (39%) and user fees It has four recreation centers, (34%). The property tax is approxone entertainment center, one imately $180/year on a home in community center, two ice arethe district valued at $300,000. nas-each with two sheets of ice, fmiklin.villager@gmail.com four golf courses, three 18-hole
Telephone Town Hall Thursday, April 23 @ 7 p.m. Ask questions and get updates about COVID resources for employers and families in Arapahoe County. Visit arapahoegov.com/townhall
#DoingMyPartCO
Keep up with social distancing by making sure you get a mail ballot for the next election. Register to vote or update your voter record online. Visit GoVoteColorado.gov Call 2-1-1 FOR ALL COVID INFO If you’re seeking resources information about the COVID crisis, call 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489. Please do NOT call 911 unless you have an emergency. Visit 211Colorado.org
All Arapahoe County facilities are closed to the public until further notice to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Many services are still available online. Visit arapahoegov.com/covid19 Colorado PEAK If you need financial or benefits assistance during this crisis, Arapahoe County Human Services and Colorado PEAK can help. Visit Colorado.gov/PEAK A/D Works! Let Arapahoe/Douglas Works! work for you. Access COVID-19 resources for jobs, housing, businesses and more. Visit ADWorks.org or call 303-636-1160
arapahoegov.com
Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
Vice President Pence honors cadets
Vice-President Pence was in Colorado last Sunday speaking to the graduating class of cadets at the Air Force Academy. He gave an inspiring address to the eager 2nd Lieutenants. This vice-president does not receive the credit and respect that he has earned serving with the president. President Donald Trump is a tough boss and no one should challenge their work ethics. The VP has been a very loy-
al soldier serving this president. He now is leading the corona virus detail with daily meetings that feature the president and the medical professionals giving the pubic and the media the latest statistics. His address Sunday was sincere, wisdom for the ages, from the ages. The vice-president has a Marine son who graduated from West Point, but Pence stated he had never worn a uniform. Many of the emerging lead-
ers, both men and women, are coming from military backgrounds. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo graduated first in his West Point class. We have a growing number of veterans now serving in state legislatures and the U.S. Congress. Pence’s address was a masterpiece of patriotism delivered with grace and humility. The graduates should remember his message of courage during their careers of space travel. Many of the graduates will serve in the
new Air Force Space Command that could be based in Colorado Springs. The graduates will now undergo flight training and various advanced training programs to earn their wings. It was a memorable day as the Blue Angles flew across the front range for all to see and honor the United States Air Force and the pride in Colorado for the Air Force Academy. Many of their retired graduates are now among us as leading citizens and participants in government and public service. Check out page 14 for a photo of the Thunderbirds.
The Villager
Office: 8933 East Union Ave. • Suite 230 Greenwood Village, CO 80111-1357 Phone: (303) 773-8313 Fax: (303) 773-8456 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe County, Colorado. (USPS 431-010) Published weekly by the Villager Publishing Co., Inc. Available for home or office delivery by U.S. Mail for $45 per year. Single copies available for 75¢ per issue. PERODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, CO. A Colorado Statutory Publication CRS (197324-70 et al). Postmaster: Send address changes to The Villager, 8933 East Union Ave., Suite #230, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111-1357 Deadlines: Display Advertising, Legal Notices, press releases, letters to the editor, 4:00 p.m. Friday. Classified Advertising, noon Monday.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney — x307 gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney — x350 bsween1@aol.com VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING Sharon Sweeney — x305 sharon@villagerpublishing.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com
America is learning some hard lessons
I usually write this column over the weekend reviewing the past week and looking forward to the future. My wonderful spouse and I published a daily newspaper in Craig for almost 20 years prior to moving to Denver in 1980. There is a vast difference in doing a daily newspaper operation in contrast to a weekly publication. In planning the newspaper each week, we look more to features and covering community events on a slower in-depth pace. Fast breaking stories are best left to the Denver Post, radio, and television. We have found that weekly coverage is sufficient for the majority of news and advertising. Our news team monitors what is happening and we plan the newspaper features early and then react to news while it’s still news. We’re developing our web pages for updates, but we’re still a print-based publication, and proud of it. One of our major concerns is the U.S. Postal Service who have many longtime, loyal employees retiring. New delivery
carriers don’t know that we’re a legal periodical newspaper with rights of first-class mail dating back to the days of Benjamin Franklin. The role of keeping the colonists informed of the happenings of the fledgling infant Republic. The press was important then, and still is today, as the “Fourth Estate,” overseeing the workings of our government and our elected leadership. Unfortunately, some media outlets have become owned by investors who only care about their agenda and bottom-line profits. The nation is still blessed with many “Ben Franklin” weekly newspapers that deliver local news to millions of readers every week. In this age of major media warfare and “fake news” outlets the local press becomes more interesting because our local citizens know some news before the local newspaper. We tell the rest of the story with police reports and interviews being reliable to get the stories right and delivered
A sustaining network BY BRENT NEISER CHAIR - GREENWOOD VILLAGE PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMISSION
“Dig your well before you are thirsty,” said author and entrepreneur Harvey Mackay. With COVID-19, residents of Colorado are thirsty for connection and the ability to move. Greenwood Village has and continues to invest, plan, and collaborate in something irreplaceable, timeless, nourishing, and sustainable. It is the network of parks and trails that crisscross the city connecting us to open space, recreation, transit, neighborhoods and neighbors, institutions, and commerce. Preserved and improved throughout this net-
work are natural habitats and wetlands. Just as our digital networks are in-demand, our natural networks of trails allow residents and local workers to move through our city to experience freedom, solitude, good design, and health. Today we still can see neighbors, albeit at a distance, for human-to-human connection. What is not severed is the connection with nature, wildlife, our pets, and the seasons. All of this did not just happen. It was intentional through the efforts of past and present mayors, city councils, Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission members, city managers, and a professional staff. This professional staff
to your homes. We answer the phone, receive hundreds of emails, and stay as close as possible to our subscribers. Do we have our opinions? Of course we do. In this new age of social media everyone claims to be a journalist, espousing their opinions as fact or fiction. Readers and viewers can select whatever media outlet appeals to their political beliefs. Beware of the free stuff and the far left and right. That alone has given rise to the vast number of independent voters who either don’t care, or who are really sensitive to the extremists growing in social media, fake news, and some major news outlets. It appears that we are now in a philosophical battle for the future of America watching which road this mighty nation travels. Do we follow the socialistic trends that have emerged with the Bernie Sander’s movement that will be front and center for the Democrat presidential nomination and convention? Do we remain with capitalism and free enterprise with less governmental control, but now impacted by the pandemic?
under the leadership of Suzanne Moore, professional engineer and Director of Parks, Trails and Recreation (PTR) is now more than ever permitted and led to innovate, become makers, engage in all-season/all-weather maintenance, and thoughtful improvements. Fundamentally none of this would be possible without the taxpayers of our city, both our residents and workers who base out of our centers of employment and engage in small businesses. A hallmark of these efforts to create a diverse portfolio of trails, parks, and recreation experiences is the power and process of local citizen and neighborhood input into the planning, design, and purpose of these spaces. Truly the wisdom of crowds meets professional staff, elected officials, taxpayers, and citizen volunteers to create this sustaining network we all need and are
How far will the Democrat party move to the progressive left? Republicans will have their coronation of President Trump and Vice President Pence in Charleston in August, Democrats in Milwaukee in July. It is conceivable that neither of these events will happen in these cities with the Corona virus threat to Americans. They may become virtual electronic national conventions with present candidates. We are now living day to day, awaiting the virus news reports of both good and bad. It is unlikely that hugs and handshakes will return quickly, if ever. We have entered a new twilight zone for our lives and nation. Time, talent, and American ingenuity are on our side. Progress is being made, but the natives are growing restless. The president and governors are working to stem the virus and open up American business in phases. These are hard choices to make and lives and commerce are both at stake. We are learning some hard lessons. now using with such intensity. Citizen input helps all of us keep our eye on design, permitted uses, safety, accessibility, and connectivity. After nine years on the PTR Commission, I have seen the planning and execution of over 50 projects, in programming, parks, recreation, open space acquisition, and trails. The Village stretches and leverages dollars by collaborating with partners and receiving grants and matching funds through county (Arapahoe County Open Space Tax grants and share-back funds), state (Great Outdoors Colorado), land trusts, Federal money for transit connectivity, and even the Mile High Flood District. We cannot forget the High Line Canal which is about to become a point of natural and national preservation and land Continued on page 11
REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com NEWS EDITOR gerri@villagerpublishing.com GOVERNMENTAL REPORTERS Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 • 303-773-8313 x365 Doris B. Truhlar dorisbtruhlar@gmail.com 720-934-4645 FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe — x303 production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Sharon Sweeney — x305 303-503-1388 sharon@villagerpublishing.com Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com Valerie LeVier — 303-358-1555 valerie@villagerpublishing.com Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 Gerri Sweeney — x307 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com SUBSCRIPTIONS B.T. Galloway — x301 subscribe@villagerpublishing.com PHOTOGRAPHER Stefan Krusze — 303-717-8282 octaviangogoI@aol.com EDITORIAL COLUMNISTS Robert Sweeney — x350 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!”
2018 Member
QUOTE of the WEEK
Be nice to your QUOTE of the WEEK children. After all, they are going to choose your nursing home. – Steven Wright
Be safe. Stay Strong.
April 23, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5
For those who have a vision
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Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
OPINION
The opening dilemma
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The personal, economic, social and financial impacts caused by the Covid-19 virus continue to impact the daily lives of all Arapahoe County residents. As the Coronavirus deaths continue to rise and hospitals and nursing homes face shortages of medical and protective equipment, some citizens are calling for the immediate lifting of the governor’s business closure and stay-at-home declaration that appears to be working to stem the damage of the Covid-19 pandemic. Most medical experts warn that lifting the stay-at-home and other preventive measures too early may accelerate the spread of the virus causing Covid-19 patients to overwhelm an already strained medical
treatment program. Covid-19 must be contained as rapidly as humanly possible using all the medically proven technology available. If we don’t adhere to the recommendation of medical experts, we are open to the possibility that the devastation predictions of losing over 200,000 people to this deadly virus will come to frustration. I don’t believe that Bill Gates secretly developed the Coronavirus in a lab in China to profit from the antidote he has already developed. Nor do I believe all these reported deaths are Fake News developed by the liberal press to hurt Trump’s changes for re-election. The truth is in the trailer trucks that are filled with the Covid-19
corpses outside New York hospitals and the mourning Colorado citizens who have lost love ones to this terrible deadly virus. Americans have to stop looking for someone to blame for this pandemic and begin to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves, their loved ones and neighbors to help protect them from possible contamination by keeping a safe distance and looking out for their general welfare. America has faced many pandemics in its history which left millions of people dead because of antiquated medical practices. Today our brave and committed medical teams are working hard to save those who are suffering from this virus. But it is up to us to help stop the spread of this insidious virus. There are no magical cures.
What happens when the models are wrong?
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As we hunker down under social distancing and stay-at-home orders, the Chinese Coronavirus continues to extract a human toll in actual illness, as well as underreported socio-economic costs. Many businesses are closed, people are not working, not earning an income, unable to socialize with friends and family. When will the restrictions be lifted? How long until life returns to some semblance of normal? The answers will come from state governors and the President, but how do they know? They have advisors, who use models, which are simply educated guesses based on certain data and assumptions. Models are used to predict hurricanes. Recall the spaghetti line charts preceding every hurricane, each squiggly line based on a hurricane model. Some veer into the Gulf of Mexico, others hit South Florida, and others head north to the Carolinas or out to sea. At most, only one line will be correct, but each is based on a model. Other models predict future climate. Some have predicted horrific storms, others predicted melting polar ice caps and coastal cities under water. These models haven’t panned out either. Models used to predict the course of the Coronavirus are based on data and assumptions,
providing estimates of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. How have these models performed? The IHME model is considered the gold standard. In mid-March, without social distancing, they predicted 2.2 million American deaths. By early April they reduced their death projection to 100,000 to 240,000 even assuming social distancing measures in place. At the time of this writing, the model now projects only 60,415 deaths, only 3% of their original predictions. What changed? Social distancing was already in place when the death predictions dropped by a factor of four. For perspective, 61,000 Americans died in the 2017-18 flu season. On April 5, Colorado was preparing for a worse-case scenario, according to the Denver Post, predicting a potential shortage of 10,000 ventilators. Plans were being made to ration ventilators, prioritizing patients based on age, medical status, and other factors. The Denver Convention Center is being converted into a field hospital but is unlikely to be needed by the time construction is complete. On that same day, April 5, according to the IHME model, Colorado was projected to need 88 ventilators with 554 ICU beds available in the state, less than 20 percent capacity, and less than 1
percent of the above prediction. Note that virtually all ICU beds come with a ventilator, making the two parameters interchangeable. Two models, one predicting the hurricane hitting New Orleans, the other hitting Long Island. Which one should be believed? Another factor influencing models is the death count from Coronavirus. Projected deaths determine projected need, as in the ventilators mentioned above. How accurate are the death counts? Task force member Dr Brix, on April 7, said the US government is classifying the death of any patient who tested positive for Coronavirus as a Coronavirus death, regardless of any underlying health conditions that killed them. If one has a heart attack and happens to test positive for the virus, they will be classed as a Coronavirus death. Going further, New York City is including in their death counts, “People who had never tested positive for the virus but were presumed to have died of it.” Data by presumption? Models based on presumption? The President and his team are making decisions affecting most Americans, shutting down the economy for weeks, adding trillions of dollars to the national debt, sending millions to the unemployment office. Their decisions are based on models. What happens when the models are wrong?
LETTERS
they have failed to mention the major firefight that is about to erupt in Washington. It will be fascinating to see how they cover the action this summer when Attorney General Bill Barr armed with the investigative findings of Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz and US Attorney John “Bull” Durham takes on
the denizens of Obama’s politicized Justice Department and Intelligence Community. What will the media report when Barr, like William Tecumseh Sherman did for Lincoln, burns these coup plotters to the ground from Washington through Langley all the way to the sea? B.T. Galloway
Heal Our Land
heart and ends a human life, accounted for 862,320 defenseless deaths (2,363 lives per day) in 2018 at the hands of Doctors, Nurses, Mothers, Fathers, and supporting Politicians and Judges. Abortion is a power play that sacrifices morality for political gain and places political gain above the core values of God and County. If we are to be judged by God as a nation based on how we treat the defenseless, then we are without defense.
These words are not intended to further divide us but rather to draw us to a point of introspection. The Covid-19 virus is not our sole enemy. How can our county remain standing if we choose to remain divided? God has given us a path to healing our divided land in 2 Chronicales 7:14. Let us pray for Healing. Ken Peters Littleton
Media virus
has shut down our economy. The SARS, E-BOLA and H1N1 virus killed more people and we did not have masses running out to buy toilet paper or social distancing. With the shutting down of our economy, this will leave a much larger effect then the fraction of people that have passed. I personally sent a letter to our Governor and two city Mayors. I don’t know how many other
business owners have done this. In fact, I have had several business owners ask me for a loan, I get the loan approved in one day. They would rather apply for the PPP program and not take the loan. Funny how this PPP funding ran out so quickly. Keep up the great reporting! Frank Brock Centennial
Dear Editor, The mainstream media has spent an extraordinary amount of airtime emphasizing the horrors and fearful threats posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Somehow, however,
Nancy Pelosi has criticized President Trump’s intentions to reopen the nation’s economy as “almost sinful”. Speaking of sinful issues, lets look at something Nancy Pelosi, a self-proclaimed religious person, has apparently sacrificed on her political alter to grasp her Speakers position. Abortion, an act that stops a beating
I picked up your paper and found the writing to be so good that when I moved my office, I called your office to up-date the address. The publication that you put out this week had an interview with Buz Koelbel and Jay Davidson, both of these titans in the area. Jay Davidson’s views are spot on regarding the “Media Virus” that
BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH
Be safe. Stay Strong.
April 23, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7 Covering business
in the DTC & Denver south SM
the
Fidelity Investments is filling 200 local jobs BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
Fidelity Investments, a large diversified financial services firm, has announced plans to begin the process of accelerating the hiring of financial and investment consultants, managers, licensed representatives, and customer service representatives in the metropolitan Denver area,
including the office at 6501 South Fiddlers Green Circle in Greenwood Village. Colorado job postings are on https://jobs.fidelity.com/ ListJobs/ByState/CO/Country-US/. Each posting represents multiple roles, in all, about 200 positions. In a news release on April 13, Fidelity said, “The hiring is part of Fidelity’s commitment to be there for clients during this challenging period
and beyond with financial expertise, planning insights and proactive support. We have seen unprecedented engagement from our individual clients as well as 401(k), 403(b), defined benefit and stock plan participants, all of whom are turning to Fidelity to help them navigate this challenging environment.” A company spokesperson told The Villager that “the majority of the (jobs) are in cli-
ent-facing positions. Fidelity Investments’ client-facing employees play a critical role in helping our customers no matter what is going on in their lives. Regardless of the role, we are looking for applicants with strong relationship-building skills and a desire to be part of a customer-obsessed team that helps our clients reach the goals they have for themselves and their families. We welcome new college
graduates as well.” The 70-year old privately held company has over 40,000 employees and assets under administration of $8 trillion, including discretionary assets of $3.1 trillion as of February 29, 2020. They currently have 900 employees in Colorado and “plan to hire upwards of 2,000 people across the United States later in the year.” Fmiklin.villager@gmail. com
Colorado is #10 in returning census forms BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
Although we’ve done a better job of completing forms for the 2020 Census than 40 other states, Coloradans still have work to do; 47 percent of us have yet to complete this fairly simple task. There are only a few questions to answer, once you log on with the multi-digit unique identification number assigned to each household. In a press release from Laurie Cipriano of the U.S. Census
Bureau on April 17, we are all encouraged to “make Colorado the state with the highest 2020 Census self-response rate in the nation!” by completing those questionnaires online, by phone, or simply returning the form they sent us by regular mail. Cipriano reminds us that the results of this census “will determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, inform hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding, and provide data that will impact (read: provide more
money thus help) communities for the next decade.” That is especially true in our state. Based on known population increases over the past decade throughout Colorado, but especially on the front range, we are expected to earn an additional congressional district, increasing our representation and thereby clout in the United States Congress. But that will only happen if and when the results of the 2020 Census provide sufficient documentation of that population increase. Cipriano wants to make
sure everyone knows that the responses we provide will be “safe and secure” and that “individual responses are confidential and protected by law.” Residents with questions are encouraged to go to the website 2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020. The website even has a video guide to help complete the form online for those who want assistance. The Census Bureau will send a final “reminder invitation postcard” in the mail in early May to those households who have not yet responded. They
expect to activate field personnel to knock on doors of those they haven’t heard from after June 1. The current deadline to respond to the 2020 Census is August 14, 2020. Some of the states who have done a better job than Colorado of getting their forms filled out so far are Utah, Virginia, Kansas, Michigan, and Illinois, with Minnesota at the top of the heap with a 59 percent response rate. Let’s do this, Colorado! Fmiklin.villager@gmail. com
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold: COVID-19 business resource update BY JENA GRISWOLD COLORADO SECRETARY OF STATE
My Fellow Coloradans, For the last month, we have been living in a new reality of social distancing. But like Coloradans always do in times of hardship, we are making it through this together. I am so proud that we have all rallied together and supported each other during this national health pandemic. COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of Colorado life, including employment and the business community. Over the last month, over 232,000 people in our state have filed for unemployment and businesses are looking for ways to keep their doors open. I wanted to make sure you saw that the U.S. Congress passed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package called the CARES Act, which includes resources to help Colorado’s small businesses experiencing economic hardship. A key portion of this Act is the Paycheck Protection Program, which allocates $349 billion in forgivable loans to help small businesses, independent
contractors, and nonprofits meet payroll and rent needs. To access the Paycheck Protection Program application, A
N
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H
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click here. Small Business Development Center representatives are available to answer your questions through the
R
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COVID Economic Hotline at (303) 860-5881. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis. Congress has
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been in discussions on adding further funds to this program.
Continued on page 11 N
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Jay Davidson, CEO, First American State Bank and Charlie McNeil, CEO, NexGen Resources Corporation TWENTY FIVE YEARS
www.fasbank.com 303.694.6464
“First American State Bank has the professional expertise to drill down on the needs of my business and has the energy it takes to structure loans to meet the needs of my business.” – Charlie McNeil, NexGen
www.nexgen-group.com 303.751.9230
PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
April 23, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9
INDIVIDUAL Highest Volume Most Transactions ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Highest Volume Most Transactions
$30,476,380.00 61 sides
Kim Kronenberger & Rusty Hogan RE/MAX Professionals Highlands Ranch
$39,004,960.00
Kim Kronenberger & Rusty Hogan RE/MAX Professionals Highlands Ranch
70 sides
Colorado Real Estate.com Team RE/MAX Professionals
$56,587,697.00
Colorado Real Estate.com Team RE/MAX Professionals
104 sides
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 1-5 AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent Most Avg. Transactions by Agent
Light & Salt Realty, LLC Light & Salt Realty, LLC
$18,037,746.00 42 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
Light & Salt Realty, LLC Light & Salt Realty, LLC
$18,037,746.00 42 sides
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 6-10 AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent Most Avg. Transactions by Agent
The Steller Group, Inc. The Steller Group, Inc.
$10,994,659.80 22.1 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
The Stellar Group, Inc. The Stellar Group, Inc.
$98,951,938.00 199 sides
Most Transactions HIGHLANDS RANCH TEAMS Highest Volume Most Transactions
HIGHLANDS RANCH
DENVER TECH CENTER
$141,991,271.00 259.5 sides
Michelle Buhrer, HQ Homes Michelle Buhrer, HQ Homes
PARTNERSHIPS Highest Volume
KEN CARYL
Tom Ullrich, RE/MAX Masters Millennium Tom Ullrich, RE/MAX Masters Millennium
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 11-25 AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Most Avg. Transactions by Agent LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
$9,021,371.58 14.04 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
$108,256,459.00 168.49 sides
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 26-50 AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent RE/MAX Professionals - Ken Caryl Most Avg. Transactions by Agent RE/MAX Professionals - Ken Caryl
$7,650,163.00 15.3 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
$359,557,665.00 722 sides
RE/MAX Professionals - Ken Caryl RE/MAX Professionals - Ken Caryl
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 51-75 AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent American Home Agents Most Avg. Transactions by Agent American Home Agents
$9,569,393.94 29.15 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
$497,608,485.00 1516 sides
American Home Agents American Home Agents
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 76-100 AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent RE/MAX Professionals - Highlands Ranch Most Avg. Transactions by Agent RE/MAX Professionals - Highlands Ranch
$6,716,562.00 13.2 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
$574,744,689.00 1097 sides
RE/MAX Professionals - Highlands Ranch RE/MAX Professionals - Highlands Ranch
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 101-250 AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent RE/MAX Professionals - DTC Most Avg. Transactions by Agent RE/MAX Masters Millennium
$6,753,313.00 17 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
$1,040,010,224.00 2056 sides
RE/MAX Professionals - DTC RE/MAX Professionals - DTC
REAL ESTATE OFFICE 251+ AGENTS Highest Avg. Volume by Agent Equity Colorado Most Avg. Transactions by Agent Equity Colorado
$1,747,052.04 3.82 sides
Highest Overall Volume Most Overall Transactions
$1,190,605,996.00 2677 sides
Keller Williams Realty DTC Keller Williams Realty DTC
1 CARAT INDIVIDUALS Nanciann Almquist Liz Alvarez Leah Aschenberg Claire Averill Michelle Bopp Carolyn Bradish Cyndi Briggs Mary Beth Brust Kasia Budek-Sullenberger Lisa Bush Pam Cameron Dawn Cassaday Carolyn Chandler Louis Chang Ana Maria Chiafalo Nancy Clarke Jo Collins Brent Crawford Carol Deering Rexanne De Souza Erik Denning Denise Dickson Danielle Dolan Holly Duckworth Stacie Duffy Shannon Duncan Maritza Escobar Barry Frehner Dana Garrett Vicky Gartelos Emily Gomez Dawn Green Tanya Hammar Heather Hankins Bob Hier Vali Hooker Nieves Hulko Marie Hunter Lisa Huntington-Kinn Kim Hutchins Heather Ingram Joshua Johns Katrina Johnson Lisa Kinn Steve Konecny Lana Kuznetsova Denyce Lasswell Cheryl Lavan Blair Leier Sindi Lillis Crystal Lowe Linda Mallette Jason Marcus Matthew Mazzarello Jessica McAnally Lee McCue Donna Merten Teresa Micale Dana Mohr Max Molitor Allie Nelson Shelly Nelson Vicky Opipari Jane Pearson Candace Pellinen Justin Phillips Karina Podlesny Rickilee Pollock AnnMarie Purcell Nicole Rendaci Ronda Richardson Erika Roberg Debra Romero Michelle Schmeltzer Kathy Schwarz
Rich Scott Sandra Shayler Bre Small Marianne Smith Joanna Sobczak Ewa Sosnowska Burg Lee-Anne Strickoff Christine Trigg Mendi Twedt Troy Williams Kirk Wodell Faith Young 2 CARAT INDIVIDUALS Cyndie Alexander Lisa Arteseros Emily Baker Mark Baker Kari Barnes Gaye Barrett Robert Batura Tasha Beckman Tamara Bender Pam Bent Dick Berst Melanie Blaisdell Jennifer Blake Brad Bolsinger Chelsea Caldwell Mo Clark Jessica Creasey Marty Doane Cory Drake Monique Durham Angie Dziurgot Melinda Enriquez Yvonne Faraci Cindy Fry Frydrychowski Christine Garver John Grant Steve Gravlin Kyla Hammond Georgine Heagle Casey Herzfeld Mary Ann Hinrichsen DJ Hite Rebecca Hite Courtney Howey Mark Hunke Tedi Hunt Carolyn Ingebritson Cheryl James Chesley Kelley Osmirelly Kidwell Deb Kostoff Liting Li Greg Livingston La Vonne Lydin Marvin Martinez Jeffrey McRae Donna Merten Adriana Morandini Hadley Ott John Park Jeannette Parker Clinton Porter Michelle Potter John Ramirez Greg Richard Barb Riley Jen Riley Misha Saenz Kim Schantz Jamie Schingeck Jolanda Sinon Frederick Smith
Larisa Stur Peter Stur Erin Susser Jenny Tempas Kevin Tiffin Katelynn Tran Michelle Valdez Mary Vielhauer Jim Wanzeck Cindy Webb Tricia Woodyard
5 CARAT ROOKIES Michelle Buhrer
3 CARAT INDIVIDUALS Helen Bovin Linda Clure Merritt Cohn Sarah Craner Lyn Drake Todd Groth Lynne Hannifan Chad Hines Carolyn Kenney Owen Kinyungu Jennifer Lynch Teresa Martinez Barry Miller Bob Miner David Novak Andrea Price-Valenzuela Mark Rielly Nathan Robinson Fabiola Roll Brandon Rossell Nicole Schroeder Jennifer Singer Frederick Smith Josh St. Romain Mark Terry Christie Vincent
2 CARAT PARTNERSHIPS Mike & Jean Duggan Kyle & Cynthia Sheldon Robert & Renee S. Molitor Todd & Tracy Cole Becky Berzins & Rachel Schroeder Tonya Fallows & Debby Ludvik Kerry & Lindsay Lichty Kathleen & Michael Surges Katia DeOrbegoso & Phoebe Nason Scott & Stephanie Barker
4 CARAT INDIVIDUALS Kristi Bringle Kai Coleman Ryan Davis Carol Guzman Lorena Jimenez Jim Loveridge Mary Jane Ogle Joan Pratt Jackie Stratton Beverly Testa Charles Ward 5 CARAT INDIVIDUALS Jamie Bernal Kimberly Brown Alexa Elliot Wanda Ford Lydia Golesh Angela Kibbee Corey Martin Joshua Ott Eva Stadelmaier Chris Tucker Thomas Ullrich 1 CARAT ROOKIES Melinda Sanders Jason Dodd Jill Upleger 2 CARAT ROOKIES Peter Friesema Tawni Ledford 3 CARAT ROOKIES Kristen Miller
1 CARAT PARTNERSHIPS Susan Canny & Joseph Canny Kim Martin & Joseph Gallegos Pamela Williams & Alisa Lewis Leanne & Robert Osgood Felicia Jenkins & Joyce Paloma Michele Gwin & Lindsay Doherty Jim & Suzy Doerr
3 CARAT PARTNERSHIPS Jack & Alexis O’Connor Sonia & Steven Shakeshaft Brittany Morgan & Jill Griffin Tara & Douglas Simmons Nicole Ridley & Kristi Lucas 4 CARAT PARTNERSHIPS Stacye Pratt & Lloyd Pratt 5 CARAT PARTNERSHIPS Kim Kronenberger & Rusty Hogan 1 CARAT TEAMS The Roberts Team Daren Roberts Annette Avery Shelby Foster The Simonis Group Amber Simonis Frederick Kress Adrian Espinoza Denver Choice Group Dale Carroll Michael Robertson Don Howell 2 CARAT TEAMS Team Newman Rebecca Newman Greg Newman Kyleen Nowakowski Ursula Brunner Team Cabalka Chad Cabalka Dwight A. Cabalka Andrea Cabalka Colorado Legacy Home Team Okie Arnot Catherine Ford Alison Chu John Archibald Mark Brier Suzan Sparling Engel Property Group Cindy Engel Bob Engel Parker Engel
3 CARAT TEAMS The Amy Z Team Amy Zukowski Stephanie Blum Norma Follingstad The Marcus Team Michael Marcus Yaron Marcus Linda Bram-Winne Debbie Jacobs Anzur & Associates Brian Anzur Andrea Anzur Jo-Ann Anzur Hayley Sutterby Lindsey Braun The HomeMark Group Richard Petrone Andrew Petrone Shannon Petrone David James Sharon Kelso Daniel Lupo 4 CARAT TEAMS The Distinct Group Michael Le Nicole Westervelt Crystal Villa De Castro Royston Team Louis Royston Molly Henry Lynne Matsunaka Kathleen Allen The Alan Smith Team Alan J. Smith Corbin Smith David Pratt 5 CARAT TEAMS ColoradoRealEstate.com Scott Matthias Malorie Conroy Ian Prichard Joan Vera Holly Payne True Realty Chris Tucker DJ Hite Tony Cillo Tiffany Inniss The Awaka Group Jesse Youmans Danielle Nuno Dalton LaFrance 5280 REsults Debbie Joseph David Treece Kimberly Ryan Dorota Lisowska Robert Dusbabek Loy Hall Candy Self The Kiker Team Pamela Kiker Chris Kiker James Holmes
Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
ABOU
THE LAW
BY DONALD PETERSON Dear Readers, In an earlier article, I responded to questions concerning landlord/tenant and related rent issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This article pertains to possible relief for mortgage payments as a result of COVID-19. Governor Polis’ Executive Order, entered on March 10, 2020 declaring a state of disaster emergency in Colorado, opened up the need and opportunity for local governments to impose restrictions on evictions after a foreclosure and to provide for mortgage payment relief.
As with the proposed rental moratorium, potential mortgage payment relief varies by municipality. It was anticipated that local ordinances would not only provide for deferral of rent payments coming due during the Health Emergency, but would also provide that mortgage payments may be deferred without “late charges or penalty”. Under the proposed ordinances, it was hoped that, like rent, the deferred mortgage payments would be made prior to December 31, 2020. Some proposed language was to the effect, “Lenders are strongly encouraged to offer payment plans to borrowers to avoid foreclosure after the period of local emergency”. Most mortgages are amortized so that each payment is part principal and part interest. None of the proposed ordinances appear to address whether interest continues to accrue on the deferred principal. Some may argue that accruing interest is a “late charge or penalty”. There is talk that leg-
islation is in the works that will allow lenders to have a tax credit for this interest on deferred principal. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have also said that they would provide forbearance options to borrowers who were affected by the pandemic. Borrowers will need to apply for a forbearance of up to 12 month’s mortgage payments because of economic hardship that was caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Borrowers who are granted a payment deferral will not have their deferred principal and interest payment come due until the mortgage maturity date. More details can be found on the websites for Freddie Mac (http://www.freddiemac.com/ about/covid-19.html) or Fannie Mae (https://www.knowyouroptions.com/covid19assistance). Lenders are not showing the details of their mortgage relief on their websites. There is a reason why lenders are being vague about the terms of the relief they are offering and why you might
Beware of coronavirus scams SAVVYSENIOR
Dear Savvy Senior, sonal information. Amid all the troubling coroThe emails and posts may navirus news, I’ve also read be promoting awareness and that there are various coroprevention tips, and fake infornavirus scams going mation about cases in around right now takyour community. They ing advantage of inalso may be asking you nocent people who are to donate to victims, afraid of getting sick offering advice on or are worried about unproven treatments, those that have. What or contain malicious can you tell me about email attachments. coronavirus scams Here are some tips BY JIM MILLER and what can I do to to help you keep the protect myself? scammers at bay. Scared Senior Click carefully: Don’t Dear Scared, click on coronavirus-related Unfortunately, coronavirus links from sources you don’t scams are spreading nearly know in an email or text mesas fast as the virus itself, and sage. The same goes for unseniors are often the most vulfamiliar websites. When you nerable. click on an email or download These con artists are setting a file, you could get a proup websites to sell bogus prod- gram on your computer that ucts, and using spoofed phone could either use your comcalls, emails, texts, and social puter’s internet connection to media posts as a ruse to take spread malware or dig into your money and get your peryour personal files looking for
passwords and other information.
Ignore bogus product offers: Ignore online offers for coronavirus vaccinations or miracle cures. There are currently no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges, or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus online or in stores. If you see or receive ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the coronavirus, ignore them because they’re not legitimate. Beware of CDC spoofing: Be wary of emails, text messages or phone calls claiming to come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and/or the World Health Organization (WHO). These scams could take several forms – such as fake health agency warnings about infections in your local area, vaccine and
The meaning of “home”
As we obey stay at home orders, I decided to explore the meaning of the word “home”. The definition of home is a noun meaning house, apartment, or shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household; the place in which one’s domestic affections are centered. When the country was shocked by the 911 attack, most people declared they wanted to phone home and be home. Christmas and holidays is when the word “ home” is highlighted in songs, poems, essays and speech. Home is safety, relaxation, nurturance, and authenticity.
Home is where we connect and enjoy spaces that are endearing. It is where we live, laugh, learn, work, play, relax, recharge, cry, make memories, and grow. It is, hopefully, a place where we are loved, respected, known, seen, affirmed and cared for. When I was raising my four children. The whining, teasing, crying and fighting was exhausting. When those times of being a referee got to me, I brought the children to the front door, opened it and said, “Outside is mean, cold, brutal and uncaring.” Then I would close the door and say, “In this house, there is safety, warmth, care and connection. Our house is a safe place to love
one another. This home is our sanctuary to learn and grow!” I had to do this exercise many times. Of course, they still fought and whined at times, but caught themselves and reset their behaviors. Conversely, the word “home” can cut deeply. To many, home is a place of emotional hurt, neglect, abuse, drama and pain. Some call their home drugs, alcohol, a friend’s house, college dorm or even a shelter. What they experienced at home was traumatic which affects health and well-being. Since we are empty nesters,
not get the relief publically announced. While lenders issue loans to homebuyers, once those loans close, they are often sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other institutional lenders. Sometimes, the original lender continues to service the loan, still managing all customer communications, payments and more. Customers may never know a loan has been sold. Therein lies the issue. Because the original lender doesn’t own those loans anymore, their specific COVID-19 relief options don’t apply to the borrower. Thus, borrowers are encouraged to contact their lender to get the specifics applicable to their particular mortgage. The good thing about the proposed relief packages is that it will be available to all Colorado residents, regardless of the city in which they live. The disappointing feature is that none are applicable to mortgages on commercial property. That does not mean that lenders will not work with borrowers
on commercial properties. What this really means is that lenders are strongly encouraged to give significant relief from making timely payments. If you are having difficulties making mortgage payments as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of whether you have a residential or commercial mortgage, you should contact your lender directly. Selected information in this column has been taken with permission from Robert Aronoff/ Aronoff Law Update, dated March 29, 2020.
treatment offers, medical test results, health insurance cancellation, alerts about critical supply shortages, and more. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus, visit CDC.gov/corona virus.
Beware of stock scams: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about phone calls and online promotions, including on social media, touting stocks of companies with products that supposedly can prevent, detect or cure corona-
virus. Buy those stocks now, they say, and they will soar in price. But the con artists have already bought the stocks, which typically sell for a dollar or less. As the hype grows and the stock price increases, the con men dump the stock, saddling other investors with big losses. It’s a classic penny-stock fraud called “pump and dump.” Making matters worse: you may not be able to sell your shares if trading is suspended. When investing in any company, including companies that claim to focus on coronavirus-related products and services, carefully research the investment and keep in mind that investment scam artists often exploit the latest crisis to line their own pockets. For more tips on how to avoid getting swindled, see the Federal Communications Commission COVID-19 consumer warning and safety tips at FCC. gov/covid-scams.
we thought we should downsize. Talking to a realtor made me annoyed and resentful. I could not shake my displeasure with the entire idea of moving. Why was I filled with indignation and exasperation? The entry in my journal stated, “This house is my refuge. My beloved friends and family helped me move in when my husband left. It has my fingerprints all over it. The items I love are everywhere. It is my sanctuary of music, laughter, gathering, peace and healing.” To explore further, I roamed the house with a legal pad recording what I loved and for what I was grateful. The 6 panel doors, the leaded glass architec-
tural details designed by a friend, cabinet pulls, shape of the molding, iron staircase, handmade rugs from our travels, pictures, and even the smells reminded me why I loved this house. This is where where my children brought their friends, where we had crowds of adolescents gather for Young Life, where the kids studied, went off to college and matured into amazing adults. This is where my neighbors donned their snowshoes and came over in a blizzard for coffee and conversation. This is why, when I pull up into the driveway, a sigh of relief and joy enters. Let’s make our homes a sanctuary and place of peace. joneen@myrelationshipcenter. org ; www.myrelationshipcenter. org
Beware of fundraising scams: Be wary of emails or phone calls asking you to donate to a charity or crowdfunding campaign for coronavirus victims or for disease research. To verify a charity’s legitimacy use CharityNavigator.org. But, if you’re asked for donations in cash, by prepaid credit card or gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it because it’s probably a scam.
Donald Glenn Peterson Esq. Don Peterson Law Firm 1720 S. Bellaire St., Suite 530 Denver, CO 80222 Phone: (303) 758-0999 Fax: (303) 758-1091 E-Mail: donald@petersonlaw.co www.donpetersonlawfirm.com
Be safe. Stay Strong.
April 23, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11
calls reported by Arapahoe sheriff Sustaining Drop-off in service that is taking place, emphasizing 2021, after the plans have been cil, Centennial Principal Planner BY DORIS B. TRUHLAR network that howling is perfectly acceptJenny Houlne of the Community approved, she said. Work has not GOVERNMENTAL use distinctiveness. The Village nurtures and cares for its “canal connections” and is piloting formal use of stormwater conveyance in the canal. While Greenwood Village is exploring a branding process, there is no doubt that at the heart of its brand equity lies its multigenerational commitment to parks, trails and open space. As yellow tape temporarily blocks access to certain congregating features of the parks and our recently expanded Curtis Arts Center is temporarily closed, the trails continue to pulsate with people in the day and wildlife at all times -- day and night. Let’s continue this natural and sustainable-focused vision. For my neighbors and volunteer colleagues keep walking, biking, running, listening, observing, experiencing, and breathing with the understanding that in nature we have cycles and seasons. We are sharing a difficult one now, but it is only a season and our thirst for normalcy and community will be sustained, for we have collectively dug our well. If you have questions please call Brent Neiser at 303-918-2760
Development Department said lottery proceeds are down about 20 percent for the first quarter of 2020. Houlne also said there is no proposed change in the Centennial budget at this time, although some improvements will be postponed until 2021. There will be certain improvements and projects at the Centennial Center Park, next to the City Hall on East Arapahoe Road, Houlne said, but the plans have not yet been prepared. The improvements are expected to be made in
started yet on the plans. City Manager Matt Sturgeon said that some trees that the city has sold to residents will be delivered curbside this week. The sale was a sell-out, he said. Additionally, several events that had been scheduled in Centennial have been canceled. There will be a staff report in regard to returning to regular events, he said. Residents who want more information about canceled events may call the city at (303) 325-8000 or go to the website at centennialco.gov.
COVID-19 business resource update
ment, check www.Help ColoradoNow.org. The State of Colorado, in partnership with Mile High United Way, has also established the Colorado COVID Relief Fund. Everyone at the Colorado’s Secretary of State’s Office is committed to keeping you informed and connected as we face this shared challenge. Thank you and please stay safe and healthy.
REPORTER
Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown and Bureau Chief Glenn Thompson reported to the Centennial City Council Monday night that during the covid-19 pandemic there has been a drop-off in service calls to the Office of the Arapahoe Sheriff. They also reported that the sheriff is not at present enforcing eviction orders. During their verbal report, they also touched on the 8 p.m. howling
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I also encourage you to visit Colorado’s COVID-19 Business Resources Center to get more information on resources available to businesses, including information on SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, SBA Express Bridge Loans, Small Business Emergency EIDL Grants, Small Business Debt Relief, and much more. Please visit: choosecolorado. com/covid19. Remember, the federal tax return filing date deadline is now July 15, 2020. Colorado has also extended its tax return filing deadline to July 15. More information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, can be found by visiting:
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able, but that no fireworks are allowed. They said a notice will be placed on social media about the ban on fireworks. Additionally, Brown and Thompson said there is an “alternative care facility” at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. In response to a question from Mayor Stephanie Piko, they said there has been no increase in domestic violence calls. Piko thanked the first responders and said that calls for domestic violence are down. In another report to the coun-
www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax/ income-tax-deadlines My office has also adjusted services to make them available to Coloradans during this health care crisis. We have implemented remote notary and extended some filing deadlines for charities to August 15, measures that protect the
REVERSE MORTGAGES
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safety of our employees and the public while maintaining necessary services. These are trying times for a lot of Coloradans. If you are in a position to lend a helping hand, please do so. To learn how to help those affected by COVID-19, including donating Personal Protective Equip-
RECENT MARKET UPHEAVAL, CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
spouse under the age of 62 when the RM was taken) was not The financial markets have been almost violent in allowed to stay in the home after the borrowing spouse died. upheaval the past couple of months. Huge swings daily, a lot This obviously caused major issues. It was one of the biggest of days down. This makes whatever funds you have in the items giving RM a black eye. This is no longer true. Changes markets affected very tentative. now protect all non-borrowing spouses giving them the right Did you liquidate? Sit tight and hope for full recovery? to stay in the home for as long as they choose Did any of this make you re-think your financial or until they die. strategy going forward? Do you have to withdraw income or lump sums from these funds now or REDUCTION IN HOW MUCH CAN BE soon? How does that affect the ability for those ACCESSED accounts to recover and get you back on track? In October 2017 HUD reduced by about Are you 100% certain of your financial 10% the amount of the wealth in your home situation for retirement going forward after you could access. This reduction addressed the market changes? Are you concerned about two major concerns. First, HUD wanted to Bob Muni outliving your resources? Senior Loan Officer minimize the risk of guaranteeing the loan. Would you like to learn about the proven Reverse mortgage specialist If the loan balance ever exceeded the value NMLS#719030 strategies using the wealth in your home to add of the home, their guarantee kicked in. It is a non-taxable income and/or a growing line of credit non-recourse loan. You can never owe more than the home to extend the longevity of all your other accounts? is worth. Second, there was a growing complaint among Contact me for a free no obligation consultation/ consumers they wanted to leave some equity in the home discussion about using the wealth in your home to buttress and strengthen all your other accounts. The goal is to not run to their kids. By reducing the amount able to be accessed, the chances were much greater there would be equity in the out of funds and to have the most money in the end. I can home when they passed on. help you get there. You owe it to yourself to at least get the information. It just may be the solution you never knew you REDUCTION IN HOW MUCH YOU CAN RECEIVE AT CLOSING needed. HUD found over time folks, receiving ALL of the funds CHANGES MAKE THE DIFFERENCE available to them after closing, did not handle the money In a previous article I mentioned many changes to the wisely. They soon did not have funds going forward to pay for HECM (Reverse Mortgage) product made by HUD over the property taxes, insurance and upkeep. As a remedy there is a past several years. These changes were meant to address limit to how much can be received at closing. The remainder the deficiencies of the program when originally designed. is made available to them one year later. The intent is to Other changes strengthened the program going forward provide folks the opportunity for better planning. and addressed legitimate concerns and criticisms voiced by consumers and industry professionals. LIFE EXPECTANCY SET ASIDE (LESA) The changes below are currently in effect today and are The main issue people face which can end in foreclosure, part of the current HECM Product. These have drastically is non-payment of property taxes and insurance (This is true changed the RM landscape addressing previous complaints even if there is no mortgage). HUD provided a mechanism for resolving issues no longer relevant or true. people to “escrow” enough funds from the RM to pay for the Five main changes reflect the new Reverse Mortgage property taxes and insurance. The LESA can be instituted by Product that has emerged over the past 5-10 years. choice or necessity for someone with badly damaged credit or recent late payments on property charges. This has helped FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT people immensely to be able to pay the critical property HUD has instituted an assessment determining the charges going forward. financial resources and responsibility of each borrower. They Each of these solutions has remedied the issues that must meet an income/outgo metric and acceptable payment legitimately gave folks pause for concern about a reverse history for the past 2 years. Is there enough income to pay mortgage. The basis for the horror stories associated with property taxes, insurance, care for the home, any other problems now remedied has been take away. People can monthly debt. There must also be an acceptable residual income left over. However, poor credit is often not a problem. engage a RM with great confidence; the items that “were issues” are no longer true. Find out more about this amazing product. I am happy to discuss it further and provide any NON-BORROWING SPOUSE PROTECTION Prior to the changes, a non-borrowing spouse (typically a information you may need.
OUR MISSION: TO LOVE & SERVE OUR CLIENTS WELL 6972 S. Vine Street #366 I Centennial, CO 80122, The Streets at SouthGlenn DIRECT: 720-458-4027 CELL: 303-588-1335 FAX: 720-440-9046 BobM@silverleafmortgage.com /SilverLeafMortgage.com
Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
Polis loosens stay-at-home rules beginning April 27 BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
On April 20, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced the evolution of rules for our state from “Stay at Home” to “Safer at Home” beginning April 27. Under the moderately relaxed rules, doctors, dentists, and hair salons, along with other personal service providers, may resume operations, as long as everyone wears
masks or face-coverings and social distancing is maintained—no crowds should congregate in the lobby. Elective surgeries may be resumed with precautions. Offices may be opened with 50 percent of their regular staff sizes beginning May 4, observing mask and social distancing rules. Retail stores will begin to open, subject to guidelines that are still being finalized and will be published before April 27. Restaurants, bars, and other venues must remain
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o CHERRY CREEK NORTH $1,595,000 SOLD. o BONNIE BRAE CONTEMPORARY - $1,100,000 SOLD. o LAKEVIEW AT THE HILLS - $1,050,000 SOLD. o 47 CHERRY HILLS FARM. Spectacular remodel. Main Floor Master, Transitional Styling. $2,395,000 SOLD. o POLO CLUB NORTH $1,000,000 SOLD. o ON THE HIGHLINE CANAL- SOLD - $2,175,000. o THE PRESERVE - $1,940,000 SOLD. o 1215 S YORK, WASHINGTON PARK - $980,000 SOLD. o 4945 S GAYLORD CHERRY HILLS FARM WEST - $2,190,000 SOLD. o THE PRESERVE 5402 PRESERVE PKWY N. - $1,699,000. SOLD. o PENTHOUSE DENVER ART MUSEUM - $1,150,000 SOLD. o THE PRESERVE 5801 S. BIRCH CT. $1,725,000 SOLD. o 75 GLENMOOR - $3,550,000 SOLD
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closed until mid-May, when their status will be re-evaluated, based on data generated under the new rules effective April 27. Real estate showings can begin with limited numbers of people at one time; open houses are not permitted. All schools, including colleges, are to remain closed. Gatherings over ten people are prohibited. Tele-commuting is strongly recommended to continue wherever possible. Elderly Coloradans, who are at a much higher risk level, are strongly encouraged to remain at home through the month of May, to the extent possible. All unnecessary travel should be avoided and face-coverings when in public are strongly encouraged for everyone. The governor emphasized that county health departments are authorized to modify the statewide standards for their counties based on
local conditions. Although available testing has increased considerably in Colorado, Polis said that the much-discussed 15-minute COVID-19 test is a proprietary product that is being sold by Abbott Laboratories only to the federal government, thus Colorado can only get them from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and we have received only 200 so far, despite numerous requests for more. He hopes that number will increase. One complication the governor described on the subject of testing is that at least 20 % to 25% of people who are shedding the COVID-19 virus are asymptomatic and thus won’t be tested, unless they have very specialized positions, such as working in senior living facilities. He explained that testing is extremely important, but it must be accompanied by the abil-
ity to do contact tracing and quarantining when necessary. In response to a question about the JBS meat packing plant in Greeley, Polis said they will be able to re-open when the Weld County Health Department determines that it is safe for their workers to do so. Although Polis said he shared the frustration that many feel missing going out to restaurants and other social interactions, he reminded Coloradans that, “Folks should still stay at home over the month of May whenever they can. This is a marathon, not a sprint, designed to avoid overwhelming our hospitals, especially our intensive care units. Nobody wants Colorado to be open more than me, but we must do so responsibly, safely, and sustainably.” Fmiklin.villager@gmail. com
School districts supporting students and looking toward next year BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
A joint letter from the superintendents of 14 metro area school districts was issued on April 3 cancelling the remainder of the school year. Among them were the superintendents of Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek School District (CCSD), Denver Public Schools, Douglas County Schools, Englewood Schools, Littleton Public Schools (LPS), and Sheridan School District 2. The letter pointed to Governor Polis’ order on April 1 that announced school closures through April 30 and the superintendents’ collaboration with one another and public health officials, concluding that “in the best interest of the children, staff, and the communities that we serve, our schools will remain closed to in-person learning for the re-
mainder of the 2019-2020 school year.” Spring sports have all been cancelled by the Colorado High School Activities Association “through at least April 30,” consistent with the governor’s order. According to Cherry Creek Schools’ website, “all high school proms are cancelled this year.” For Cherry Creek students, remote learning began on March 30. They have discussed finding ways to ensure that all students have access to technology and internet service in their homes. In a statement posted on the district’s website, CCSD Superintendent Scott Siegfried thanked district employees for “preparing and distributing thousands of meals” and thanked technology staff for “disconnecting, cleaning, checking, and distributing 7,000 computers.” Although traditional graduation ceremonies have been canceled for CCSD and all other districts in the metropolitan area,
Siegfried said that he believes “high school graduation is one of the most important events of a young person’s life,” and he is “committed to finding a way to hold graduation, potentially postponing the ceremony to a later date this summer and moving everything outdoors to help ensure public health and safety.” To CCSD seniors, he said, “We will find a way to celebrate you.” Siegfried told The Villager that the district “is planning for multiple scenarios for the new school year—but ultimately will need guidance from the health department to finalize.” He noted that classical “social distancing in a school setting is not possible.” LPS Superintendent Brian Ewert said in an online statement, “Innovation is driven by disruption….While there are many unknowns…we are all in Continued on page 14
Centennial adopts model traffic code BY DORIS B. TRUHLAR GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
The model 2020 traffic code was unanimously approved by the Centennial City Council on first reading Monday night. There will be a public hearing in regard to the code at a future meeting. Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Madsen and Arapahoe County Sheriff Bureau Chief Glenn Thompson submitted a written staff report to the council recommending the adoption of the 2020 edition of the model code, which provides a uniform set of traffic laws. The city first adopted the model code in 2003, two years after Centennial was formed. The report stated that the “reason for adopting the newest version of the . . . model code is
to update traffic laws” in the city and have a code that is uniform and consistent with state laws. One amendment to the code makes it an infraction to pass city snowplows performing services in which there are several plows arranged diagonally. Another amendment allows a motorcycle driver to treat an inoperative signal the same as a stop sign and includes permitting discretion when a traffic signal is malfunctioning or does not recognize the motorcycle. The code also includes residential parking restrictions that were amended in 2017 and 2019. Under the code, the Director of Public Works has the power to set speed limits, place traffic control devices, designate stop or yield intersections and designate school zones. Council previously discussed the proposed adoption of the 2020
Model Traffic Code at a study session on March 2. The code requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with a horn that does not have “an unreasonably loud or harsh sound . . .” The Director of Public Works has broad powers to regulate and analyze traffic issues, and investigate traffic conditions, as well as to post speed limits and designate minimum speeds. Some decisions are reserved to be made by a majority vote of the council. These include designating school zones and making quarterly reports to the council. The council also approved by resolution the purchase of a computer program at a cost of $71,409 annually, for three years, 2020 through 2022. There were no land use cases on the agenda for the council meeting.
Be safe. Stay Strong.
April 23, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13
Common Sense Policy Roundtable releases new report examining the economic impact of COVID-19
In almost a blink of an eye, the global economy has come to a grinding halt to stop the spread of COVID-19. Across the United States, roughly 95% of the population was under some form of stay-at-
home order in early April, including all of Colorado’s 5.76 million residents. In addition to claiming thousands of lives, COVID-19 has sent a shockwave across the entire econo-
my. Stay-at-home orders and other forms of social distancing have closed or restricted business operations in almost every sector, triggering layoffs, furloughs, salary reductions and other sharply neg-
According to a recent Office of State Planning & Budgeting (OSPB) presentation, state revenue over the current and next budget could decline by $3.2 Billion based on current expectations. An official update to the state revenue forecast will be issued prior to the continuation of the legislative session.
Simon Lomax
Chris Brown
ative economic impacts with unprecedented speed. With these impacts, tax revenues are also falling, because taxes depend on activity in the private economy.
and state budget for a strong recovery, policymakers will need to focus on the core responsibilities of government and getting the fundamentals right.
Key findings of the CSPR analysis
Figure 1: History of Oil Prices and Recent Volatility
When and how our economy will recover is the quesTotal Colorado State Budget Appropriations tion Coloradans are asking $35,000,000,000 today and the subject of $30,000,000,000 CSPR’s latest analysis. While $25,000,000,000 the situation is highly fluid, $20,000,000,000 the severe budget challeng$15,000,000,000 es facing the state include a sharp decline in tax revenues, $10,000,000,000 growing unemployment $5,000,000,000 and increased pressure from $Medicaid and PERA (Public FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Employee Retirement Association). While the exact scale of the decline and the rebound are unclear, the evidence from the previous State lawmakers will conrecession suggests lower revenue relative to demand for years to come. vene next month to take up the state budget and focus on The Fall in Oil Prices Would be Front-Page Headlines if Not recovery. This will require a new Overshadowed by The Pandemic mindset. Policies and proAt the same time states and local budgets are being hit by the economic crisis incurred by COVID-19, thegrams that appeared feasible price of a barrel of oil dropped from above $50 a barrel to $20 a barrel in less than a month. just a few short weeks ago cannot be viewed in the same In addition to COVID-19’s impact on the global economy, the energy sector was also destabilized by a light today. To get through price war between Russia and OPEC nations. In effect, Russia and OPEC’s production volumes continued the COVID-19 crisis, and to increase even though demand was collapsing, sending the price of oil much lower than COVID-19 position Colorado’s economy would have alone.
A significant reduction in state revenue between $2 Billion to $3.2 Billion dollars over the next 15 months. For additional perspective, this decline is equivalent to the total budgets for both Transportation and Human Services. The current state general fund reserve amounts to roughly $1 Billion, just above the statutorily required rate of 7.25%. The long-term budget pressures presented by PERA (Public Employee Retirement Association) and any increase in Medicaid enrollment will also play a major factor in budget considerations. The economic fallout caused by COVID-19, has overshadowed the potential economic impacts from the rapid drop and volatility in oil and gas prices. That fallout translates to a significant cut oil and gas property tax revenues to local government. Recently passed revenue line items, including an increased general fund contribution to PERA ($225M annually) and the state funding of full-day kindergarten (Est $200 M annually) will add pressure to other state budget items such as transportation and higher education in order to make up for lost revenues.
We es
In early April, a truce was declared in the price war, and record-setting production cuts were announced. However, it remains highly uncertain where the price of oil will settle after the events of the past several weeks. The rapid decline in oil prices will have significant implications for Colorado and local budgets. A memo from Legislative Council Staff released earlier this year showed oil and gas production contributed $775 million in state and local taxes during FY19.2 64% of that revenue went to local governments in the form of local property taxes.
CSPR is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 50l(c)(3) educational For more information or to read the full organization. We are supported by our board of directors report, visit www.commonsensepolicy and private donations from foundations, individuals and corporations. We do not accept any government funding. roundtable.org Tax ID: 27-4253618
2
https://leg.colorado.gov/publications/effective-tax-rates-oil-and-natural-gas
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Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020 PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
LEGALS
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2017 FIRST
ARAPAHOE COUNTY ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT To whom it may concern: This notice is given with regard to items in the custody of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office that have been released for public auction. The Sheriff’s Office will release numerous items including but not limited to, bicycles, jewelry, audio/ visual equipment, automotive parts, tools, sports equipment (such as camping, rafting, skiing gear, etc.), household goods and other items of personal property to a private auction company identified as Propertyroom.com and/or Roller Auction. These items will be released for on-line bidding on the last Tuesday of each month for Roller Auction and the last day of the month for Propertyroom. com. Both auctions are open to the public. If any citizen believes they have property in the possession of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office that can be identified, and for which they can show proof of ownership associated with a written report that has been filed with the Sheriff’s Office prior to this announcement, can contact the evidence section of the Sheriff’s Office. Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Published in The Villager Published: April 23, 2020 Legal # 9670 ___________________________
COURTS DISTRICT COURT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 7325 S. Potomac Street, #100 Centennial, CO 80112 Plaintiff: SUNBURST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation; Defendants: TONYA STRICKLAND; QUICKEN LOANS, INC.; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; SU RYDEN AS PUBLIC TRUSTEE FOR ARAPAHOE COUNTY; SUE SANDSTROM AS TREASURER FOR ARAPAHOE COUNTY; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION. Attorneys for Plaintiff: THE DUPONT LAW FIRM, LLC Stephane R. Dupont, #39425 Address: PO Box 1073 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone Number: (720) 644-6115
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to Rule 4(h), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Exhibit A Lot 135, Block 3, Sunburst, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado. Also known as: 15922 East Rice Place, #A, Aurora, CO 80015 Published in The Villager First Publication: April 2, 2020 Last Publication: April 30, 2020 Legal # 9640 __________________________
GREENWOOD VILLAGE N OTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT For Greenwood Village Notice is hereby given that the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado will make final payment at the City Hall, 6060 South Quebec Street, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111-4591 at 8:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020, to Noraa Concrete Corporation, for all work done by said contractor for the project called 2019 Concrete Repair Project, said construction being within the boundaries of the City of Greenwood Village, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado, subject to prior satisfactory final inspection and acceptance of said work by the City of Greenwood Village. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company, or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, provisions, or other sup-
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plies used or consumed by such contractor or subcontractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done and whose claim therefore has not been paid by the contractor or subcontractors, at any time up to and including time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim to the City Manager, City of Greenwood Village, 6060 South Quebec Street, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111-4591, at or before the time and date hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement or claim at any time up to and including the time of final settlement will release said City of Greenwood Village, Colorado, its Council, officers, agents and employees of and from any and all liability for such claim. ATTEST: BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO /s/ Susan Ortiz, City Clerk /s/ George E. Lantz, Mayor Published in The Villager First Publication: April 16, 2020 Last Publication: April 23, 2020 Legal # 9663 ___________________________ BID INFORMATION ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado (the “City”) will receive electronic bids via email, until 2:30 p.m., May 7, 2020, for the 2020 Traffic Signal Cleaning and Painting Project.
The bid documents for the 2020 Traffic Signal Cleaning and Painting project are currently available on the Greenwood Village website, www.greenwoodvillage. com/bids. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to make final determination in the event of duplications. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the date set for opening thereof. Preference is hereby given to materials, supplies, and provisions produced, manufactured, or grown in Colorado, quality being equal to articles offered by competitors outside of the State. Colorado labor shall be employed to perform the work for which bids are requested herein to the extent of not less than eighty percent (80%) of each type or class of labor in the several classifications of skilled and common labor employed on such work, pursuant to C.R.S. § 8-17-101. The City requires a certified or cashier’s check, or a corporate surety bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid amount before the City can accept or consider any bids greater than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). If required, the deposit shall be mailed to the Public Works Department at 10001 E Costilla Avenue, Greenwood Village, CO 80112, securely sealed and endorsed on the outside with a brief statement as to the nature of the item or work for which the bid is provided. Upon a bid award, such bond shall be returned to the unsuccessful bidder(s). In the case of the successful bidder, the
School districts Continued from page 12
this together and we will get through this by staying together….We should be recalibrating our expectations as we move into this distance learning model.” He recommended that LPS families create “positive energy by finding new and creative and healthy ways to spend time together with your family,” remembering to “reach out to the elderly, who
may be isolated, feeling lonely and disconnected from family and friends… It’s so important to our emotional well-being to stay connected.” He encouraged students to use #LPSfromhome to tag photos and videos to share their “distance learning journey or simply a fun family moment.” Ewert wanted to be sure that all students know that LPS cares deeply about its community. LPS has issued grading prac-
bid bond will be returned upon receipt of the required payment and performance bonds, each in the full amount of the contract price. Such bonds will be retained by the City until the one-year (1) warranty period has expired. Due to the current stay at home orders and social distancing practices associated with COVID-19, bids will NOT be opened publicly. However, a summary of all bids received will be provided to every bidder. Any questions regarding the project should be directed to Chris Foster – Sr. Engineering Technician at (303) 708-6146. Bids should be emailed to cfoster@greenwoodvillage.com. /s/ Jeremy Hanek Director of Public Works
ment District (“District”). Such proposed budget amendment will be considered at a special meeting of the District to be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020 via Teleconference at 650-479-3208, Attendee Passcode: 76687702. Copies of such proposed budget amendment and of the resolution to amend the 2019 budget is available for inspection by the public at the offices of John Madden Company, 6501 S. Fiddler’s Green Circle, Suite 110, Greenwood Village, Colorado. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the resolution to amend the 2019 budget, file or register any objections thereto. Dated April 16, 2020.
Published in The Villager First Publication: April 23, 2020 Last Publication: April 30, 2020 Legal # 9671 ___________________________
FIDDLER’S BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT By: /s/ John W. Madden, Jr. Secretary Published in The Villager Published: April 23, 2020 Legal # 9672 ___________________________
SPECIAL DISTRICTS NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED 2019 BUDGET AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget amendment for 2019 has been submitted to the Fiddler’s Business Improve-
— End of Legals —
tice policies for the rest of the school year. High school students can take classes other than English and math on a pass/fail basis and receive full credit. A grade of “pass” will not be considered in the calculation of their grade point average (GPA). Students are reminded that it will be up to their colleges to determine how they factor pass-fail grades into admission requirements. All middle school classes will be graded on a pass/fail basis for the balance of the school year, including high school-level classes taken by ad-
vanced middle-school students. LPS is also looking at ways to honor its 2020 high school graduates sometime this summer. They are waiting to make decisions about what the 2020-2021 school year will look like, depending on what kinds of social distancing expectations are in place this summer. According to Diane Leiker, LPS director of communications, “We are looking ahead to the day we can begin to return to in-person learning, whenever that might be. LPS staff miss their students!” Fmiklin.villager@gmail.com
Case Number: 2020CV030489 Div.: Ctrm.: SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: Tonya Strickland You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer within 35 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of the Summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court. If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
US Air Force Thunderbirds perform for the Front Range in support of health care and essential workers. They flew over most of the Front Range area including Greeley, Fort Collins, Boulder, the Denver Metro area, made a fly over of the Air Force Academy as the latest batch of cadets graduated and end their sortie over Pueblo.
This is an action for judicial foreclosure of an association assessment lien pursuant to C.R.S. 38-33.3316, in and to real property situated in Arapahoe County, Colorado, more particularly described on Exhibit A, attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof. Dated: March 23, 2020 THE DUPONT LAW FIRM, LLC By: *s/ Stephane R. Dupont Stephane R. Dupont This Summons is issued pursuant
Photo by Susan Sweeney Lanam
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Be safe. Stay Strong.
LIVING ON-LINE
Global Down Syndrome Fashion Show Virtual Auditions Registration Open Now! The Be Yourself Fashion Show on May 27 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm is the world’s largest fundraiser benefitting people with Down syndrome by supporting life-changing and life-saving research and medical care. For virtual audition registration information email events@ globaldownsyndrome.org or call 303-321-6277 Botanic Gardens On-line Spring Plant Sale April 27. A variety of plants will be on sale and available for pickup at the 1007 York Street facility. The selection includes aquatics, fruits, berries, vegetables, herbs, houseplants, seeds, specialty succulents and summer bulbs. For information go to Botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3500
April 23, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15
Greenwood Village Access to Greenwood Village public buildings will be limited to April 28. We hope you’ll join us for employees only. a thirty-minute program at 6:00 pm Littleton that provides a personal look into All City of Littleton buildings are the ways Colorado UpLift is helping closed to the public. All public our students achieve incredible meetings are suspended. transformation by developing longterm, life-changing relationships. EVENTS Tickets are free ! For information on Bill Daniels 100th how to register call 303-830-6615 Birthday Celebration Postponed ARTS AND To protect the health and safety of our communities, the June 25 ENTERTAINMENT events celebrating Bill Daniels’ Best of Show Artists 100th birthday and the 20th anMay 22 – July 19. These artists niversary of the Daniels Fund have and their works were winners of been postponed until sometime the 2019 Eye of the Camera Exhibit next year. For information call sponsored by the Littleton Fine Arts 303-393-7220 Board. If the Littleton Museum of Art is still closed, the exhibit will Dia Del Nino SFCD open virtually on the museum web- Celebration Postponed site social media. For information go This annual event scheduled for to littletongov.org/covid-19 April 26 at the Denver Museum
CITY
of Nature & Science has been postponed. A new date has not yet been determined. For information contact Marcela de la Mar at the Mexican Cultural Center, 303-3310172
Centennial Centennial city offices are closed until further notice. Cherry Hills Village Cherry Hills Village City Hall will be Colorado UpLift closed to the public until further FUNDRAISERS Saturday Night Alive Gala From Our Home to Yours notice.
Cancelled This Signature Gala benefiting the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and making theatre accessible for everyone has been cancelled in response to a mandate from the City of Denver. All events and performances at DCPA have been postponed until June 28. For information on future events call Lyn Schaffer 303-341-1473 Clothes to Kids Luncheon Rescheduled The Reading, Writing and A Wardrobe luncheon has been rescheduled to May 21. 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, The Wellshire Event Center, 3333 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver. To RSVP email val@clothestokidsdenver.org. For information call 720-379-4630 Cancer League Hope Ball Rescheduled Previously scheduled for May 9, this event has been rescheduled to August 1 at the same location, The Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center. All our current sponsors and vendors have agreed to continue their support with this change. For information call 303-281-9864
Littleton artist provides unique steel art to honor graduates
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vals. Those festivals have been shut down or cancelled. So he, like others, has needed to find other ways to get his products to customers. Jared shares what made him interested in his career choice while he was in high school at Columbine, 20 years ago. “I fell in love with metalwork in a jewelry design class. I learned metalsmithing in many forms, including casting and forming. Though I have crossed several mediums, I’ve centered on steel. I also blend mediums often, particularly in my furniture design work.” He also added, “I enjoy hiking and many of my pieces are directly influenced by these nature hikes. I love recreating plants and wildlife in my work.” Jared has created more than 1,000 different art pieces, that he typically sells at festivals, like the annual Colorado Renaissance Festival held each
summer in Larkspur, Colorado. Other festivals held in various parts of the U.S., have been closed in the early part of this year, and Jared is hoping things will improve to where upcoming festivals will open. This will allow the thousands of festival fans who have admired his work over the years to again see his latest creations. Jared, and his wife Jean, reside in Littleton with their three young sons.
Clothes To Kids begins curbside service
ABOUT CLOTHES TO KIDS OF DENVER
SUBMITTED BY DAVID LIGGETT
Most seniors in 2020 are experiencing major changes in how their graduation will be celebrated due to most schools cancelling ceremonies where students march across the stage in cap and gown to receive their diploma. To enable seniors to have keepsakes for this milestone event in their life, new products have been designed in metal art. These unique pieces of metal art can be displayed where the graduate desires. Ideas are bedroom walls, elsewhere in the home, or even smaller versions with magnets on a vehicle. A photo here shows Belle Clark, an upcoming Arapahoe High School 2020 graduate, with a customized piece that includes her name in celebration of her graduation. She will now have memories of a customized “graduation cap” for her achievement.
Providing a shopping experience in a store-like setting has always been one of the most important parts of Clothes to Kids of Denver mission. But in light of the COVID-19 crisis,Clothes To Kids Curbside has been created. This will minimize person-to-person contact while still connecting kids in need with clothing. Parents and caregivers now have the opportunity to request a wardrobe for any student age 3 - 21 in need. Clothing will be thoughtfully selected and packaged for curbside pick-up.
Belle Clark
Artist Jared Gates
Belle, a lifelong Littleton resident, said she did not plan for her last year of high school to end as it is. Finishing up her studies through online classes, missing her friends at school, and being able to go up to her teachers with questions are no longer the norm. Additionally, she admits disappointment in not being able to enjoy the traditional cap and gown ceremony to receive her diploma
A Clothes To Kids wardrobe includes 5 outfits, 1 coat, 1 pair of shoes, 1 bra (optional) and 5 pairs each of new underwear and new socks. How to Request a Wardrobe Call (720) 379-4630 and dial “0.” Phones are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. If no answer, please leave a voicemail, and they will call you back as soon as possible. You can also request a wardrobe by emailing us at appointment@ clothestokidsdenver.org. Please be prepared to share the following information
that she expected to experience after 12 years of attending local schools. Other graduates can also obtain creative keepsakes. Various options are available and can be shipped to wherever the senior resides. To see more graduation metal art options, as well as other fine metal art pieces available, visit wildsteelkingscraft. com. Jared Gates, the artist and owner of Wild Steel, explains that his usual venue for selling his metal art products is at festi-
about each eligible student: First name, last name and date of birth. Sizes for clothing, shoes, socks and underwear. Color, style and clothing type preferences. Specific needs and special requests.
REQUEST A WARDROBE OR ASK A QUESTION Temporary: No Referral Needed! In order to make our services more readily available to those in crisis, we have loosened our referral requirements and will provide
wardrobes to anyone who says the young people in their households are in need of our services, no questions asked. Please save your clothing donations! We are currently unable to accept clothing and shoe donations. If you are in the midst of quarantine cleaning, please check out our Clothing Donation Guidelines for a list of items we accept and our greatest needs. We hope that you will save any items you have for when we reopen. Thank you for your understanding during this uncertain time.
Clothes To Kids of Denver provides new and quality used clothing in a boutique setting to students from low-income or in-crisis families in the Denver Metro area. Since 2008 Clothes To Kids has provided nearly 70,000 school wardrobes to students in need, completely free of charge. Please join us in celebrating our accomplishments of the past, and help ensure our continued success in the future. Visit us online at www.clothestokids denver.org or call 720-3794630.
Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • April 23, 2020
CCHS senior, feature twirler, named to Purdue All-American Twirling Team
Alex Lytle SUBMITTED BY ANNA OSBORN DOLAN CHERRY CREEK SCHOOLS
Cherry Creek High School senior Alexa Lytle, who has been a CCHS feature twirler for the past four years, is a new member of the Purdue University All-American Twirling Team. She auditioned for the prestigious position earlier this spring and is one of only two new members added to the team, which has been a fixture at Purdue since 1939. “It’s such an honor to be a part of Purdue’s All-American
Democratic opponent for Gardner won’t be known until June 30 BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
Incumbent United States Senator Cory Gardner did not have a serious Republican primary challenger in his bid for re-election to a second term on November 3. When former Governor John Hickenlooper dropped out of the Democratic race for president last August and announced that he would run instead for United States Senate one week later, the dynamic of that race change radically. Up until that point the most recognizable name on the list of eight Democrats vying for the right to challenge Gardner was former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. The other candidates were Diana Bray, David Goldfischer, Lorena Garcia, Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding, Erik Underwood, Michelle Ferrigno Warren, and Trish Zornio. Primaries to choose candidates for the major parties in Colorado will be held on June 30. As was true in the presidential primary held on March 3, unaffiliated voters in our state will be able to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary, but not both. In the presidential primary held on March 3, 612,554 ballots were cast by unaffiliated voters. That number constituted 34 percent of all the Coloradans who participated in the primary. Of the 612,554 unaffiliated voters who cast ballots, 75 percent voted in the Democratic primary. Of course, the
Twirling Team,” Lytle said. “I’m super excited to take the field with an amazing group of twirlers and be part of this great organization.” Lytle has been a feature twirler with the CCHS Marching Band, as well as a member of the CCHS color guard and winter guard. She has served as color guard co-captain for the past two years. She is also a Creek adventure leader and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. She plans to study engineering at Purdue. Purdue is the home of the famous All-American Marching Band and has one of the most storied collegiate twirling programs in the country. It includes five feature twirlers and the All-American Twirling Team. Together, the Purdue Twirlers hold many national titles: 2020 Twirl Mania Collegiate Classic Team Champions, 2019 Grand National Collegiate Halftime Show Team Champions and 2017 Collegiate Halftime Champions and 2017 Grand National
Alex Lytle and the CCHS marching band
Collegiate Halftime Show Team Champions. Lytle, who started in the sport of baton twirling when she was seven years old, is also a member of Colorado Twirls, a Denver-area, competitive twirling organization. She has competed and earned awards in both individual
and team events at the state, regional and national level. She is the 2019 Colorado Solo Grand Champion, the 2019 Advanced Miss Twirler, qualified for the 2018 and 2019 U.S. PreTrials and has earned national awards in Solo, 2-Baton and Team. “Alexa has worked so hard
for this opportunity and we are so proud of her,” said Colorado Twirls coach Ashley Dolan Swope, who is a CCHS alumna and former feature twirler at the University of Texas. “We can’t wait to see her take the field in front of nearly 60,000 fans at Ross-Ade Stadium this fall! Boiler Up!”
Littleton Elks Food Drive SUBMITTED BY KORRI LUNDOCK
The Elk’s Club wishes to thank everyone that stopped by Littleton Elks #1650 Food Drive last Sat. for Nourish Meals on Wheels and donated! They were able to fill three vans FULL of food and paper goods! They also received $2940 in cash donations and $60 in Gift cards. As well as some wonderful cards, drawings and painted rocks to bring cheer to our homebound seniors and families in need. Over 125 cars showed up! THANK YOU to the community of Littleton and our members. A big THANK YOU goes to volunteers, ER Danielle, Loyal Knight Amy Jo, Inner Guard Karen, and Member Michelle.
Former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff is one of two candidates hoping to challenge Gardner.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Romanoff.com
Democratic primary was highly competitive and there was no competition for the Republican nomination. Similarly, on June 30, in the primary for the senate, Colorado voters will again have a competition only on the Democratic side thus it can be expected to garner significant participation by the unaffiliated. Candidates can get onto the primary ballot one of two distinctly different ways. They can either get at least 30 percent of the vote of party regulars at the state assembly or they can collect a certain
Incumbent Republican Senator Cory Gardner is hoping for a second six-year term.
number of signatures of registered voters of their own party. The number of required signatures varies by race. For the United States Senate, a candidate needs at least 1,500 valid signatures from each of Colorado’s seven congressional districts, a total of 10,500 signatures. That is an expensive undertaking, but Hickenlooper has had no trouble raising campaign cash. He is reported to have raised over $4 million in just the first quarter of this year. In mid-March, Hickenlooper’s campaign submitted
Photo by Freda Miklin
John Hickenlooper was a very popular mayor of Denver from 2003 to 2011 and popular Colorado governor from 2011 to 2019.
17,439 signatures to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who found that 14,925 were valid, thus certifying Hickenlooper as a candidate on the primary ballot. No other Democratic candidate made a serious attempt to submit the required signatures. By the time the state assembly was held on April 18, there were three candidates left who sought the party faithful’s backing. Of the three, only Romanoff attained the required support, garnering a whopping 86 percent of the votes cast. Although candidates have the
right to seek support by both the petition process and the state assembly, that did not happen here. Hickenlooper sought entry onto the primary ballot only by the petition process. Romanoff sought entry onto the primary ballot only via the state assembly. Both were successful thus they will compete head-to-head for the Democratic nomination for United States Senate on June 30. That will be a 100 percent mail-in ballot, as is our standard method for voting in Colorado. Fmiklin.villager@gmail.com