5-18-23 Villager

Creek’s Luke Ogren wins 5A title

BY DENNIS DRESSMAN

Luke Ogren, the Cherry Creek High School sophomore who was invited to compete internationally last fall, won the Class 5A high school boys diving state championship last Thursday.

Ogren finished his required 11 dives with 553.55 points. (Each dive is assigned a difficulty rating, and the score for each dive is that rating multiplied by the score the judges give the diver for the dive.)

Bryce Porter, a senior from Rampart High, finished second, 30.1 points behind Ogren. Twenty-five divers competed in the state meet, held at Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton.

“If I’d had a mess-up, I would have lost the meet,” Ogren said, acknowledging the abilities of runner-up Porter.

Ogren was undefeated in the 2023 high school season and called it more successful than earning the invitation to dive in Sweden last year.

“I dove better, with harder dives, and scored significantly better,” he said.

The new state champ plans to compete in U.S.A. Diving this summer. He already has qualified for the USAD Zone Meet in Beaverton, Oregon in mid-June. His performance there will determine if he advances to the USAD Nationals in Mission Viejo, California July 24-August 2.

Regis Jesuit won the team title, its 24th all-time and second in a row, edging Cherry Creek by 10.5 points. Creek had won a dual meet against RJ during the season.

BELOW: Luke Ogren atop the medal stand at the Colorado Class 5A boys diving state meet, with runner-up Bryce Porter (Rampart) and third-place finisher Brecken Moran (Chatfield).

Photos by Lisa Ogden

Class 5A boys diving state champion.

Congratulations from the Villager

Reactions to reports of antisemitism at CCSD board meeting

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

Last week, we reported on statements made by students and parents, as well as community members, at the May 8 meeting of the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education, about acts of antisemitism in area schools, particularly Campus Middle School (CMS).

As the school board meeting began, board member Kristin Allen and Superintendent Chris Smith addressed the issues they knew were going to be raised later in the meeting.

Allen pointed to the importance of “teaching our children about celebrating our differences and discovering that those differences make us stronger,” and how CCSD educators “are working tirelessly to combat discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexuality, and ability.”

Referring to the incident at CMS, she said, “The school’s response was swift and comprehensive,” and “As we deal with increasing issues of anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hate, racism, and all other kinds of intolerance, we must continue and expand our proactive work to ensure every child feel safe, seen, valued, and represented in all academic subjects,” pointing out that, “Any community that is vulnerable to hate crimes

against people of the Jewish faith is a community that is vulnerable to hate crimes toward people of other faiths.” Still, she acknowledged, “We do not do school in a bubble. Students are in school only part of the time. Beliefs are influenced by social media, peers, parents, and community. Students come to school with those beliefs and act on them.”

Smith, who met earlier in the day with two mothers whose children experienced antisemitic incidents, said that anyone involved in the recent incident at CMS was facing disciplinary consequences because, “We do not tolerate hate in this district of any kind against any group,” adding, “I am not naïve to think that this only happens at CMS.” Addressing himself directly to students who suffered acts of discrimination, he said, “I’m sorry that these are the things that happened to you in our district.” He committed to working in partnership to make things better.

It has long been the policy of CCSD and most other elected boards and city councils that they are not required to respond from the dais after public comments are made at a meeting. It is understandable that they would not want to get into a back-and-forth with anyone using the opportunity for public comment to make accusations or similar statements. Still, board members are not legally barred from commenting in response to

what they have heard. None did so at this meeting, despite having heard things from students and parents that were difficult to recount. Some parents told us they were stunned that neither Kelly Bates, president, nor any other school board member, offered one word of acknowledgement, let alone compassion, for the students and parents who had testified. At their request, we asked the school board why none of them said anything in response to what they heard.

A parent whose child was one of those who experienced antisemitic behavior at school told us, “I had friends at the meeting who asked me afterwards what the next steps are with the school board. I told them that I have NO idea since they didn’t respond to one single comment!

Aside from Kristin Allen approaching me after the meeting as a friend, I was also appalled that no one said a word about next steps. Parents and two students had the courage to stand in front of hundreds of strangers and tell their difficult stories and as soon as the two-minute timer went off, not a single word was said to the speakers and we left the meeting without any notion of how we’re moving forward from here as a district! Will there be a change in the district curriculum? Additional teacher training around the Holocaust? Consequences for the students who drew swastikas on themselves and school property?”

Rikki Mor, one of the parents who met with Superintendent Smith earlier that day, felt encouraged after that meeting. She told The Villager, “I would say that the district has been extremely responsive to everything we’ve brought up with

them. Maya Shalev (another directly impacted CMS parent) and I met with the superintendent on Monday afternoon and he agreed to doing everything we had on our call-to-action plan. He asked for some time to get things done correctly and plans on working with us on a timeline and measurable benchmarks. I believe that will happen.”

Andrea Hyatt, who describes herself as a “44-year volunteer in service to my community and grateful for every opportunity to sit at the table of ideas and to be counted as a contributing member of society,” attended the meeting with other community volunteers to support parents and students who came to share their experiences.

After the meeting ended, she told The Villager, “I have never attended a school board meeting before but the one I attended in the Cherry Creek School District on May 8th left me less than impressed. I was focused on the parents and students who specifically presented their stories regarding deeply disturbing antisemitic acts that happened in different schools within the same district to Jewish students in all age groups. It was upsetting to sit there and listen to the stories that have left a mark on each of the individuals and their families but, what was equally disturbing was that after revealing the level of hate crimes that were experienced the school board members did not offer any words of comfort or sensitivity to assuage even a modicum of hurt the students and parents are feeling. It was palpable to sit in that room at Cherokee Trail High School and hear of such acts of cruelty. Words can hurt

and words can heal and words of compassion were what was missing from the members of the school board.”

CCSD responded to The Villager, telling us, “As members of the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education, we stand with the district in the strong commitment to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff. We will not tolerate antisemitism or hateful, discriminatory behavior of any kind. We want to ensure all voices are heard and appreciate hearing from our community as we continue working with students, staff, and families to create a learning environment that is accepting and respectful of every student, in every school.”

Abbe Smith, CCSD chief communications officer, told us, “Since we first learned about the antisemitic behavior at Campus Middle School, district and school leaders have met with parents and had conversations about how to address this unacceptable behavior. The board members use their time at the beginning of meetings to address community matters. The public comment section of the meeting is not meant to be a question-and-answer session, but rather a time for the board to hear directly from parents and the community. It is the role of district and school administrators to follow up with parents who raise concerns and address those matters at the school level. There are many opportunities for parents to engage with the Board of Education, including at parent engagement group meetings, which board members frequently attend.”

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Godspeed, Class of 2023

“They’re just really good kids.”

That view was shared with me last week by a colleague, as we talked about the school year on the last day for seniors at Cherry Creek. I was having a nostalgic moment because, well, last Wednesday, my daughter turned eighteen, and she attended her last day of high school the following day. Thinking about her and her friends, I beamed with pride for my daughter, her classmates, and the entire class of 2023. There’s just something about these kids.

“I’m going to have a hard time letting this group of seniors go,” said Alex Burkhart, theater teacher at Cherry Creek High School. The class of 2023 will always be special for Burkhart, for in his fourth full year at Creek, they were his first freshmen class. But it’s not just sentimental. They seemed pretty special from the get-go, as when their ensemble cast nearly brought the house down with their performance of Mary Poppins in March of 2020, just a week before stages went dark. In their four years, this class has been above the drama.

Burkhart’s thespian troupe co-presidents campaigned to lead the board as a team because there was no competition between them, just collaboration. It was symbolic of the confident maturity with which they’ve led. Each class is, of course, unique, and when I think of the class of 2023, I will always smile fondly about this group of “really good kids.” That sentiment has been echoed numerous times this year. Another colleague who sponsors a leadership group said of this year’s class, “They have a pretty special bond that I don’t know I’ll see again.”

If we had to choose one word for this year’s graduates, whether it’s high school or college matriculation, it would have to be resilient. At both levels, the class of 2023 entered school in a seemingly normal fall with the usual bit of excitement and a dash of reservation about what their next four years would hold. We all know how that went. But more than this group of young people being so strong and showcasing such endurance, I think they serve as a helpful reminder of the resilient nature of the human spirit. We are all strong, and we can all carry on, because that’s what we do.

To end the year, I’ve been teaching, or actually helping my ninth graders teach themselves, Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. They are exploring his existentialist Code Hero Santiago, a fisherman struggling through an unimaginable

string of bad luck – eightyfour days without a fish. Yet despite the hardship, Santiago’s eyes remain “cheerful and undefeated.” That’s a wonderful way to look at the kids of the class of ‘23 –cheerful and undefeated.

The senior class at Cherry Creek went through school during their football team’s historic four-peat state championship run. So, in a way, these kids are perpetual champions, never knowing defeat. And that spirit is the soul of the class of 2023. They are champions, and like

Santiago, they remain undefeated. Even amidst serious challenges and setbacks, they pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and prepare for what comes next.

In a theatrical bit of poetry for graduates, the musical this year at Cherry Creek – the culminating work for the thespians of 2023 – was Man of La Mancha. It’s the story of Don Quixote, the man who “dreamed the impossible dream.” He’s a man who remained forever undefeated in his mind. He is the idealist and eternal optimist who saw the world, not as it is, but as he hoped, wished, and believed it could be. In the fearless spirited pursuit of his dream, Don Quixote lived an idealized life, one of nobility and chivalry and triumph. Like Santiago and the class of 2023, he was forever

C NVERSATIONS

cheerful and undefeated. In the iconic song from the musical’s finale, Don Quixote sings of his quest “to dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe, to run where the brave dare not go.” That is the heart of the class of 2023, and I see them with faith and hope and optimism. On their journeys, knowing what they know, they will “right the unrightable wrongs” and “the world will be better for this.” That is their quest, and they will, cheerfully and undefeated, “reach the unreachable star.”

Godspeed, Class of 2023. We are so proud and impressed, and we can’t wait to see what you do next Michael P. Mazenko is a writer, educator, & school administrator in Greenwood Village. He blogs at A Teacher’s View and can be found on Twitter @ mmazenko. You can email him at mmazenko @gmail.com

Each class is, of course, unique, and when I think of the class of 2023, I will always smile fondly about this group of “really good kids.”

A lesson from the past — make ice cream

“And the rains came, and it rained for 40 days and 40 nights and the floods began, and the world was submerged in water and great eruptions occurred and the giant T-Rex’s perished, and the earth was a massive lake of water. God created male and female and slowly the world population expanded and prospered with great

civilizations once again on planet earth.”

Something like this occurred over the past million or so years.

It is exciting to go rock hunting in the Colorado mountains and find rocks with ancient fish bones embedded in the stones. Most of Colorado was once a vast lake.

The rains came this past week. What a blessing for our lands.

This spring, moisture ensured grass for livestock grazing and a multi-mil-

lion-dollar wheat and corn crop for Eastern Plains farmers … if they escaped the hail stones that damaged many homes and cars.

I remember several years ago, an elderly couple attended a Lions Club social event, and the grayhaired 80s wife related to me about growing up in the grasslands of Nebraska as a child, where her family had a sod cabin with a dirt floor and a small field of ripening corn. They had a milk cow, a few chickens and several children.

The rains came, and the

hail fell upon the homestead crop smashing the corn to the ground and wiping out the family’s income.

She related walking out to the damaged cornfield with her father and looking at the disaster. But here’s the lesson she told about the character and strength of her immigrant father, who said, “Iffy, run to the cabin and get a bucket, we’ll collect the hail stones and make ice cream.”

That was the pioneering spirit of rural America that has given rise to the greatest nation on Earth.

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18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office honors victims rights advocates

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

The PACE Center in Parker was the setting for the April 27

18th Judicial DA’s Office annual awards ceremony for people and organizations who go the extra mile to represent, support, protect, and honor victims of crime.

District Attorney John Kellner said the name of the program,

“Survivor Voices: Elevate, Engage, Effect Change, speaks to what so many people in this room have dedicated their professional lives to.” He continued, “These are the people who go the extra mile, or the

extra ten miles,” pointing also to laws to benefit crime victims that have been passed “as a direct result of advocacy by people in this room,” including legal changes pertaining to hate crimes and to juveniles.

The 2023 award winners, and the categories in which they won, all announced at the ceremony, were:

Non-Profit: Hate Free Colorado represented by Shara Smith and Dilpreet Jammu of the Interfaith Alliance and Jeremy Shaver of the Anti-Defamation League Rocky Mountain Region

Outstanding Victim Service:

Jodi Byrnes-Klaus, Forensic Interviewer at Sungate KidsChild Abuse Awareness, Support & Advocacy

Law Enforcement Officer: Detective Jake Swartz, Aurora Police Dept.

Law Enforcement Advocate: Melissa Potestio, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office

District Attorney Support

Staff: Karen Vallely

District Attorney Prosecutor: Lisa Gramer

District Attorney Investigator: Bob Friel

District Attorney Victim Witness Service: Misty Armijo

Attending the ceremony to support the victims and their advocates were Centennial Mayor Pro Tem Richard Holt, Arapahoe County Commissioners Leslie Summey and Bill Holen, with his wife Debi, who was a violent crime victim, and Douglas County Commissioners Lora Thomas and Abe Laydon. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

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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 didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak up because 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 didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me and by that time there was no one left to speak for me!”

2020 Member

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

Erma Bombeck

2023 award winners with 18th Judicial DA John Kellner. From left to right, Jacob Swartz, Bob Friel, John Kellner, Lisa Gramer, Karen Vallely, Jodi Byrnes-Klaus, Shara Smith, Dilpreet Jammu, and Jeremy Shaver. Photo courtesy of the 18th Judicial DA’s office

Governor’s big housing plan won’t happen this year

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

As the 2023 session of the Colorado legislature drew to a close on Monday evening, May 8, the sponsor of the governor’s major housing bill, State Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, announced that the Senate would not take up the latest House-amended version of SB23-213 Land Use, thus it would die.

The bill, which sought to allow middle housing as a use by right in single family neighborhoods and require cities to allow multi-family housing in transit corridors, underwent a major rewrite in the Senate from its original version in the Senate before being sent to the House, where several of the parts that had been excised were added back, though that did not include middle housing in single family neighborhoods. Still, it was too much for the Senate to sort out so late in the session and sponsors gave up.

Locally, State Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-2) had expressed reservations about this bill from the start. State Reps. Meg Froelich (D-3) and David Ortiz (D-38) said little about it publicly, although Ortiz, like State

Rep. Ruby Dickson (D-37), who did support it publicly, was a co-sponsor of the bill.

After the legislative session ended, Governor Polis’s press secretary, Conor Cahill, issued a written statement that said, “Governor Polis will continue his fight to better protect the property rights of homeowners and make Colorado more affordable to purchase or rent homes because changing the status quo isn’t easy. He is deeply disappointed that politics and special interests continue to delay delivering real results for aging Colorado seniors who want to downsize, young families who want to live close to their work and the communities where they grew up, and businesses struggling with workplace shortages because of artificially high housing costs. Governor Polis — in partnership with a broad coalition with the courage to take on the status quo — is deeply committed to addressing the higher and higher costs facing hardworking Coloradans across our state and the Governor is more confident than ever that reducing costly barriers to housing will prevail. The Governor remains committed to reducing the cost of housing for rent and purchase to save people money, improving our air quality, reducing traffic, im-

proving water efficiency, and improving the quality of life in Colorado.”

Upon hearing the news that the plan had failed, Greenwood Village Mayor George Lantz told The Villager, “I am pleased to hear this evening that Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno has confirmed that SB23-213 is dead. The Senate listened to the thousands of residents and organizations such as the Colorado Municipal League, the Denver Regional Council of Governments, and the Metro Mayors’ Caucus, who all believe local municipalities should have control of their cities.”

GV’s website says that the bill failed, “After legislators were unable to find a compromise between the Senate and House versions of the bill.” It also offers thanks to, “Our local senator, Sen. Jeff Bridges, who listened to his constituents and supported the amended Senate version of the bill, which removed many of the preemptive measures that would have impacted our ability to maintain the character and quality of our neighborhoods.” GV goes on, “Unfortunately, our local representative, Rep. Ruby Dickson, cosponsored SB23-213 and was the prime sponsor for a

bill that preempts local authority over residential building permits.”

The Villager reached out to Rep. Dickson to ask her why she supported SB23-213. She told us, “I decided to cosponsor that legislation after much engagement with the bill’s sponsors to make it work well for the people of this area. Housing affordability, homelessness, and land use are some of the most important and pressing issues facing our state— and skyrocketing property tax valuations are one consequence. Last year, I spoke to thousands of residents at the doors, and heard many perspectives from our district on how to address the statewide housing crisis. I took the debate around SB23-213 very seriously, especially after engaging with many hundreds of constituents with a wide range of thoughts on the policy.”

She continued, “I believe that local governments can be an extremely effective tool for solving many of the issues we face in Colorado. Our state has seen unprecedented growth over the past few decades, and we must make sure to balance the concerns of local government with the needs of ordinary Coloradans. Too many people have been priced out of their communities or forced to

live far away from where they work. That’s why I ultimately supported a version of SB23213 which included transit-oriented development, housing needs assessments, and displacement protections— without imposing upzoning on single-family communities. With or without SB23-213, the legislature ran important bills this session to address the housing crisis, but the issue is far from solved.”

Cherry Hills Village’s website said, “Senate Bill 23-213 was introduced at the state level with the intent of addressing housing costs, however the end result of the bill would have allowed duplexes or fourplexes to be built in every part of Cherry Hills Village. This action by the state legislature would have changed the character of Cherry Hills Village, and City Council is opposed to any bill that results in this kind of change and also strips local authority and infringes on home rule control as guaranteed by the state constitution. The city will continue to monitor future bills at the state level to defend local land use control and preserve the City’s unique character.”

Most expect a more pareddown plan for housing to return in the 2024 legislative session which begins in eight short months.

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Saving Our Schools, Protecting Our Kids - a resounding theme of late

Lori Gimelshteyn takes Cherry Creek Republican Women on a journey of exposure

She was billed as taking Cherry Creek Republican Women (CCRW) on a journey to discover the truth about lowered academic standards, the mishandling of multiple sexual/physical assault and

harassment cases, the hidden use of Gender Support & Transition plans, controversial curriculum and what DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) really means to the District Administration and the Office of Equity, Culture & Communi-

ty Engagement. And did she ever take the audience on the journey! Lori grew up in rural Massachusetts putting herself through undergraduate and graduate school. Her husband is an emigrant from Belarus who spent 24 years in the U.S. Air force. They moved to Colo-

rado for the excellence touted for Cherry Creek Schools. Then in 2020, she discovered things in the classroom that made her uncomfortable to say the least. One assignment in her son’s 8th grade English Honors class was: “Why is racism your favorite topic”? He explained he had to think one way at school and another at home. There were many

more examples and cause for alarm. She is co-founder and executive director of both the Cherry Creek and Colorado Advocacy Networks and encouraged visiting cherrycreekparents.org. In this off election year, she feels that the school board and municipal elections are the most important of her lifetime and should be ours.

ABOVE: Keynote speaker Lori Gimelshteyn, CCRW President Evie Ashmore and Marcia Saas

ABOVE, RIGHT: CCRW member Cindy Webb was recognized at Colorado Federation of Republican Women and is presented a certificate for 2nd place in the state for number of phone calls (over 2,400) made in the last election by CCRW President Evie Ashmore

RIGHT: Jill Pedicord Peterson, Amy Galan, Didge Pedicord, Jane Siekmeier, Darcy Truppo

Denver Area Panhellenic hosts Annual Awards Luncheon at The Art Hotel

In 1908, Denver Area Panhellenic (DAP) held its first meeting at the Brown Palace. Since then, bonds of sisterhood have strengthened with alumnae representing over two dozen fraternities for women. DAP has won numerous awards from the National Panhellenic Conference. In the spring of each year, DAP honors its own. From a field of 41 applications, two collegiate scholarships were awarded. Since 1971 DAP has honored a Woman of the Year and in 1992 the Alumnae Achievement Award was established. In 1994, the DAP Council began presenting the Spirit Award (Delegate

of the Year). This year, DAP initiated the Emerging Leader Award honoring a younger alum. DAP’s philanthropy is Denver Health Foundation’s “Newborns in Need.” Executive board members make a five-year commitment “going through the chairs” serving one year in each office. Incoming President Bonnie Johnson, Zeta Tau Alpha had enthusiastic remarks while looking forward to her term. “It’s always fun to say yes,” she began.

Scottie Iverson is a former DAP president, DAP Woman of the Year and Denver Alumnae Chapter Kappa Alpha Theta Woman of the Year.

ABOVE: Alumnae Award Winners: Woman of the Year - Celinda Miranda LaBella (Sigma Sigma Sigma), Alumnae Achievement – Rissa Reddan (Alpha Omicron Pi), Emerging Leader – Dr. Leslie Murray (Kappa Kappa Gamma), Spirit Award –Laura ElHaje (Sigma Kappa)

RIGHT: Scholarship Winners: Natalie Shelden, Kappa Alpha Theta (medical student at CU Anschutz) and Hunter Leyendecker – Kappa Alpha Theta (undergraduate at Colorado State University)

“My calls to action – get engaged in your school board elections. Talk to your neighbors! Stand together and fight for principles of America.”

- Lori Gimelshteyn

Photos by Scottie Iverson

2022 - 2023 DAP Board: President Jill LaCroix – Sigma Sigma Sigma, VP Bonnie Johnson – Zeta Tau Alpha, Treasurer Kendy Blake – Alpha Sigma Alpha, Secretary Katie Edmiston – Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delegate-at-Large Maureen Rojas – Phi Mu

Awards Luncheon committee members: Kim Barbato - Phi Mu, Adrienne Tuck - Kappa Delta, Co-Chair Liz Moran – Sigma Sigma Sigma, Amy Beard – Alpha Gamma Delta and Co-Chair Jennifer Fowler – Sigma Sigma Sigma

Colorado Go Red for Women Luncheon is best ever!

he venue was the beautiful backdrop of Denver Botanic Gardens when Footers catered the luncheon for a sold out crowd celebrating Go Red for Women presented by American Heart Association. There were plenty of fashionable red ensembles (for men and women) complemented by the recognizable logo - red dress pin. The 2023 fundraiser was the most successful in the Colorado event’s history.

Heart has special meaning for Trisha Hood. Her daughter’s memorial bench is in Denver Botanic Gardens facing East to be greeted by the sun. The bench inscription reads: Chelsey Hood Russell embraced each sunrise with strength, passion & joy! Its placement is further appropriate in front of a sculpture depicting a mom who is so proud of her children.

Go Red Day Chair Simone D. Ross who is CEO of Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce with Woman of Impact Silvia Gutierrez Raghunath and Teen of Impact Case Snell

A bevy of beauties from Fox 31 and Channel 2: Katie Orth, Erika Gonzalez and Spencer Thomas Photos by Scottie Iverson

Back Row: Edie Marks, Keri Christiansen, Betsi Willenbrock, Christina Johnson, Quinn Washington, Trisha Hood (host), Susan Carskaden Front Row: Brie Aletto, Dianne Bartlett, Lynn Blake

Sr. Director of Go Red for Women Kristen Small with Quinn Washington

FLEURISH

What does the property tax relief bill do?

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Colorado has two rates for (real estate) property tax, one for residential property and one for “non-residential,” which generally means commercial property.

Before SB23-303 was passed on May 8, non-residential property was scheduled to be taxed next year at 29% of its actual value.

Residential property was set to be taxed at 6.765% of its actual value, rising to 6.98% in 2025, and 7.15% every year thereafter.

County assessors statewide determine actual values of property as of June 30 of even-numbered years. Coloradans receive notice of those

determinations in April of the next year.

That happened a few weeks ago. Property values statewide, but particularly in the front range, increased an average of 35% to 45% between June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2022, portending much higher taxes in 2024.

The (Democratic) leadership of the general assembly came up with a plan to lessen the impact of higher property values on tax bills beginning in 2024, through 2032.

Non-residential property will be taxed at 27.85% of actual value in 2024, ratcheting down to 25.9% in 2031 and 2032 (instead of 29%).

Residential property actual values will be decreased $40,000 (except in 2023, when they will be decreased $50,000), then 6.70% (instead

of 6.765% next year) of the remaining actual value will be taxed. That rate will stay in place through 2032.

So as not to deprive local governments and fire districts of all the money they would have received from property taxes had the state not interceded, the plan increases, by approximately $167 million annually, what the state can keep that would have otherwise been subject to TABOR refunds. That money will go to local governments and fire districts if voters approve this entire plan, which will appear as Proposition HH on ballots this November.

Late in the legislative session, when it was pointed out that renters got no benefit from this plan because they don’t pay property taxes, legislative leaders came up with

a companion law that will result in lower-income Coloradans getting larger TABOR refunds than they otherwise would have. The plan assumes renters, who are estimated to comprise 40% of the state’s population, are generally lower earners than property owners. That, too, is dependent on approval of Proposition HH by the voters in November.

This legislation also changed the way the senior citizen property tax exemption is applied. That benefit, which allows those 65 and over to reduce their property value by $100,000 before applying the tax rate of 6.7%, formerly required that senior citizens lived in their homes for ten years or more. The waiting period has been eliminated so that seniors can get the exemption on any primary residence, regardless

More endorsements for both candidates in Denver mayor’s race

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough are locked in a close runoff for Denver mayor. Ballots go out beginning May 15 and must be returned by election day, June 6.

On May 10, it was announced that four more candidates in the mayoral primary have endorsed Johnston, Ean Tafoya, James Walsh, Terrance Roberts, and Al Gardner. He also picked up endorsements from State Sens. Julie Gonzales and James Coleman. Said Tafoya, “Together, we can take advantage of the federal and state money that people here on this stage have worked together to create. I do believe that Mike is the kind of leader who listens to us... We’re seeking compassionate solutions for those who are most vulnerable in our community.”

Sen. Coleman said he was endorsing Johnston

because, “Together, we can take advantage of the federal and state money that people here on this stage have worked together to create.

I do believe that Mike is the kind of leader who listens to us... We’re seeking compassionate solutions for those who are most vulnerable in our community.”

On May 8, Local 858 Denver Firefighters endorsed Kelly Brough, saying, “She’s an honest lead-

er, who tells you what you want to hear if she can. But more importantly she tells you what you need to hear. She has been consistent, honest and fair, and has always made sure that the citizens of Denver are taken care of.”

On May 1, Denver’s Police Protective Association (DPPA), the state’s largest police organization, gave Brough the nod. DPPA President Tyson Worrell

said, “Kelly is the only candidate in this race with the executive experience and knowledge of how to run this city. While serving as John Hickenlooper’s Chief of Staff, we witnessed firsthand Kelly’s ability to face tough challenges and to bring people to the table to solve those challenges. We believe that she has realistic solutions and can work collaboratively to build a culture where law enforcement has the training, the equipment, and the community support necessary to meet the many challenges our city faces,”

On April 21, Johnston was endorsed by AFSCME Council 18, which represents public workers across Colorado and New Mexico. Sean Hinga, AFSCME Colorado legislative and political director said, “AFSCME members are the public service workers who dedicate their careers to keeping Denver safe, healthy, and strong. That’s why we’re thrilled to endorse Mike Johnston for Mayor. Throughout his

of how long they’ve lived in it.

Looking at how this plan will reduce residential property taxes, a home valued at $600,000 that was previously valued at $400,000, using a typical mill levy of 80 mills, will go from paying $2,224 this year (on the $400,000 valuation) to $2,948 next year (on the $600,000 valuation). Without this change in the law, the tax next year would have been $3,247.

If you’re lucky enough that your home increased in value from $1,000,000 to $1,400,000 during the past two years, you will go from paying $5,560 this year to $7,236 next year. Without this change in the law, your tax next year would have been $7,577.

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Editor’s note: Yes, our reporter is also a C.P.A.

career, he has been a strong ally for working Denver rights. He fought to increase the minimum wage and ensured workers have the protections and benefits they need to thrive. As a former teacher and school principal, Mike also understands the challenges that public service workers face and is committed to building a strong public service workforce that is ready to respond to the needs of our community.”

We previously reported that Johnston has been endorsed by State Rep. Leslie Herod, who also ran in the April 4 primary, coming in 5th, and that he has been endorsed by former Denver Mayor Federico Pena.

We also previously reported that Brough has been endorsed by State Sen. Chris Hansen, who also ran in the April 4 primary, coming in 6th, and that she has been endorsed by former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.

Both candidates also hold major newspaper endorsements, Johnston from the Denver Post and Brough from the Denver Gazette.

fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

Mike Johnston

Kelly Brough

SSPRD holds election followed by tragic loss

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

On May 2, Pam Eller and Ken Lucas were elected to the South Suburban Parks & Recreation District (SSPRD) board of directors. Lucas will serve his second and final four-year term. Eller will be in her first term, although she previously served on the Board of Directors from 2010-2018.

Eight days later, on May 10, current SSPRD board vice-chair David Lawful passed away in his sleep unexpectedly. He is survived by his wife Helene and

Senate Bill 23-213 fails

Thank you to all who took the time to contact our state legislators opposing Senate Bill 23-213. The bill did not pass! It was defeated in large part by our citizens who reached out to our legislators, attended town hall meetings and were committed to keeping local control local.

This unprecedented bill was a bold attempt to undermine a century of local decision-making regarding land use and zoning by the state. Based on Governor Polis’ stated priorities this fight is not over. It is very likely that similar measures will likely be

sons Benjamin and Elliott.

David was first elected to the board in 2018 and re-elected last year to a second term. No information was available as of this writing as to how the board will act to fill his position.

Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet, who David had described to us as his longtime friend and mentor, told The Villager, “David truly had a servant’s heart and generously shared his talents with the Lone Tree community and beyond. While his public service may have focused on recreation, parks, and open space, David was a champion for all things Lone Tree. He was a treasured community member,

introduced in next year’s legislative session. It’s important we all remain vigilant and united.

The City of Centennial will continue working with the Colorado Municipal League and surrounding municipalities to defend home rule. Centennial’s home rule charter may be found online at www.centennialco. gov/homerule.

Thank you Centennial community!

SSPRD Board of Directors

Vice-Chair David Lawful, of blessed memory.

advocate, and volunteer and his bright smile and engaging spirit will be deeply missed.”

The SSPRD election will be

certified on May 16. The unofficial election results to fill two open positions, as of press time, are:

Michael Edwards 213

John Priddy 461

Pam Eller 949

Ken Lucas 631

Elizabeth Watson 502

Alexis Barrere 497

SSPRD is a 46-square mile special district that serves over 151,000 residents in the Town of Bow Mar, Town of Columbine Valley, City of Littleton, City of Sheridan, City of Centennial west of I-25, City of Lone Tree, and unincorporated portions of Douglas County, Jefferson County and Arapahoe

County

It includes “four rec centers, one entertainment center with two sheets of ice, one community center, a sports complex with indoor turf fields, courts, and three sheet of ice; four golf courses; three 18-hole miniature golf courses; 50 tennis courts; a BMX track; batting cages; athletic fields; 100+ parks; 61 playgrounds; more than 3,800 acres of parkland and greenways; and nearly 100 miles of trails. South Suburban offers a wide variety of programs for tots to seniors to exercise their bodies and minds, make social connections and hone their talents in art, performing arts, martial arts and more.” fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

CO tourism generates more than $60 Billion annually

From cheering on the Nuggets to skiing and camping, tourists love to visit Colorado Common Sense Institute (CSI) released The Economic Impact of Colorado’s Sports, Recreation, & Tourism Sector. The analysis examines the impact of sports, recreation, and tourism on the overall Colorado economy and the prospect for future growth.

“The numbers tell the story. Sports, Recreation and Tourism is a $60 billion industry that drives more than 600,000 jobs. The revenue created by tourists supports a wide array of Colorado’s economy and plays an indispensable role in driving economic prosperity,” said Kelly Caufield, CSI Executive Director. “There

is simply no better place to ski, camp, hike, attend world class sporting events or just enjoy the scenery than Colorado.”

“Tourism generates economic impact, creates jobs and brings visitors who pay taxes that otherwise would be the burden of Colorado residents,” said Richard Scharf, VISIT DENVER president and CEO. “Sporting events not only serve as another huge economic driver for our city, but they also generate enormous media exposure and enhance our quality of life.

Among the key findings of the study:

$60.1 billion, or 13.7%: Contribution of the sports, recreation, and tourism sector to Colorado’s Gross

Domestic Product in 2022.

$34.8 billion: Total personal income supported by Colorado’s sports, recreation, & tourism sector in 2022.

622,968: Number of jobs supported by Colorado’s sports, recreation, and tourism sector amounting to nearly one 1 out of every 6 jobs.

7.17%: Projected average annual growth rate of the sports, recreation, & tourism sector over the next decade—22% faster than the state’s overall economy

“The bottom line,” continued Caufield. “The cumulative sector of sports, recreation, and tourism in Colorado adds billions of dollars and supports thousands of jobs annually, independent of major events.”

Dr. Yoram Hazony Seth Dillon Eric Metaxas

Tulsi Gabbard

Rep. Lauren Boebert CJ Pearson

Kristen Waggoner Coffey Anderson

HATTITUDE

grATITUDE

SUBMITTED BY NATELA MANUNTSEVA

“ The event was an absolute spectacle that showcased some of the most extravagant hats we’ve ever seen! It was a powerful celebration of women and unity, with people from all walks of life coming together to show their unwavering support for American women in theater. Needless to say, it was an incredibly joyful and fun occasion, and we were honored to be a part of it all. The remarkable women in the industry truly deserve all the support and recognition they can get!

Benefitting The Women’s Voices Fund

Talking superheroes and geekery with your child

SUBMITTED BY ELLIE MENTAL HEALTH

I think most (if not all) parents and caregivers can relate to the realization that your child enthusiastically embraces a fictional world. As a little one, they fashioned a cape so they could fly like Superwoman, or they brandished a paper towel roll as their light saber. When they grew a little older, they knew the complexities of entire storylines in a way we humble grown-ups could never hope to keep up with (is the Marvel universe ringing a bell for anyone)? For the gamers in the crowd, you may clearly remember a moment when you were playing on the Xbox with your kid and realized in the middle of a space battle that they surpassed your skills. As a self-professed geek, I treasure these moments of play and connection with my child. And as a psychologist and therapist, I see the power of children’s and teens’ engagement with these worlds of fantasy as a tool for mental health and well-being. Here are a few thoughts on how to engage with and support your child through the superhero and geek lenses:

1. For younger children (three- to five-years-old), talk with them openly about their favorite worlds and characters. Wonder with him about why he chooses to be Anakin Skywalker in his play with friends. Why does she prefer Luigi to Mario? Children love to be approached with curiosity about their perspectives, and this is such an amazing way to connect with them.

2. With children in elementary school, find opportunities to talk with them on a deeper level about the worlds and characters they are enthusiastic about. Children at these ages are working to understand and manage their tough emotions and thoughts, as well as to empathize with others. When watching a movie with them at home, pause for a minute to talk about a tough choice the

hero is making; how is the hero feeling and why, how are others around her feeling, what choices does

nuances of identity, intersectionality, connection, and meaning. Talk with him about what resonates with his viewing, reading, and playing. Sit back and enjoy watching them become their emerging self.

Written By: June Ashley, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist with Ellie Mental Health

We are Ellie Mental Health, an exciting organization dedicated to changing the culture of mental health, located in the Denver Tech Center adjacent to The Landmark.

Black Professional Engineers and Scientists (CABPES) holds 41st Annual Student Awards Banquet

The Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists (CABPES) recently held its 41st Annual Student Awards Banquet on May 7th at the Arvada Center. This event was a celebration of over 41 years of STEM education opportunities that have been provided to underrepresented minority youth by the organization.

she make even when it’s a tough situation? What does Yoda teach us about taking a moment to breathe, thinking about the bigger picture, and then choosing to act according with our values?

3. When talking with middle schoolers, watch for moments to explore their perception of how superheroes or other characters navigate stress, grief, and feeling out of place. Batman particularly teaches about finding meaning in loss. Obi Wan Kenobi is an example of setting important boundaries with others even when it is painful to do. The Flash can resonate with children as an example of seeing time and movement differently from others.

4. High schoolers (and beyond) are navigating identity exploration – who are they? Who will they become? What do they stand for? And they are doing this amidst a time of tremendous change and uncertainty in our world. Give space for them to channel some of this exploration and precariousness through what I will collectively call geek culture. TV shows (“Stranger Things”), movie sagas (“Harry Potter”, “Star Wars”), comic books (“Wonder Woman”, “X-Men”), and games (Dungeons and Dragons, Zelda) … all of these can help a teen or young adult symbolically explore the

We provide therapy to individuals and couples, with group therapy options coming soon! Our therapists are passionate about supporting Veterans and their families (we are a Veteran-owned and operated clinic), children and teens, pregnant people, first responders and health care providers, teachers, those with chronic health concerns, the LGBTQ+ community, neurodiverse folx, and anyone who has experienced trauma, grief, or loss.

We provide therapy that is creative, fun (yes, humor and even laughter can happen in therapy!) and centered around what works best for our clients. We use a proprietary tool called Ellie Match to ensure we find an incredible therapist fit for you. Our therapists provide a variety of therapies and integrate some of what we are most excited about in life — including exercise, dance, art, music, and geekery and other fandoms.

We are strongly committed to practicing culturally responsive and respectful therapies and are dedicated to being allies and advocates for those who have too often experienced otherwise. We provide therapy either in our cozy, beautiful clinic (there’s coffee!) or through a video visit. Call (720) 706-1944 or visit us online to learn more about our therapists, services, payment options, and accepted insurance.

We are welcoming new clients, ages six and older, with no waitlist. We would love to be supportive of you and your family.

Ellie Mental Health of Colorful Colorado

7400 East Crestline Circle, Suite 145 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 New Clients - (720) 706-1944

Give

Over 350 guests and supporters attended the event, which included a silent auction and presentations from students in the Junior Engineers, Tomorrow's Scientists (JETS) classes. The theme of this year's event was "Improving Human Health Through Advancements in Bioengineering and Biomedical Disciplines." The student presentations demonstrated a deep understanding of complex concepts and showcased innovative work and creative solutions.

The awards ceremony recognized outstanding students in each engineering class and in the Math Enrichment Program classes. Additionally, four graduating seniors were recognized and awarded college scholarships to support their ongoing education, most of them in STEM fields. The ceremony was a touching moment, with a palpable sense of pride and joy in the room.

The event also included a silent auction and a chance for guests to donate to raise funds for the organization and its mission. CABPES continues to deliver its vital mission to the community, and donations from generous supporters are crucial to its ongoing success.

Overall, the event was a significant milestone for CABPES, and it highlighted the organization's commitment to ensuring that underrepresent-

ed minority youth have access to the STEM education and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. The event was a powerful reminder of the impact that can be made when a community comes together to support a shared passion for innovating new ways to teach STEM.

About CABPES

The Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists (CABPES) was founded in 1980 with the mission of preparing underrepresented minority youth for careers in STEM. Today, CABPES offers three after-school programs for 5th -12th graders: Junior Engineers, Tomorrow’s Scientists (JETS), the Math Enrichment Program (MEP), and the SAT/ACT College Preparatory Class. In addition, a Summer Math Boot Camp is offered.

We have also entered a team in the regional Future City Competition each year for the last four years. CABPES' students placed in the top four teams in three of these four years.

Donate using the QR code below if you feel called to give to the CABPES mission. There is no donation that is too small. Your donations help CABPES to continue delivering its mission to our community.

Recalling Ruffian: The sad part of horse racing

I was a young sportswriter at The Cincinnati Enquirer when, almost 50 years ago, the great racing filly Ruffian broke down during a match race with Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure.

I had a front row seat to the public’s reaction when our sports columnist, tweaking the public’s sensitivity just to provoke outrage, wrote that he could not quite understand the outpouring of heartfelt emotion. His point: “It’s just a horse.”

I am reminded of that as Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, approaches under the cloud of seven equine fatalities at Churchill Downs during Derby Week 2023.

For those who have forgotten, or never heard of her, Ruffian was ranked the top filly of the twentieth century by The BloodHorse magazine. She won her first 10 races, never trailing and setting records in all eight of the stakes races among them.

Because Ruffian had been so dominant, the racing world was clamoring for her to run against Foolish Pleasure—a test that would determine if she could “hold her own with the big boys.” (Horse racing has always allowed males and females to compete head-to-head.)

Train- er Frank Whiteley Jr. felt the right time and place for such a showdown was the Travers Stakes at Saratoga that August.

The Travers is known in racing circles as the mid-summer Derby, ranked third among races for threeyear-olds, behind the Run for the Roses and the Belmont. And Saratoga is often called the House of Upsets or Graveyard of Champions for the number of famous horses to lose there.

“Prove the point one time and that’ll be it,” Whiteley had said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on her.”

But the pressure for a match race between Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure was so great that owners Stuart and Barbara Janney overruled their trainer and agreed to a two-horse run-off at Belmont Park, Ruffian’s home track, the month before the Travers.

A television audience estimated at 20 million and more than 50,000 spectators

at Belmont watched the race.

Ruffian led by a nose after the first quarter-mile and was in front by a halflength when jockey Jacinto Vasquez heard a crack. Braulio Baeza, aboard Foolish Pleasure, heard it, too.

Video later showed Ruffian had been startled by a bird in the infield and a misstep resulted. The sesamoid bones in her right foreleg snapped.

Vasquez tried to pull her up, but Ruffian gamely tried to finish the race. He said it was impossible to stop her.

Ruffian underwent a 12hour surgery, then did more damage to herself thrashing about during recovery.

The medical team—four veterinarians and an orthopedic surgeon—agreed that the horse likely would not survive additional surgery, much less a long recovery period.

Ruffian was euthanized at 2:25 a.m. on July 7, 1975. * * *

At the risk of sounding a bit like my colleague back then, the recent deaths at Churchill Downs—while a regrettable loss—are not unique in horse racing.

The number in one week, while unusually high for such a short span, doesn’t approach what happened at Santa Anita in 2019. More than 30 horses died in the same meeting that year. It was a news story that transcended horse racing.

After this Derby Week, I sought some perspective.

It turns out that, com-

bined, the more than 20 racetracks that still hold annual meets across America average about two horse fatalities per thousand starts. That means at least 50 Thoroughbreds perish each year.

Whenever several horses die in a short period of time, as at Churchill Downs, or in horrifically large numbers, as at Santa Anita, the calls for increased scrutiny of the sport and greater emphasis on safety are immediate, including replacing dirt tracks with synthetic racing surfaces.

But Santa Anita has had something called Cushion Track—a mixture of silica sand, synthetic fibers, elastic fiber, granulated rubber and a wax coating—since 2007. And post-race testing has intensified, greatly reducing equine drug abuse.

The reality is that, when animals with an average weight of 1,100 pounds reach speeds that average close to 30 miles per hour and approach 40 in short bursts, the stress on their legs, in particular, is great. And sometimes, sadly, they can’t handle it.

Keep that in mind as you watch the Preakness and read or hear about the recent “carnage” at Churchill Downs.

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

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Being queen would be a royal pain

There are very few things that will get me out of bed in the middle of the night and royal watching isn’t one of them so I missed the coronation of King Charles on May 6. But

I hear it was a big deal. The people who plan such things code-named it Operation Golden Orb which sounds like a James Bond movie. But one article I read beforehand said it was more like a royal wedding, only ten times more intense.

That would make it a couple thousand times more in-

tense than my wedding since my husband and I eloped. The guest list was limited to 2,000—at the coronation, not our wedding. There were six people at our wedding and that included us. There was a time when I thought a big event in my honor sounded fun—maybe when I was seven. But long

ago I realized that I’m not cut out to be royalty. Queen of my house? Absolutely. Queen of England? No way. And not just because I don’t live there.

For one thing, being a member of the royal family is like living in a fishbowl, a really glamorous fishbowl where the fish dress in expensive clothing and other fish wait on them hand and fin, but a fishbowl none-the-less. Ev-

erywhere they swim paparazzi take pictures of them and other fish gawk at them like gorillas in a zoo.

And yes, I realize I’m mixing my metaphors. If I were royalty, I’d probably be criticized for that. Every other mistake they make goes public. You might be thinking I should be used to that since

COURTS

District Court Arapahoe. County 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112

Case Number: 23 DR 312

Division 25

Parties Petitioner: Kasope Oluwagbenga

Sotinwa

Co-Petitioner:

Jason Dodge

Lawyer or Party filing: Kasope

Oluwagbesa Sotinwa

The court has reviewed the Petitioner’s request for service by:

Publication

The court now makes these finds:

The Petitioner has used due diligence to have the Respondent personally served and has not succeeded.

The court orders:

Service by Publication. The Petitioner must publish a notice in the local newspaper in the county (or specified by the court) once a week for 5 weeks in a row.

Date: April 27, 2023

Magistrate

Published in The Villager

First Publication May 4, 2023

Last Publication June 1, 2023

Legal # 11209

DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 (303) 649-6355 Telephone

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner, In the Interest of: YAEL MEJIA-SOTO, YARITZA XOCHITLA-SOTO AND GUILLERMO XOCHITLA-SOTO, Children, and concerning, JENIFER SOTO-TALAMANTES, ALEJANDRO MEJIA ORNELAS AND GUILLERMO XOCHITLA GATICA, Respondents. and concerning, FRANKLIN MERINO PENA, Special Respondent.

Kiley Schaumleffel, Esq. #46107

Assistant County Attorney 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: 303-636-1308

Case No. 23JV139 Division 22

NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGEMENT ALEJANDRO MEJIA ORNELAS

To The Respondents:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing regarding Respondent Parent, ALEJANDRO MEJIA ORNELAS has been set for June 5, 2023 at the hour of 3:00 P.M. in Division 22, at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7305 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child(ren), dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

Due to COVID 19, the Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smartphone

That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent general taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2018;

That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of JOSEPHINE L. HARRIS for said year 2018;

equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: • https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div22

• Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

• Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.

• If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664. When prompted enter Access code: 927 2594 887 9073 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).

YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to appear before the Court at said time and place, either in person or by phone. If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Dated: May 11, 2023

Published in The Villager

Published: May 18, 2023

Legal # 11216

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

situate in the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado, to-wit:

LOT 8 BLK 4 AURORA HILLS 1ST FLG aka 11628 E DAKOTA AVE and said County Treasurer issued a Certificate of Purchase therefore to MUNICIPAL POINT CAPITAL LP;

That said MUNICIPAL POINT CAPITAL LP, on the 1st day of December, 2022, the present holder of said Certificate, who has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said real estate;

That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said MUNICIPAL POINT CAPITAL LP, on or about the 12th day of

September, 2023, A.D., unless the same has been redeemed.

Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed.

Witness my hand this 28th day of April, 2023, A.D.

Michael Westerberg Treasurer Arapahoe County

Published in The Villager

First Publication: May 4, 2023

Last Publication: May 18, 2023

Legal # 11200

THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL AT THE VILLAGE CENTER, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLORADO 80113, AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023 (SECOND AND FINAL READING), TO CONSIDER FOR ADOPTION COUNCIL BILL 2, SERIES 2023, A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE REPEALING AND RE-ENACTING ARTICLES I THROUGH IX OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE, CONCERNING BUILDING REGULATIONS; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE 2021 NATIONAL GREEN BUIDLING STANDARDS, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE, THE 2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, AND THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC., 4051 WEST FLOSSMOOR ROAD, COUNTRY CLUB HILLS, IL 60478; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

THE PURPOSE OF THE REFERENCED CODES ARE GENERALLY TO REGULATE AND CONTROL THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, QUALITY OF MATERIALS, USE AND OCCUPANCY, LOCATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

WITHIN THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE AND TO PROVIDE MINIMUM STANDARDS TO SAFEGUARD LIFE OR LIMB, HEALTH, PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WELFARE FROM THE HAZARDS OF FIRE EXPLOSION AND DANGEROUS CONDITIONS ARISING FROM STORAGE, HANDLING, AND USE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND DEVICES IN THE USE OR OCCUPANCY OF BUILDINGS OR PREMISES. ALL REFERENCED CODES AND AMENDMENTS THERETO ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLORADO 80113. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSAL PLEASE CALL THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT 303-783-2721. ALL PROTESTS OR COMMENTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING ON OR BEFORE THE HEARING DATE, OR BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.

Published in The Villager

Published: May 18, 2023

Legal # 11217

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023, AT 6:30 P.M. FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING A SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AT 4545 S. UNIVERISTY BOULEVARD TO CONVERT TWO ATHLETIC FIELDS FROM GRASS TO SYNTHETIC TURF.

THE APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 2450 E. QUINCY AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80113 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. OR YOU MAY CALL 303-7832729 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

PROTESTS OR COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,

CITY OF AURORA WARD VI TOWN

HALL MEETING

MAY 17, 6-8 p.m. Southeast Recreation Center 25400 E. Alexander Drive. TOPICS: Budge, Water/Drought, General Updates. SPEAKERS: Greg Hays, Budget Manager, Greg Baker, Water PR Manager, Council Member Bergan. Hosted by Council Member Francoise Bergan. Info: call 303-739-7015 or visit AuroraGov.org/TownMeetings

ARAPAHOE COUNTY TELEPHONE

TOWN HALL

MAY 18, 6:30 p.m. Call-in number 1-855436-3656.

ART WINE & DESIGN FUNDRAISER

MAY 18, 6:30-9:00 p.m. To raise funds for ACC’s Art & Design programs and ACC Foundation general scholarships. Location: Art & Design Complex, 2400 W. Alamo Ave., Littleton. Registration required to attend. 303-797-4222.

AURORA REPUBLICAN FORUM

MAY 20, 10 a.m. Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora, The Aspen Room on the 2nd floor. Guest SpeakerJimmy Sengenberger - Columnist, Radio, and Podcast Host. Info: Joy Hoffman - president@ aurorarepublicanforum.com

ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHRED-ATHON

MAY 20, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at 13101 E. Broncos Parkway in Centennial. Info: arapahoe sheriff. org

CENTENNIAL DISTRICT 1 MEETING

MAY 23, 6-8 p.m. Centennial YMCA Center of Generations at 6972 S Vine St., Suite 366, located within The Streets of SoughGlenn. Join Council Members Robyn Cranes and Candace Moon. Agenda Topics: Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Update and My Centennial Mobile App

VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY

TRIBUTE

MAY 27 FROM 10 a.m. - noon. Honoring

Colorado Fallen & Gold Star Families with Special Recognition of Vietnam War. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords. Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY ANNUAL REPUBLICAN LINCOLN DAY

DINNER

JUNE 3, 5:30-9:30 at the Double Tree DTC, 1701 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. Keynote speaker Thomas J. Baker, acclaimed author of “The Fall of the FBI”. Tom is a 33-year FBI Veteran and legend of the FBI. He will tell how a once great agency became a threat to democracy. He will have a book signing.

Jimmy Sengenberger will be the Emcee & Auctioneer. Tickets: www.arapahoerepublican. org Cutoff date is May 25 at 4 p.m.

TESORO CULTURAL CENTER

ANNUAL INDIAN MARKET & POWWOW

JUNE 3 & 4 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., both days. A celebration of American Indian Art, Culture, and Dance at The Fort: 19192 Highway 8, Morrison. Adults $15, Children 7-12 $10, 6 & under Free. Free parking.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY STATE OF THE COUNTY

JUNE 7, 7:30-10 a.m. Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Park.

WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT

JUNE 9-10 at Colorado Convention CenterDenver. For tickets, sponsorship, and exhibit info., visit WesternConservativeSummit.com. Call 1-866-455-8500.

SOUTH METRO CHAMBER GOLF

TOURNAMENT

JUNE 12, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Meridian Golf Club. Registration now open. Info: 303-795-0142.

NOURISH MEALS ON WHEELS

THEATER NIGHT

JUNE 14, Reception 6-7 p.m. A signature fundraising event. This year features a special

performance of the Tony Award-winning musical Memphis. Fabulous food, fun, raffle prizes and toe-tapping entertainment. Tickets online at https://bebids.me/nourish23/tix

SAVE THE DATE - CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

JUNE 19, 2023, The Ridge at Castle Pines North.

ART SMART SUMMER

June 26-July 24. The Children’s Art School invites young artists to a summer of creative discoveries. Three hour morning and afternoon sessions at 2290 South Clayton St. in the University Park neighborhood. Info: visit www. artcreates.org

DENVER LYRIC OPERA GUILD DLOG SUMMER PARTY

AUGUST 12. A French-themed Luncheon at Columbine Country Club. Tickets available at the DLOG website in mid-June. SAVE THE DATE!

TAPS: TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS

WESTERN-THEMED GALA

SEPT. 19 at Wings Over the Rockies. Founders, Lynne and Bo Cottrell, in 2005 will be honored. The Cottrell’s will be stepping down as directors of the event. The event raises funds for military survivors. Featuring country legend Pam Tillis and singer/songwriter Gary Morris. Also a special performance by Frank Moscato, an American Idol Gold Ticket winner.

INFO: visit TAPS.org/Colorado

“WHAT’S NEW? CHERRY HILLS

GARDEN & HOBBY CLUB SEEKING

MEMBERS

In existence for 60 years to serve Cherry Hills Village residents and has expanded to include Greenwood Village residents. Programs cover a variety of topics from antiques to zinnias and include a holiday luncheon. Dues - $35/ year. Meetings held March - Dec. on the fourth Tues. of each month from 10 a.lm. -noon in members’ homes. Please attend a meeting as a guest. Info: Wendy, 303-803-0512.

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport is outstanding

I had a red Honda rotary mowing machine that ran and ran and ran. Honda makes lawn equipment, motorcycles and some very sharp automobiles. The snappy “Radiant Red” 2023 Accord Hybrid Sport L model arrived this week for a test drive.

The Accord averaged 47.4 mpg overall and had a suggested list price of $33,875, making it an extremely attractive sedan in price, appearance, economy and performance.

It was powered by a 2. 0L 4-cylinder engine and a hy-

brid battery system, this Accord resembled a sports car in design and performance. The slender body and sleek hood made the appearance of a far more expensive vehicle.

The power system was linked to a continuously variable transmission with four drive modes: eco, normal, sport and individual. I preferred the sport mode and the additional boost in power and performance.

To handle the spirited drive, the Honda Accord was equipped with front MacPherson strut suspension and rear link suspension, large front brake calipers and all-wheel disk brakes.

The black interior featured

a sharp-appearing dashboard with many dials, messages and alerts. The audio system features eight speakers and a 12.3 color monitor.

The driver’s seat was 10way power adjustable with memory, and the seats were trimmed with leather, along with the leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Loaded with safety features, the Honda had front, side, rear and curtain airbags, but too new to have a safety rating, but obviously it will be very high with so many safety systems.

The Honda rode on 19-inch all-weather tires with a rear spoiler on a manual trunk. The rear seats had fold-down

features, and the trunk space was spacious.

The famed Japanese brand was manufactured in the USA in Marysville, Ohio, with 25 percent Japanese parts and the rest U.S. and Canadian parts contents.

Overall, these gasoline and battery hybrids offer the convenience of not having to charge the battery systems and outstanding mileage by both battery and gasoline performance.

Honda has it right with this Accord, and it offers the thrill of a sports car with appearance and performance.

Like the T.V. show, “The Price is Right” for this Honda Accord.

By H. Throttle

Beautiful and Healthy Skin – A 2-Step Process (Part 2 of 2) [Facts About Causes of Thick, Leathery Skin & Skin Cancer!]

Today, I report that “No,” it is not over-exposure to the sun that causes thick, leathery skin and there is another high-risk cause for skin cancer from over-exposure, besides UV rays. Their causes and a 2-Part Healing Process and Solution to restoring the health of the skin are the topics of Part 2 of this 2-Part article.

The topic of Part 1, published 04/27/23, was growing new skin cells to replace damaged skin using our skin-regenerating ointment that provides results within days to a few weeks. Signs of unhealthy, damaged, and/or deteriorating skin cells are acne, pimples, white- and black-heads,

rashes, moles, warts (including senile, plantar, and genital warts), skin tags, skin cancers, diabetic sores, swelling (like edema), severe burns, aging wrinkles, and other skin-related sores and pigment discolorations, as well as numbness of the skin.

EXTERNAL CAUSES of skin conditions due to injuries (burns, road rash, scrapes, etc.) require only “outside” daily application of our skin-regenerating ointment and up to three weeks after the skin’s surface heals to allow nutrients to go deeper into the affected skin’s layers and pores, which cannot happen until the skin’s surface is healed.

INTERNAL CAUSES of skin conditions, however, can be from any toxin, including excess hormones, fungus or other germs, particles of inflammatory tissue, dead or decaying cells, or any substance that would be harmful if remaining “inside” the body. The Skin is the largest organ, so its head-to-feet pores make it easier to remove toxins when the primary elimination or detoxification organs are dysfunctional, i.e., the liver, kidneys and colon.

THE 2-STEP SKIN HEALING PROCESS for internal causes means working from the “inside out and outside in,” i.e., address skin causes for both 1) the “inside” and 2) the “outside” of the body, preferably simultaneously. Why? Because “inside,” the body will continue using the skin as a detoxification pathway until you have improved the function of its primary detoxification organs, so toxins can be eliminated through them, instead of being re-routed out of the skin.

Ever thought you healed a skin condition and then it “appeared” to come back? Many skin products do not provide skin-healing

nutrients, they just clog pores so toxins cannot surface and damage the skin. However, once the skin can unclog its pores, toxins start resurfacing again giving the “appearance” that the skin condition is back; the fact is, its cause never left.

Your body is constantly working to remove embedded toxins from organ (or gland) tissues, otherwise, in time, these poisons become a cause for disease in that organ. So, every time the body is able to produce energy again to push more toxins through the skin’s pores, skin eruptions will keep resurfacing, that is, until you apply the 2-Step Healing Solution below to correct the “internal” causes.

The 2-Step Solution to restore the health of the skin is 1) Clinical Nutrition Therapy to correct the “internal” causes and 2) our ointment “externally” to unclog the pores and open the skin’s micro-circulation so your blood, now full of skin-rich nutrients, can get to the surface of the skin to protect and regenerate (grow new) skin cells to replace those damaged from the toxins.

In closing, to develop thick, leathery skin when in the sun a lot, you must first have a deficiency in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PFA), and if PFA levels are not

restored, in time, this may lead to sunstrokes, hives, and high blood calcium levels with low tissue calcium levels, which adversely affects bones and joints, just to name a few. And skin cancer?

Over-exposure is not the only sun-related cause, extreme exposure results in developing “excessive amounts of Vitamin D” which increases the risk of skin, prostate and blood cancers.

Request through Dr. Smith’s website to receive amazing Before and After Skin Photos and read all of her articles published in The Villager, since March 2021, at the Education Menu.

Dr. Donna F. Smith is the owner of ADVANCED CLINICAL NUTRITION (Est. 1981) in Wichita Falls, Texas, with clients residing in 37 U.S. states and seven international countries. Since opening her business, Dr. Smith has continued to hold a successful track record of over 90% in helping her clients improve and maintain optimal health, and she can help you, too, no matter where you live. For a Free “Telephone” Consultation, call (940) 761-4045 or request through our website –AdvancedClinicalNutrition.com.

Information for Nutritional and Bioenergetic Education only and not for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition or disease.

Being queen would be a royal pain

Continued on page 14

I admit my dumbest mistakes in this column to literally tens of readers. That’s where you’re wrong. While it is true I once admitted to pulling away from the gas tank with the nozzle still in the tank, that was not my dumbest mistake. By far.

One of the hardest things for me about being a female member of the royal family would be having to wear a hat all the time. Protocol dictates that royal women wear hats to formal occasions, an etiquette rule that dates back to the 1950s when it was considered improper for them to show their hair in public. Their hair shows under every hat they wear so they’re obviously flouting the rule a bit. I probably would too. I wouldn’t like being required to wear a hat. I do have one, a sunhat. It goes with anything—except the kind of outfit you’d wear to a coronation or any other public event. But it makes my head hot, gives me a bad case of

hat hair and blows off every time a breeze comes up.

Also many of the royal hats I’ve seen can only be called hats because they sit on top of heads. If you do an internet search of hats worn by royalty you’ll see a lot of attractive ones. But you’ll also see what look like elaborate centerpieces, cake toppers, overturned flowerpots and mini satellite dishes. I have no idea how you’d keep them on in a high wind.

I wouldn’t like having to dress up all the time either. If you were royalty, you could never run to the grocery store in jeans and a sweatshirt that said, “My other shirt is in the laundry.” Of course, I doubt the royal family has to run to the grocery store—or

that they wear sweatshirts. But I bet sometimes they wish they could sneak away and shop for their favorite foods so their staff wouldn’t leak to the press that they’re fond of Lucky Charms and Fruity Pebbles. It could happen. Their likes and dislikes, errors in judgment and photos of them wearing strange objects on their heads all make it into the tabloids. That alone would make being royal a royal pain.

Dorothy Rosby is the author of I Didn’t Know You Could Make Birthday Cake from Scratch: Parenting Blunders from Cradle to Empty Nest and other books. Contact her at www.dorothyrosby.com/ contact.