VOLUME 38 • NUMBER 26 • MAY 21, 2020
Since 1982
Happy Memorial Day Monday, May 25
www.villagerpublishing.com
TheVillagerNewspaper
@VillagerDenver
Protesters demand their constitutional rights and civil liberties in GV – masks not needed
75 protesters, nearly all eschewing masks, lined up on Yosemite Street with signs and American flags, including one upside-down flag, demanding an end to rules keeping Colorado businesses closed because of COVID-19. Many passer-by motorists honked and waved in agreement with their cause.
Coloradans from Highlands Ranch to Boulder came to Tri-County Health Department’s (TCHD) office in Greenwood Village on May 15 to protest Gov. Polis’s and TCHD’s order limiting the reopening of businesses in Colorado. Many of the 70 protesters brought American flags, including one that was attached upside down, a “Don’t tread on me” flag,costumes including a bagel covering Jay Reitman’s nose and mouth that said N-95 on it, and plenty of signs with messages that Continued on page 2
This invitation to the protest was posted on a Facebook page of End the Colorado Lockdown
SUBSCRIBE TO THE VILLAGER TODAY - CALL 303-773-8313 X301
FREE MASKS AVAILABLE TO GREENWOOD VILLAGE RESIDENTS AT SHANGHAI KITCHEN WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
We are open for pickup/delivery. New hours are 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm Tues – Sun 4949 S. Yosemite St., Suite E-8, Belleview Shopping Center ShanghaiKitchenDenver.com 303-290-6666 303-290-8430
Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2020
Protesting lockdown Continued from Page 1
said things like “Let small business survive,” “Free Colorado,” “I am responsible for my own safety,” “Recall Polis,” “ReOpen Colorado,” “Live Free,” and “We will not allow Tri-County to mandate us into poverty.” Chris Boyer of Highlands Ranch, a former United States Marine who described himself as medically retired, told The Villager that he was there “to remind health officials and elected officials who they work for.” He continued, “They are causing tremendous suffering and depriving us of our civil liberties. Small businesses are going out while big box stores like Walmart get to stay open. Would we shut the country down if we have a horrible flu season?” Larry and Bonnie Geiling heard about the protest on the news and came from Foxfield to say that they see no reason that everything should not just open up; they are in danger of losing their small printing and promotional marketing business. Bonnie said, “Suicide rates are probably up 1,000 percent. Domestic violence and child abuse are also increasing. We are American citizens and the government is trying to control us. Everyone has enough common sense to know what to do. Ben Carson (U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary who is a pediatric neurosurgeon) said that if we protect ourselves from every virus, we won’t have any immunity.” Karen Gordon wore sashes that said “Danger” crisscrossed over her body and carried a pitchfork to the protest. She moved to Golden from Mississippi in January to open a tea room and planned to start looking at commercial property in March but couldn’t because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gordon predicted, “This is going to be Armageddon.” According to military veteran Cliff Schroeder, who fought in three wars and came to Greenwood Village for the protest from his home in Douglas County, “This is a gross overreach by government on its citizens. It is not reasonably related to the risk at hand. We are being denied our civil rights under color of law when a barber can’t open but Walmart can.” (Editor’s note: Barbers have been allowed to be open
since May 9.) Hetty Hennessey from Boulder said, “We need to go back to work. This is asinine. People are depressed and losing money.” We asked her about her sign that said, “Recall Polis.” Hennessey told us that the governor “is a bad guy. He lied to President Trump when he said that Colorado is opening up.” Dan Eggland, who said he came to the protest in Greenwood Village from “The People’s Republic of Boulder,” told The Villager that we were all being subject to “scorched earth economics. Democrats want to burn the economy down so they can blame it on Trump.” He believes that, in order to cover the coming revenue shortfalls due to business being shut down, “they’ll try to go around TABOR and raise revenues instead of cutting spending on things like food stamps and housing for illegal aliens.” Randy Corporon, 710 KNUS radio host and attorney representing CC Café in Castle Rock and Water’s Edge Winery in Centennial, both of which opened for business in violation of Gov. Polis’s orders, said, “I love when patriots turn out to say what most people are thinking: don’t tell us what to do.” Corporon talked about a letter that state Rep. Mark Baisley sent to 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler on May 14 alleging that Jill Ryan, state Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) executive director, had committed criminal acts of falsification of records by counting some deaths of people as due to COVID-19 when they weren’t. (Editor’s note: On May 15, Governor Polis announced that CDPHE is now reporting deaths known to be due to COVID-19 separately from deaths of people who had COVID-19 in addition to other medical issues when they passed away, making it unclear what role the coronavirus played in their death.) Editor’s note: Almost all businesses except restaurants and bars have been allowed to reopen subject to extra precautions to protect against the spread of COVID-19 since May 9. Governor Polis has announced he hopes to begin allowing restaurants to reopen before the end of May. Fmiklin.villager@gmail.com
Chris Boyer, a United States Marine (in the black tee shirt) brought his American flag and his service dog Noodle to the protest. Cliff Schroeder (in the yellow jacket) is a military veteran who fought in three different wars. Karen Gordon moved to Golden from Mississippi in January. She wore a danger sign and brought a pitchfork because, she told us, she thinks that masks don’t keep people safe, but others think not wearing one makes her a danger.
Jay Reitman and Shelley Sprague got lots of attention with their costumes worn to the protest outside the Greenwood Village office of Tri-County Health Department.
Penny Gage brought her lawn chair from Boulder to place next to the road and encourage drivers to “honk for freedom” because she thinks that “Colorado should be open for business.”
Randy Corporon is a 710 KNUS radio personality, incoming Republican National Committeeman for Colorado, and lawyer for the Castle Rock restaurant and Centennial winery who were shut down for flouting the Governor’s order to stay closed to on-premises patrons. He came to the protest on his motorcycle.
Hetty Hennessey told us her sign reflects that the governor “is a bad guy. He lied to President Trump when he said that Colorado is opening up.”
Be safe. Stay Strong.
May 21, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3
Got meat? Memorial Day meat prices much higher this year BY JESSICA ROE BEHIND THE SCENES STAFF WRITER
With the start of grilling season upon us this Memorial Day weekend, chances are, you’re paying a pretty penny for what you are putting on the barbecue this year in comparison to last. “Price increases are due to unprecedented demand combined with disruptions to the supply chain such as meat plant closures and slowdowns,” said Bridget Wasser of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, whose national headquarters is based here in Denver. For the month of April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that prices rose 4.3% for the month for meat, fish, poultry and eggs. Wasser said that during the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented demand on beef. The increases are most prevalent if you buy your beef at a typical grocery store chain or at discount membership stores like Costco. “With King Soopers, Safeways, and the bigger grocers, they have to buy their meat from one place: their distributor. We’re lucky enough that we have relationships with local farmers and vendors and we’re not under those same restrictions,” said Stuart Stevenson, General Manager of Tony’s Market. During the pandemic, the meat section is regularly low in stock by the end of each day, and Costco has put a “Maximum Three Meat Items” limit into effect at its stores. “At the moment, we’re getting more than our regular customers, we have folks coming here because they can’t find what they want in other stores,” said Stevenson. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show what Tony’s does, with our excellent customer service, the quality of our meat, and how we handle it. We’re very proud of it, and we stand behind our product,” “I’m a regular here. Pricing isn’t bottom dollar, but there’s still value bang for the buck. It’s across the board, a cut above,” said Lou Sigman of Greenwood Village, who will go out of his way to shop at Tony’s. “Today it’s on the way home, but it would not be uncommon for me to let this be a destination errand.” Stevenson credits his buyer with the ability to negotiate daily with ranchers from Iowa to the western slope of Colorado to keep his stores stocked and keep prices as low as possible. While highend, marbled cuts of meat are pricey, The Villager found they were priced only a few dollars higher than the price at traditional grocery stores. For the larger stores, the beef industry is working hard to increase production while also ensuring the health and safety of those who produce, process and deliver beef. “As this happens, beef supplies and prices should start to level out,” said Wasser. For the smaller butcher, Stevensen said that ground beef was the one area his buyer has seen a large spike, however, at least until now, the store has absorbed the
The meat counter at Tony's Meats is packed with a top selection of higher end prime choices.
cost. Since March, the price has remained steady, and they are only charging around $3 per pound even though the store is buying it at $7-to-8 per pound. “Inevitably, it’s probably going to go up, purely by the demand, but we are very lucky that we have an incredible buyer,” said Stevenson. “They’ve got an awesome selection of meats. If I’m buying a
Tony’s General Manager Stuart Stevenson is surrounded behind the counter by his front line team.
steak, I’m not looking for a cheap steak, I’m either going to go grass fed or go something dry-aged or unique, like a tomahawk steak,” said Trapper Steinley of Highlands Ranch. “I won’t go to just a normal grocery store for red meat, I usually come here for all my meat.” A combination of Tony’s loyal customers and its new ones often means there is a capacity line out
the door to get in. We observed the line move quickly. The team at the meat counter is incredibly efficient at moving orders along quickly. Since the COVID-19 conditions set in, Tony’s gave all hourly employees a one dollar an hour raise, similar to other grocers who are paying a hazard bonus. Stevenson says some nights the staff is there until 11 o’clock in the evening just to ensure the meat
counter is chock full and ready to go for the next days’ customers. “There’s immense camaraderie. This organization is first-class. Our customers have been gracious and embracing us with all the change,” said Stevenson. Tony’s Meats has three stores, with the original located at the Dry Creek location, as well as one in Castle Pines and one in Bowles Village.
Safer at Home COUNTY FACILITIES BEGIN REOPENING ON MAY 18 Some Arapahoe County buildings and departments will reopen to the public on Monday, May 18. Most services will be available by appointment only, and new health and safety practices will be deployed at all facilities. Visit arapahoegov.com/covid19 Aid to Agency Grant Program Applications are now open for the County’s annual funding program for nonprofit organizations that serve at-risk populations. Deadline is June 15, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Visit arapahoegov.com/AidtoAgencies
6ft Find Open Spaces Near You Get outdoors, recreate responsibly, and enjoy the spaces that you make possible with the one-quarter cent Sales and Use Tax. Visit arapahoegov.com/openspaces
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 • May 21, 2020
disobedience taxation issue. Dr. Martin Luther King was the most famous American leader of non-violent civil disobedience in the last century. His words still echo loudly in memory, deed and history. India’s Gandhi is another example of non-violent civil disobedience that freed India from British rule without a civil war. Civil disobedience is not easy and takes courage to defend one’s strong beliefs whether right, or wrong. Some of the greatest protests have not been popular at the time, but later history reveals that the protesters had it right. The coronavirus pandemic is stirring protest and breakouts of civil disobedience largely from restaurants and business
owners who have had enough of being shut down by government mandates. One can wonder why we have open grocery stores but closed restaurants. Laura Ingraham of Fox News last week openly advocated civil disobedience supporting the many demonstrations occurring in many states. She sounded the alarm that some “Blue State” governors were keeping their states locked down for political gain in the November election to weaken the president’s re-election and his senate majority. Politics has reared its head and modern-day civil disobedience is at hand and growing rapidly. “Better safe, than sorry,” has been accepted by vast numbers of American citizens who respect each other and wear masks, but patience is growing thin.
done several study missions to Tunisia and Egypt in which I have participated. I feel sorry for the highly trained athletes to miss Tokyo and have to train and exist in this virus plagued world for another year. *** Learning to live without sports is one of the toughest challenges for our own high school, college and professional sports athletes. The future of all sports is still a huge question mark of when, where, and how? I can’t imagine the Broncos not playing and having our high school and college football games, but schools may not open in September. Will teams play without spectators, and can team owners continue to pay athletes huge salaries if ticket revenues cease? TV advertising contracts are canceled, and fans stay home. The future appears dim, but remember the old Lombardy quote, “ When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I think that’s where America is today. We’re moving towards something like “Proceed at Your Own Risk,” where business firms, fans, students, teachers, et al, have a choice to play, go back to work, or stay at home. We await a vaccine, but we haven’t been able to even cure a simple cold or common flu bug, so now we really anticipate a miracle coronavirus cure soon? The virus has been the hurricane and now we’re dealing with the death and destruction that is so widespread. It is easy to armchair quarterback governmental responses, but
it’s been better to be “safe than sorry” up to this point. But we can’t let the pandemic win and I find myself in the camp of “Proceed with caution” to reopen all businesses, schools, sports, and churches. If we die, we leave this world rooting for the Broncos, having a drink in a bar with a friend, and a good meal at our favorite restaurant. What was that old college saying, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die?” I think we were saying that back when the draft was sending many of us off to military service. I remember this one, “It is not our duty to ask why, but to do and die.” Courageous death is not uncommon in American history. *** Hearing laughter from new subscriber J. D. Wooley I offer another joke about a young man who named his dog “Sex.” This created many challenges for this young man and his dog as explained herein: “When my wife and I separated we went to court to fight for custody of the dog. When I told the judge, I had Sex before I was married, he grinned and said, “Me too.” One day my dog Sex and I took a walk and he ran away from me. I spent hours looking for that dog. A policeman came by and asked what I was doing in this alley at midnight? I told him, “I’m looking for Sex!” My case comes up next Tuesday. I cherish getting up in the morning, brewing coffee, and then picking up The Denver Post in the driveway and con-
Replace fear with courage
Remembering college days at Colorado State University many decades ago I can recall Dr. Will Irwin in the political science department lecturing on “Civil Disobedience.” He related about famed early American author Henry David Thoreau being placed in a New England jail cell because he would not pay a poll tax. Irwin related that he was visited by Ralph Waldo Emerson, another famous author who asked Thoreau, “What are you doing in there Henry?” And the answer came back, “What are you doing out there Ralph? The point is obvious, and history does reveal that Thoreau was put in jail over a civil
I’ve been watching a lot of late-night TV and last week really enjoyed the rebroadcast of the 2019 World Championship Track and Field ten-day event held in Doha, Qatar. The ultra-rich tiny Emirate did a state-of-the-art stadium for the events and which appeared to have been well-run with superb athletes from around the world. The finely tuned athletes were fine tuning for the 2020 Olympic games that were to be held in Tokyo this summer but have been postponed to 2001. The quality of the participating athletes was outstanding, especially the American team that just swept medals in every category from pole vaulting gold to track events. I was especially proud of the black women track stars who were the best in the world, winning many gold, silver and bronze medals. After each race American flags were tossed onto the track where both the American women and men wrapped themselves in “Old Glory” and celebrated on the track before the Qatar spectators. It was a great performance for our athletes in a part of the world where we’re not the most popular country with the many Middle East ongoing turmoil. I was especially intrigued with the pictures of the skyscrapers and landscapes of Doha, the nation’s capital city. Members of the National Newspaper Association, of which I’m a member, were planning a study mission to Qatar, but with the conflicts raging in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan the trip was postponed indefinitely. NNA has
A peaceful demonstration was held in Greenwood Village last week at the headquarters of Tri-County Health with protesters peacefully addressing the organization. The people’s voices and concern are rising, and government does work for the people, not vice-versa. Tri-County is doing their job of attempting to protect public health and would be severally criticized if they shirked their responsibility. It is easy to criticize, challenging to lead. Ask the president. The “blame game” is upon us and partisan politics is abundant so maybe this is a good sign that fear is receding, and we are returning to normal public discord. Let’s replace fear with courage, open up doors, pray to God, and get on with our lives for better or worse.
suming the contents. The Post and The Villager have been forging ahead against the stiff virus winds, we both will succeed with reader support and advertiser’s returning as their doors reopen. Life in my opinion is about coffee, newspapers, radio, and television. Sunday’s Denver Post has another editorial blasting Congressman Ken Buck who was silly enough to run for State GOP Chairman. The editorial is bad and off base. Buck put the ousted candidate back on the ballot because of a faulty Senate District10 meeting that was disrupted by going digital and the virus. The state central committee, which he chairs, approved putting the candidate on the ballot who received 25 percent of the votes, rather than the required 30 percent. Buck was the messenger attempting to insure openness and fair play in the district primary contest. Buck and the 200 plus central committee should be praised, not condemned. This is a mountain in a mole hill, but worthy of a Post editorial opinion to attack Buck and Republican leadership. Let’s just go back to the New York Times and Washington Post editorials that usually run in “The Voice of The Rocky Mountain Empire.” I still love the newspaper and enjoy most of it. Not every writer is always right, including the one you’re reading right now. Newspapers are one of the last bastions for freedom insured by our Founding Fathers, don’t let us disappear. Submit your letters online at: www.villagerpublishing.com or email to: editorial@villagerpublishing.com 303-773-8313
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 $52 per year. Single copies available for $1 per issue. PERIODICALS 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 NEWS EDITOR gerri@villagerpublishing.com GOVERNMENTAL REPORTERS Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 • 303-773-8313 x365 Jessica Roe jessica@roefamily.com 303-588-9899 REPORTERS Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com STAFF WRITER Doris B. Truhlar dorisbtruhlar@gmail.com 720-934-4645 FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 sharon@villagerpublishing.com Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com Valerie LeVier — 303-358-1555 valerie@villagerpublishing.com 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!”
2020 Member
QUOTE of the WEEK QUOTE of to thestay WEEK I hope
unemployed as a war photographer till the end of my life. – Robert Capa
Opinion
Be safe. Stay Strong.
May 21, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5
Safer-at-Home began on May 9th The Tri-County Health Department will lift the COVID-19 Stayat- Home order on May 9 allowing Arapahoe and Adams Counties to initiate their COVID-19 Phase II recovery plans as part of the Safer-at-Home public health order. This will allow the counties to
gradually open their governing functions, non-essential businesses with restrictions, and begin working on the plans to recover from the economic disaster caused by the coronavirus health emergency. While this action does not suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic threat is over, hospitalizations of coronavirus patients are
slowing and deaths from the virus are going down. Currently, Arapahoe County has 170 coronavirus patients hospitalized and 211 citizens have died from the virus. The Stay-at-Home order will follow the governor’s statewide declaration that limits the number of customers who can enter a business, and stresses that employees observe social distancing, practice hand washing and wear
masks when dealing with customers. Restaurants, movie theaters, sporting events and other large events continue to be prohibited from opening to the public. Restaurants are encouraged to provide curb side services. While Arapahoe County moves into the next phase of slowly reducing the health restrictions caused by the Coronavirus, it is extremely important that we all continue to follow
personal safe health practices: wearing protective masks, following safe distancing practices, avoiding large crowds and practicing personal hygiene, to protect ourselves and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Coronavirus is still infecting our citizens and we must continue to be vigilant in all our activities or a second, more vicious virus could spread across this nation again.
Cherry Creek Schools superintendent explains contingency plan in Villager exclusive BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
On May 15, Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) Superintendent Scott Siegfried released a six-minute video on the district website updating students, parents, teachers, and all other district employees, along with community members, on the status of plans for the 2020-2021 school year which begins in August. That afternoon Siegfried spoke to The Villager exclusively and gave us some additional details.
“We did not collect the 7,000 computers we passed out in the spring and we’ve purchased 10,000 more for our students.” – Superintendent Scott Siegfried Siegfried reminded all graduating seniors and their families that CCSD “continues to develop plans for in-person live-streamed graduation ceremonies for students later this summer,” and is just “waiting for final guidance from
health officials prior to finalizing and communicating our plans.” He previously announced that they hope to hold in-person livestreamed graduation ceremonies during the last week of July. As plans continue to be refined to accomplish the high standard of learning that is the hallmark of CCSD, Siegfried and his team will always consider the health and safety of “our 55,000 students, our 9,000 employees, and ultimately, the homes they each return to every day.” If the emergency surrounding the coronavirus pandemic is somehow miraculously resolved by August, CCSD will happily return to its normal operating method and schedule. If that doesn’t happen, Siegfried’s team has developed a plan to provide an education based on excellence for CCSD’s 55,000 students. “Regardless of the approach, we must be prepared to provide a robust, meaningful education where students are accountable for new learning,” he said. It would necessitate a dramatically different schedule, one in which not all students are in their school buildings every day. Each student would spend two full days on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday every week in their classrooms with their teachers and classmates in a safe, clean, well-planned environment that includes every available precaution, including physical distancing, to prevent infection. Desks would be spread out. Extra furniture would be removed. Another half day every Friday would be reserved for one-on-one meetings at school with teachers,
Your home remodeling dreams are our business! Does your home need a makeover?
$1000 OFF First Project Restrictions Apply Call Today!
If you are thinking of renovating your home—allow RW Design and Build to bring your vision to life with quality expertise that centers around your family and lifestyle!
Our exceptional remodeling services include: • Complete home remodels/additions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basement finishing • Custom carpentry • Decks
Call us to receive a complimentary consultation at 720-979-4410 • www.rwdesignandbuild.com
Each student would spend two full days on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday every week in their classrooms with their teachers and classmates in a safe, clean, well-planned environment that includes every available precaution, including physical distancing, to prevent infection. Desks would be spread out. Extra furniture would be removed. counselors, and other school staff members, based on each student’s individual needs. On the two days of the week that students are not in their school buildings, “Teachers would lead lessons online that engage the whole class at the same time. Students would be accountable for attending and for their work. This plan (would require) giving teachers, parents, and students all the tools and support necessary to master online learning platforms prior to the start of the school year.” So as to minimize complications for families, the entire school district would be divided alphabetically by last name for scheduling which students have in-person learning on Mondays and Wednesdays and which students have it on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That way, every child in a family would attend their school in person on the same days and learn remotely on the same days, regardless of what grade they are in. Each student would attend their regular school. School beginning and ending times and bus schedules would remain the same as they were before schools closed in March. CCSD would determine which platforms teachers use for online learning to maintain consistency throughout the district. All students, parents, and teachers would
receive sufficient training on their designated platform during the summer so everyone is comfortable with it and fully ready to begin learning when school starts in August. “We must also be prepared to switch to fully remote learning at any time during the school year,” while retaining its top quality, the superintendent said, noting that a return of the pandemic later in the year is a possibility. On a more optimistic note, if circumstances allow a return to traditional learning at any time, CCSD will assuredly be prepared to switch to that immediately. The superintendent added, “We did not collect the 7,000 computers we passed out in the spring and we’ve purchased 10,000 more for our students. We used 2016 bond money to buy the new computers, so the cost has no impact on our current budget. We have spent millions of dollars. We need private industry internet service providers to step up for the community now to make sure that every student has access to high-speed internet so there is no impediment to their learning.” Siegfried wanted to remind students, parents, and all district employees that, “so much depends on the progression of the pandemic over the summer. No matter what happens, we will be prepared to implement a meaningful approach.” We asked him what parents can do over the summer to help their children prepare for the coming school year. He recommended that parents tell their students exactly what to expect as soon as decisions are made, which he hopes will be no later than mid-July. If masks are going to be required, which is not known at this time, parents can practice using them with children. “Try to normalize the situation, explaining that this it is temporary and will resolve in time, then things will be normal again. Use history and sociology to describe what is happening. The social emotional impact for everyone is huge,” he said. “The first week of school,” Siegfried told us, “we will be talking about grieving what was lost, seeing this as a period of time that we will get through, renormalizing being together this way.” For parents who prefer not to deal with the rotating schedule or uncertainty, or who are not comfortable having their children in school buildings with other students and staff, another option is to withdraw their children from their current school and enroll them in Cherry Creek Elevation, a separate and distinct school within CCSD. Cherry Creek Elevation (Elevation) is a completely online school
We have spent millions of dollars. We need private industry internet service providers to step up for the community now to make sure that every student has access to highspeed internet so there is no impediment to their learning.” – Superintendent Scott Siegfried in CCSD that was designed for those students for whom online learning works better than traditional school. It was opened in August 2019. Elevation students were largely unaffected by the closure of traditional schools in March. Elevation uses the same well-tested platform for learning as is used by traditional colleges and universities for their students who take some classes online. During its first year, Elevation was only open to high school students. Starting in August 2020, it will also be open to all middle-schoolers. Siegfried told The Villager that if it is needed, CCSD will make Cherry Creek Elevation available to elementary-aged students “What about sports?” we asked. Siegfried said, “If we are required to physically distance in the classroom, how can we have six girls on the volleyball court or wrestlers practicing and competing in a gym? We probably won’t have middle school sports to begin with. As much as we understand the importance of high school sports to many of our student-athletes, it is difficult to imagine right now how they could work. The final decision will be made by area school superintendents, hopefully as a group, along with CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association).” As we ended our interview, Siegfried asked us to tell parents that the potential announced state budget deficit of $3.3 billion “could result in a budget cut of $30 million to CCSD. If that were to happen, it would have a direct impact on our ability to retain all our staff, pay them a meaningful wage, and deliver the high-quality programs you expect.” Fmiklin.villager@gmail.com
Be safe. Stay Strong. Memorial Day
PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2020
Helicopter pilot comes full circle to become a nurse Apache helicopter pilot and Littleton resident says nursing school was more challenging to get into than flight school BY DANA BRANDORFF
Eleven years ago, Erika Vaske was on a two-year waitlist to get into a nursing program. “A lot of my inspiration came from my mom, who has been a nurse’s aid for over 35 years,” she said. For Vaske, the wait was “interminable.” So she chose another path -- changed majors and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. After college, she joined the Army where she was an aviation officer. “It was easier to get into flight school than nursing school,” said Vaske. She trained in Fort Riley, KS where she met her husband who is also a pilot. She flew Apaches; he flew Kiowas (no competition there!). The couple ended up in Germany where Vaske’s last assignment includ-
Erika Vaske
ed commanding soldiers. “I had the opportunity to go to some pretty neat places, see some cool stuff, lead soldiers and work with really great leaders,” said Vaske. Pregnant with her first child, Vaske hung up her wings and moved to Colorado with her family. “It seemed like a very good spot for us,” she said. Still determined to pursue a nursing degree, Vaske went back to school when her first-
may 30th
The Apache attack helicopter from it’s dangerous side. Erika as pilot of an Apache helicopter
born was four months old. Attending Red Rocks Community College, she obtained the prerequisites to apply to CU College of Nursing. Knowing how competitive nursing programs are, Vaske said, “I was certain I wasn’t going to get into the program.” So, when she received the acceptance email from Amy
@ newton middle school
Sturrock in Student Affairs, “My heart jumped out of my chest!” For the last two years, Vaske has diligently pursued her degree -- raising a toddler, giving birth to her second child, and working at UC Health in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “The resiliency I gained and developed in the military helped with nursing,” she said. “It’s going to be important for us as nurses
9:30-1:30
All Donations Support Newton Middle School
White Glove Service w/ No Contact Options!
Everything a bank does, simply not done for profit...™ Insured by NCUA/ Equal Housing Opportunity
to be resilient, and to remember that we’re here to provide compassionate care to our patients especially during a pandemic and such a scary time.” As Vaske prepares to join the nursing workforce, she said she is hoping to work in critical care. “My experiences in ICU showed me that’s where I will thrive, and that’s the plan,” she said. Dana Brandorff is the director of marketing and communication for the University of Colorado College of Nursing.
Everything is fine with me…a “Big Red” soldier chronicles his survival in WW II BY TRINDA HIRSCHEY BISHOP
We as a country recently marked the 75th anniversary of the end of WW II with the Normandy Invasion (June 1944) and the Battle of the Bulge (January,1945). Trinda Hirschey Bishop, a Greenwood Village resident, recently published a book about her father, Ralph Hirschey’s survival with the Big Red One in every major battle of WW II. This Division was the first to touch hostile enemy sands in North Africa, on the front lines during the infamous D-Day invasion of Normandy and they were first to engage in every other major battle of WW II . “I had remembered these letters were stowed away on the top shelf of our home and I had always wondered about what they might contain,” said the author. I was motivated to get them chronologically sorted which eventually led to transcribing all 250 of my Continued on page 8
Covering business
in the DTC & Denver south SM
the
Be safe. Stay Strong.
May 21, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7 Covering business
in the DTC & Denver south SM
the
Polis goes to Washington as Colorado’s “People economy continues to open up are being BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
By May 9, retail stores, personal service providers, and offices were allowed to open with restrictions to keep people from getting too close to each other or sharing germs. The state is carefully collecting and making public highly detailed data that will be used to determine whether restaurants can reopen for inside seating, which Governor Polis has pledged to announce by May 25. If the number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remains stable, restaurants will be allowed to start to open three to six days later. About restaurants, the governor said on May 15, “They need inside dining to be economically viable. As long as the data holds up in terms of the plateau and the disease being in abeyance, while they are likely to open at reduced capacity indoors, we want to find ways they can expand tables outdoors… on sidewalks, even in parking spaces, to make sure that people are better spaced, in a safer environment, to help get these restaurants through this difficult economic time.” Polis is making data-driven decisions and the data he is using is publicly available on the website covid19. colorado.gov. Besides the number of coronavirus cases and fatalities by county, the site contains detailed outbreak data for every nursing home, meat-packing house, jail, and big box store across the state. It can tell you how many hospitals are facing shortages of staff and/or personal protective equipment. You can even find out how many critical care ventilators are in use for the hospitals who submit reports (363 ventilators are in use as of May 17 at 12:22 p.m. out of 1,082 available.) When it was pointed out recently that the Colorado Department of Health and Public Environment (CDPHE) was including deaths of people who had COVID-19 but died of something else in the total number of fatalities they were posting on
People are not very interested in, nor should they be, how many people died with COVID-19.” As of May 17 at 4:00 p.m., there were 878 fatalities in our state that had the virus listed as the primary cause of death; 254 of those were in Arapahoe County. To help ensure that the infection rate data being used by the governor to make decisions is reliable, 32 community testing sites have been opened around the state. A map of their locations is on the website covid19. colorado.gov. Polis announced that anyone with symptoms can get a free test there. In response to a reporter’s question in a press conference on May 15, the governor said that there are around 5,000 tests being performed at those 32 sites combined daily, but that they could do up to 8,500 to 10,000 tests daily, if necessary. Those totals do not include tests done in doctors’ offices and hospitals around the state. As part of his ongoing effort to use any and all available means to minimize the impact of the coronavirus on Coloradans, Polis visited President Trump at the White House on May 13. After being
During the White House meeting, Polis acknowledged and thanked Senator Cory Gardner for his help in getting coronavirus tests from South Korea and thanked President Trump for the federal government sending tests to Colorado’s nursing homes.
the covid19.colorado.gov website, Polis publicly took responsibility for the mistake and immediately changed the procedures, saying “Nobody behind a desk should ever second guess a coroner or an attending physician who lists a cause of death on a (death) certificate. They (CDPHE) need to report to the people of Colorado how many people died of COVID-19. A
N
O
T
H
E
R
S
U
C
C
E
S
S
responsible. It’s that individual responsibility that’s going to make sure we can stay on this trajectory and hopefully open restaurants by the end of May.” – Gov. Polis
given a 20-minute COVID-19 test and being found not to have the virus, Polis met with the president and told Trump that things were going well in Colorado because “People are being responsible. It’s that individual responsibility that’s going to make sure we can stay on this trajectory and hopefully open restaurants by the end of May.” After their discussion, which also included Governor Burgum of North Dakota, a reporter asked Polis about the politics of meeting with Trump. He responded, “I owe it to the people of my state who elected me to work with F
U
L
P
A
R
T
any president to make sure we can save lives and get our economy going…we value our relationship with the federal government.” During the White House meeting, Polis acknowledged and thanked Senator Cory Gardner for his help in getting coronavirus tests from South Korea and thanked President Trump for the federal government sending tests to Colorado’s nursing homes. Trump brought up the United States Space Force during the meeting, but was noncommittal. Two days later it was announced that United States Space Command will stay in Colorado for at least the next six years, welcome news to our state and its economy. On May 17, Governor Polis appeared on Fox News Sunday and said he “expects schools to open (in August) in a hybrid (combining in-person and online learning) environment.” He explained, “There’s a critical link to reopening schools and reopening the economy. There are many single-parent families and many families in which both parents work.” Regarding the continuing need to maintain social distancing at school, Polis said, “All the medical experts have told us the biggest risk when it comes to kids is their parents, grandparents, teachers, etc.” Fmiklin.villager@gmail.com N
E
R
S
H
I
P
Scott Yeoman, First American State Bank, Jay Davidson, First American State Bank, Ralph Klomp, Trice Jewelers, and Justin Klomp, Trice Jewelers
6885 S. University Blvd. • Centennial, CO 80122 303.759.9661
“Bright input and brilliant solutions with dazzling results. Our kind of people! First American State Bank partnering with Trice Jewelers.” ~ Ralph Klomp, Trice Jewelers
TWENTY FIVE YEARS
www.fasbank.com • 303.694.6464
PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2020
May 21, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9
SMA Class of 2020 Highlights
Jen and James Urbonas
The academic year has officially come to an end for the Class of 2020 at St. Mary’s Academy. While the last few months were certainly not what this Senior class had envisioned, their continued grace, courage, leadership and spirit are just a few of the many things to celebrate about this outstanding class. Comprised of 65 Seniors, SMA’s 145th Class, has been accepted to a wide range of Universities and Colleges including: Colorado College, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California and Wake Forest University just to name a few. Collectively, they have been awarded 232 scholarship and honors program offers totaling over 12 million dollars with 82% of the Senior Class receiving at least one scholarship offer. Included in this very impressive list is a Daniels Scholar (Lydia Fisseha), Boettcher Scholar (Brynn McCall) and a recipient of the Thomas J. Watson Memorial Scholarship (Hannah Chung). Six student athletes from the SMA Class of 2020 have committed to play a collegiate sport, including at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Florida. This Senior class is incredibly giving and generous of their time and talents as well. They have successfully completed 9,200 hours of community service over their four years, 2,700 more hours than required, with 3,250 hours completed just this year at 40 different organizations (locally and globally). Four very special awards are given to select graduating seniors as a tradition every year. Chloi Clark, Lydia Fisseha, Adeline Harrington, Alexis Ihaia, Chloe Knitt, Clara Schroepfer and Alexis Tiryakioglu were given the Shepherdess Award for attending SMA for the longest consecutive period of time. The Sanders Citation was presented to Darian Smith in memory of Helen Sanders SL, a beloved visionary, for exemplifying courage, initiative, and the generous gift of self. Brynn McCall and Haylee Vasquez received the Jessie Forshee Award for outstanding academic achievement and a general interest in all school activities. Finally, Chloe Knitt and Lydia Fisseha received the Marian Award, recognizing them as the most outstanding Seniors in leadership, loyalty, and academic achievement. High School Principal, Iswari Natarajan, says of the class of 2020: “The Class of 2020 is an exceptional class of women leaders. Filled with passion, purpose, and perseverance, they are ready for their next adventure. Their grit to work hard,
their resilience to face setbacks, and their tenacity to keep moving forward in these challenging times have been remarkable. As they get ready to take on the world, I feel like a mama bird with 65 nestlings, each of them prepared to spread their wings and take flight. All I want to say to them is a line from my favorite poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, “Soar, eat ether, see what has never been seen; depart, be lost, but climb.”
Virtual “That ‘70s” Gala The end of April brought with it a very fun, groovy and socially distanced tradition at St. Mary’s Academy. The community was able to “gather” together to host its first ever virtual Gala, this year with fun a “That ‘70’s” theme. The Advancement team, led by Charlie Arbogast who will be retiring after over two decades at SMA, put in a tremendous amount of work to quickly pivot and plan a fully online event. The evening was hosted by former Broncos player Reggie Rivers, and featured many of the special touches that make this annual celebration one that is highly anticipated by the community. Historically, 95% of the funds raised at the St. Mary’s Academy Gala benefits tuition assistance. In light of the current worldwide situation, and the uncertainty and difficulties that many are facing, the Paddle Raise portion was changed to benefit the same. The ‘70’s costumes were plentiful, the love and accolades for those who helped put on the event were great, and the giving and generosity from the SMA community was overwhelming. This year’s Gala broke all previous school records, raising over $400,000! It was also a wonderful opportunity to gather together and celebrate the special school and community that St. Mary’s Academy is. To all who supported and attended the event, SMA is incredibly grateful! The That ‘70s Gala Title Sponsor was Pulsar 360/ Bob Harrison #254. Other sponsors included Bob Flynn and Kathy Walsh Flynn, LaFawn Biddle, daughter Barbara Biddle Galoob ‘78 and Bruce Galoob, Vanessa Kieling, Victor and Amy Mitchell, and Jim and Stacy Rechtin. Other people in “virtual” attendance that evening included Bill Barrett, St. Mary’s Academy President, Dave and Anne Grant, Brian Brieske and Robin Ricketts, Zack and Melissa Holland, and Jim and Alice Burton.
www.stmarys.academy
Chris and Sarah Riopelle John and Annie Hoogerwerf (Class of 19)
Join the SMA Community
Our school community is at home staying safe and engaging in our comprehensive distance learning curriculum. We are still actively accepting all inquiries as well as applications for the 2020/2021 school year, Pre-K through 12th grade. Anne & Dave Grant
admissions@smanet.org 303-762-8300
Some of our award-winning Seniors
Schools
REVERSE MORTGAGES
PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2020
Bob Muni
Senior Loan Officer Reverse mortgage specialist NMLS#719030
I hope you have been gleaning some good information the past few weeks. It is my hope that education will provide the basis for an accurate assessment and informed decisions.
As I have said in previous articles, FHA has made many positive changes to better protect homeowners. Yet Reverse Mortgages have continued to suffer from many myths, misconceptions, ignorance and bad information. Some of the most common myths and misconceptions are: 1) The bank owns my home. Very simply…NO! The bank does not own your home; you do. Just like any mortgage, a Deed of Trust is attached to the property. Only the owner is on the deed. When you leave your home permanently, you pay the mortgage off and keep the difference. 2) When you have a reverse mortgage, you don’t have the option to sell your home. This is not true. It is just a mortgage. Like any mortgage, you have to pay it off when you sell. But, you CAN sell. 3) It will affect my Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or pensions. Again, the answer is NO. The proceeds from a HECM are not considered income. They are not taxable, and do not affect the means testing for income. If handled properly, the assets from a HECM can also benefit someone receiving Medicaid for Healthcare. You should consult with Medicaid or seek legal advice to validate the appropriate ways to receive the funds. 4) I will not have anything to leave my heirs. That is not universally true. Since HUD made adjustments to the program in the past few years, projections show under almost all normal circumstances there will likely be equity left in the home well into the future. The loan balance does grow, but house historically increase in value as well. Home values nationally have grown an average of 3-5% annually over the past 45+ years even with the severe market highs and lows. When the house is sold or passed on to heirs, just like with a regular mortgage, you pay the loan balance and keep the difference. However, one feature is a huge benefit. A reverse mortgage is a NONRECOURSE LOAN. That means if you end
up owing more than your house is worth, you and your heirs are held harmless. There is nothing more owed. 5) A Reverse Mortgage is only a last resort. This is not true. More and more financial planners are seeing the need to incorporate the wealth in the home as part of a prudent financial plan to provide and extend all the retirement funds available. Managed correctly, people end up with more money to pass on to their heirs using housing wealth than when they do not. 6) What if you have a $1,000,000+ home? There was a time when there were no products to assist folks with homes approaching and well over a million dollars in value. Today there are a variety of proprietary (non-HUD) products allowing assistance well into the multi-million dollar values. This mirrors the forward mortgage idea of Jumbo Loans. There is a Reverse Mortgage market for high value homes. WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A REVERSE MORTGAGE? 1) One borrower/spouse must be 62 years or older. The age of the younger is used to calculate the funds available, even if he/she is younger than 62. 2) Must be on your primary residence. You can own other homes, but you can only use a RM on your primary residence, defined as living there 6 months+1 day per year. 3) There are financial requirements (income vs outgo) to make sure you have enough funds to pay your taxes, insurance, HOA and maintenance. Often poor credit history can be remedied. 4) HUD approved counseling by an independent 3rd party/agency is required. 5) You must continue to live in the home as your primary residence, pay your taxes, HOA (if relevant) and homeowners insurance, as well as maintain your home. It really is much easier and less intimidating than most imagine. We make the process as smooth as possible, too. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out to me. Thank you for taking the time to read these articles. Please let me know if you have any topics or questions you would like to address. Next week I will have some MAJOR NEWS for you. Stay Tuned. Top Flite Financial, Inc. 9800 Mount Pyramid Ct. #400 Englewood CO 80112 NMLS # 4181 303-588-1335 bmuni55@gmail.com
LPS graduations will take place in a “drive by” fashion where a stage will be erected in the parking lots of each high school, such as this one at Arapahoe High School in Centennial.
LPS Superintendent: Twist on inperson graduation ceremonies, no hurry on classroom decision BY JESSICA ROE BEHIND THE SCENES STAFF WRITER
Public health orders have put the pinch on traditional cap and gown stage walk graduations, but Dr. Brian Ewert, Superintendent of Littleton Public Schools, just announced at the most recent Board of Education meeting that in-person graduations are going to happen anyway. The only catch? The graduations are taking place in parking lots. Decked out in their cap and gown, each senior at all four of the district’s high schools - Arapahoe, Heritage, Littleton and Options - will be invited to drive one decorated vehicle through their high school’s parking lot, where a graduation stage will be erected, complete with their principal and a professional photographer. The ceremonies will take place the week of June 8th. “We know there has been lots of anxiety in the community, I’ve lost a lot of sleep over what graduation could look like or what it will look like,” said Ewert, who has been meeting weekly with TriCounty Health, but ultimately determined that since Tri-County can only read data from today and then project out two-to-four weeks in advance, LPS had to make a decision and not keep families waiting any longer. “This will not be without controversy,” said Ewert. “This, I think, is the very best solution. We think we can do this, and do it well, and really be honoring the kids who are graduating and all of their accomplishments.” “It may not be the traditional ceremony, but it will be a memorable one!” said Clay Alba, Director of Secondary Education. The same week of the in-person events, each school will publish a graduation video for the class of 2020, highlighting each graduate’s accomplishments. The Binning Family Foundation, a Littleton based nonprofit, has taken on the work of producing the graduation videos, profiling the nearly 1,500 seniors. “Simply put, this is a large undertaking, but we feel honored to play a small role to recognize our community’s amazing high school seniors and their families during this very unusual time. We hope that these graduation traditions, albeit virtual, bring happiness, a sense of accomplishment and closure for the class of 2020,” said
Sean O’Shea, Binning Family Foundation Executive Director. “Our film team is working with staff from each school to complete their respective videos. It’s definitely a group effort!” O’Shea has several LPS kids of his own. One has graduated, two will be in high school in the fall, and one is a senior, among this special class of students he and his team is profiling. Looking ahead to the fall, Ewert announced to the board, “I am in no huge rush to jump to any final solution around next fall quite yet,” said Ewert. The fact TriCounty Health cannot predict conditions more than a month in advance, Ewert said he expects to present the Board of Education with a decision about in-person learning, or continued distance learning, near the end of July. If students are allowed back in the classroom, Ewert assured the board that if classroom learning is allowed, for parents who were still uncomfortable allowing their children to return to school, there will be some sort of model where distance learning could be continued remotely. Additionally, LPS will have several plans in place, should there be a COVID-19 breakout in one school, for instance, requiring a 48-hour closure, or a 14-day closure, and so on. Essentially, from here on out, the LPS system will be set up to immediately pivot into the distance learning model. Due to budget constraints, the board voted to not renew the contracts of 45 teachers and administrators under probationary contract following the 2019-2020 school year. Lastly, the board was asked to evaluate a proposed change in policy for students taking college level courses while in high school, also known as “concurrent enrollment”. Previously, these courses were only offered to juniors and seniors, and the maximum number of courses they were each allowed to take at a time is two. With the proposed change, all students from freshmen to seniors can take concurrent enrollment if they qualify, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and they can take as many as they qualify for, if they so choose. To stay informed on LPS news, visit littletonpublicschools.net. The Board of Education next meets on Thursday, May 28th. To watch the board meeting live, simply click on the BOE icon, scroll to the bottom left of the page, and click, “Watch Live” at 6:30 p.m.
May 21, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11
Denver Area Panhellenic Wins awards and gives awards Sisterhood needed now more than ever Denver Area Panhellenic (DAP) has been celebrating sisterhood since 1908 and is a member of National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) representing 26 national sororities, serving nearly five million sorority women and represented on over 670 campuses. Locally, the alumnae organization consists of delegates (council members) representing 22 national fraternities for women and thousands of women in the Metro Denver area. DAP has won several awards over the years and recently won two awards from NPC. It received a Programming Excellence Award for the 2018-2019 year as well as Honorable Mention for the Harriet Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award for the 2017-2019 biennium. Although its Annual Awards Luncheon was not held, committees still determined recognition for outstanding alumnae and collegians – sharing their achievements, giving inspiration and hope. Only one other annual luncheon was cancelled in its history. In 1943, the Awards Luncheon was cancelled due to the war and $100 was donated to the Red Cross. The brief lists of qualifications and achievements of all the honorees mentioned in this story barely scratch the surface of their depth and commitment. Based on the requirement of membership in an NPC sorority, two outstanding collegians were awarded scholarships. Further requirements included: enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program, academic excellence, meaningful participation in sorority life and demonstrated leadership and volunteer activities. Winners were Abby Feeder - Alpha Omicron Pi, a junior at the University of Alabama. She is studying both Mechanical engineering and Aeronautical Engineering, plans to receive her bachelor’s degrees in both disciplines in May 2021. Her goal is to receive her Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics in May 2022. The graduate of Legend High School in Parker, Colorado has an impressive list of honors, awards and service. Annabelle Swift is a junior at the University of Virginia planning to graduate in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Philosophy, Policy and Law. Her goal is to attend a top-tiered law school (the ultimate being Harvard Law School) to earn her law degree. As a lawyer,
she hopes to serve the state of Colorado by writing policy before representing Colorado politically. She was a leader on campus and the various sorority offices she has held required strong personal communication and negotiating skills. Annabelle is bilingual in French and English and a multi-instrument musician. The Spirit Award is presented to a council member who most embodies the Panhellenic spirit through her work for and involvement in DAP. Melissa Still, Delta Delta Delta served as dedicated and enthusiastic Chair of the Alumnae Education Committee bringing in speakers and highlighting nonprofits. DAP’s Woman of the Year recipient was Katy Brown, Alpha Chi Omega, who has served her sorority in many capacities locally, including alumnae president and nationally including National VP. A few organizations she has served in the community include Colorado Ballet Auxiliary, Colorado Ballet, Junior League of Denver and Cherry Hills Village City Council where she is Mayor Pro Tem. She is owner and founder of Visionary Consulting, an internet consulting and web development company. Katy was honored by her alma mater, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with the Harold E. Lobdell Distinguished Service Award, held several positions with the MIT alumni Association and served on MIT’s Board of Directors. Jill Pedicord Peterson, Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta) is the 2020 DAP Alumnae Achievement Award winner. After graduating from Colorado State University, she pursued a career in wealth management and is currently the Vice President and Senior Lead WMG Relationship Manager for Bank of the West/BNP Paribas. She is consistently a top producer winning awards in her profession. She has served as a role model for independent women, in a male-dominated profession, served her sorority in several roles locally and nationally including Theta’s Foundation as a Trustee and VP. In the community, she has shared her talents with Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, Denver Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Denver, Up With People and Habitat for Humanity. It’s still a time to celebrate excellence. Congratulations to these five remarkable women! Scottie Iverson is a former president of DAP, DAP Woman of the Year and Kappa Alpha Theta Woman of the Year.
Woman of the Year - Katy Brown, Alpha Chi Alumnae Achievement Award – Jill Pedicord Omega Photos courtesy of DAP Peterson, Kappa Alpha Theta
Scholarship Winner Annabelle Swift, Kappa Delta, University of Virginia
Spirit Award winner Melissa Still, Delta Delta Delta
Scholarship Winner Abby Feeder, Alpha Omicron Pi, University of Alabama
Outgoing DAP President Jennifer Mores, Alpha Gamma Delta. Photo by Scottie Taylor Iverson
PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2020
The Big Red One Continued from page 6
father’s letters home to his mother and siblings during basic training and the duration of WW II. You can say it was on my bucket list.” “I fortunately happened upon my award winning co-author, Steve Marsh, who had a special interest in WW II history. He placed each of my father’s letters by date, into battlefield perspective when the address was no more than ‘somewhere in France.’” All told, when intermingled with moment by moment accounts of major battles in progress, as the letters were written, Ralph’s own words form a powerful anatomy for his story. This historic record provides gruesome realities in real-time as Trinda’s father etched out letters by lantern light from a cold muddy foxhole called home on Christmas Day, 1944, “somewhere in Germany” a.k.a., the Battle of the Bulge. This collection of letters hold fast to the same basic mantra of “everything is fine with me,” keeping his mother protected from the horrific life threatening details of war. Part of Ralph Hirschey’s emotional survival had something to do
with his ability to immerse himself in the writing of those letters that might have allowed him to shut out the sound of war to preserve his sanity.
About the Author
Trinda Hirschey Bishop is a retired educator. She was raised in Northern New York at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains and left the area to continue her education at Goshen College, Goshen Indiana, followed by a graduate degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Trinda lives in Greenwood Village with Tom, her husband of 50 years in June. The couple raised their two children in this area and now have five grandchildren who bring unimaginable joy. You may contact Trinda at Trinda@EverythingisFine WithMe.com The book may be purchased at Xlibris.com, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Trinda also has signed editions available at her home for purchase.
There’s a sassy new dog in town... REFINED&CONSIGN furniture finds interior design
Watch for her.
Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes new CEO SUBMITTED BY GIRL SCOUTS OF COLORADO
Girl Scouts of Colorado Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of Leanna Clark as the organization’s new CEO. This appointment comes after a nationwide search and an extensive interview process. Leanna will begin leading the organization on May 26. Leanna comes to Girl Scouts of Colorado with decades of experience in leadership positions and a robust background in marketing and communications, including 12 years as an owner of one of Denver’s largest marketing and public relations firms. She’s held leadership roles in Denver’s corporate, foundation, and nonprofit communities, most recently as Vice Chancellor of University Communications for University of Colorado Denver.
“Leanna brings a wealth of experience to Girl Scouts of Colorado,” Girl Scouts of Colorado Chair of the Board Rae Ann Dougherty said. “She’s energetic, fresh, and dynamic. I’m certain she will continue the legacy of leadership and guide us to a bright future.” Making a difference in her community, being an advocate for girls and women, and championing female ambition have long been traits Leanna values. She was named a Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Colorado in 2009, co-chaired the signature event in 2014, and remained well-connected to the network of amazing women. “I’ve had close ties to this organization and its mission for many years,” Leanna said. “Now, I’m excited to bring my skills and leadership to the table
and be a bigger part of building the future generation of female leaders.” Leanna will take the reins from President and CEO Stephanie Foote, who is retiring at the end of May after 12 years with Girl Scouts of Colorado. Under Stephanie’s leadership, Girl Scouts of Colorado has made savvy financial decisions putting the organization on solid fiscal ground, increased programs to serve the most vulnerable populations, and elevated the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all girls. “The positive momentum for Girl Scouts of Colorado – even through this world pandemic – gives me the chance to build on a solid foundation and explore new ways to serve more girls and give them the tools to lead, break barriers, and create positive change in their communities,” Leanna said.
OP-ED - Avoid the avoidable during this economic tsunami BY RYAN FRAZIER AND KENNY YOO
Will someone please explain this; initial unemployment claims went up another 3 million and the market gains 377 points? We who follow this stuff regularly don’t get it, maybe you don’t get it. Okay, we get the market drivers, but to us there still seems a disconnect. The national unemployment rate is up to 14.7% and consumer confidence weakened significantly to 86.9 points in April. Basically, we have nothing to spend it on, other than curbside pickup, groceries, and that 3M
303-757-4949
www.countryfairgarden.com
7150 Leetsdale Dr. Denver, CO 80224 Corner of Leetsdale & Quebec
monitor mount paper holder we don’t really need right now. Good news is, we are saving more. Which makes sense because we are worried about our jobs and the economy as a whole. At the same time, the national GDP is in a downward spiral. The thought of a V-shape recovery at this point is unrealistic, especially when the greatest consumer market in the world stays home and hunkers down to weather the worst pandemic any of us has ever seen. It’s no surprise by now that our economy is greatly troubled and it may continue downwards
10
$
off
any $50 purchase Offer valid only with coupon. Only one coupon or offer per customer, per day. Not valid on sale items. Expires May 31, 2020.
though later in the year before we get some stability in the 4th quarter. Let’s take a deep breath and focus on what is in our control. Avoid making emotional financial and knee jerk decisions that could lead to unwanted consequences. Know your limits, reassess your family budget, have adequate savings for 3 to 6 months, and do not make unnecessary purchases. Use common sense and have a plan. To ease some of the economic hardship and to help those of us in financial need, congress passed the CARES Act with a provision that allows people with a 401k to take out up to $100,000. This provision allows you to pay back your COVID-19 related distribution within three years without penalty. Here, we emphasize, avoid the avoidable and only consider this as the last resort. A buzzword going around is forbearance and we urge, again, avoid the avoidable. Before making any decisions on your mortgage, talk to your lender/bank and ask them to explain the difference between a deferment and a forbearance. What might sound like a good idea is not always the best idea. Like many of us, if you are struggling and in need of help, please reach out to your bankers, financial advisor, or family members to help you navigate the worst financial storm since perhaps the Great Depression. A few tips, call your car loan bank and have them explain their deferment rule, ask your cell phone provider if they are running any COVID-19 specials, see if there are any COVID-19 discounts from your insurance companies, etc. So, be frugal, have a financial plan, and avoid the avoidable. One thing for sure, we will survive and our economy will recover. As Warren Buffet said recently, “don’t bet against America”. We will get through this and we will bring our economy back with us. Ryan Frazier is the Managing Principal of Frazier Global and Host of 9News “The Business Brief” and Kenny Yoo is a Senior Analyst for Frazier Global.
Be safe. Stay Strong.
ABOU
THE LAW
BY DONALD PETERSON Dear Readers, Eligibility issues under the CARES Act regarding Stimulus Payments All U.S citizens and U.S. resident aliens will receive the Economic Impact Payment (also known as “Stimulus Payments”) of $1,200 for individual or head of household filers, and $2,400.00 for married filing jointly if they are not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a work eligible Social Security number with adjusted gross income up to: • $75,000 for individuals if their filing status was single or married filing separately; • $112,500 for head of household filers; and • $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns. Taxpayers will receive a reduced payment if their Adjusted Gross Income is between: • $75,000 and $99,000 if their filing status was single or married filing separately; • $112,500 and $136,500 for head of household; and • $150,000 and $198,000 if their filing status married filing jointly. The amount of the reduced Payment will be based upon the taxpayer’s specific Adjusted Gross Income. Also, eligible retirees and recipients of Social Security Retirement, Survivor, or Disability Benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) will receive a payment.
If you are concerned, due to COVID-19, about visiting a tax professional to get help with your tax return now, how long is
LETTERS Grateful to a gracious young man
I am an elderly lady who was travelling East on Belleview just past Colorado Blvd. My car suddenly made a terrific noise and rocked uncontrollably; I was able to pull to
Policy for letters to the editor
the Stimulus Payment available?
Stimulus Payments will be made throughout the rest of 2020. If you do not receive a Stimulus Payment this year, you can also claim it by filing a tax return for 2020 next year.
Will the IRS contact me about my Stimulus Payment?
No, the IRS will not call, e-mail or text you about your Stimulus Payment. The IRS will not contact you to request personal or bank account information. Therefore, watch out for websites and social media attempts that request money or personal information, and for schemes tied to Economic Impact Payments. You are urged to visit IRS. gov, the official IRS website, to protect against scam artists. For security reasons, a letter about the Stimulus Payment will be mailed to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the Stimulus Payment is made. The letter will provide information on how the Payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the Payment.
What are the four key medical/estate plan documents you need now?
Many of my clients have asked what are the critical documents needed, particularly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply being married does not
May 21, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13
give you the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package: 1. Healthcare Power of Attorney; 2. General Financial Power of Attorney; 3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and 4. Will (or a Will with a Trust). Careful medical/estate planning should include preparation and signing of these documents, to accomplish your goals and protect you, both during your lifetime, and at the time of passing. The Power of Attorney documents allow you to designate those agents whom you authorize to help you on your behalf during your lifetime, and the Will/Trust documents allow you to nominate others to help with your estate after your passing, as well as to identify the beneficiaries and the distributions to them, to accomplish your estate planning goals. As a courtesy, there is no charge for my initial consultation with clients. I have served seniors and their families for over 43 years regarding their medical and estate planning needs.
CHERRY CREEK NORTH
467 ADAMS STREET
Extraordinary custom home, designer perfection, top location and better than new condition. AVAILABLE TURNKEY FROM DESIGNER FURNISHINGS TO SILVERWARE. PRICE NOW $2,195,000. CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
5055 S. HOLLY ST.
On 2.12 acres, panoramic mountain views. Rebuilt by BOA from the inside out. $2,350,000 THE MEADOWS RANCH VILLA
3409 NEW HAVEN CIR.
Almost new ranch, no maintenance villa at the Meadows exit, Castle Rock. $519,000 THE PRESERVE
4701 PRESERVE PARKWAY NORTH
A 30% REDUCTION ON ESTATE PLAN DOCUMENTS IS CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED DUE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS! FOR A FREE TELEPHONE OR VIDEO CONSULTATION, PLEASE CALL: Donald Glenn Peterson, Esq. Don Peterson Law Firm 1720 S. Bellaire St., Suite 530, Denver, CO 80222
Amazing executive home on the Nature Preserve.10,000 sq ft.,pool, walkout. $2,750,000 THE PRESERVE
4810 EAST PERRY PARKWAY
Phone: (303) 758-0999 E-Mail: Donald@PetersonLaw.co Website: www.donpetersonlawfirm.com
the road side. The Chad Steeze stopped to assist me and Officer Langert of the GWV Police Department arrived shortly thereafter. Chad Steeze insisted he could help me and spent well over an hour changing my tire while getting perfectly filthy and dirty
in the process. I can not begin to say how much Chad’s assistance meant to me. I wish to acknowledge what a gracious young man Chad Steeze is and I shall never forget him. Thank you Chad! A Grateful Lady Doren Chisholm
The Villager encourages letters to the editor. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and are subject to editing for length, clarity and libel. Priority will be given to submissions about the newspaper’s content and/or issues of community concern. A phone number, not for publication, should be included for verification purposes. Letters must be emailed to editorial@villagerpublishing.com. Please include city of residence.
The Preserve, backing to open space, walkout basement, BOA remodel of kitchen and addition. $1,795,000
Kentwood.com/EdieMarks
PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2020
LEGALS
—Continued from previous page—
2017 FIRST
ARAPAHOE COUNTY ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the calendar of the Board of County Commissioners permits, in the East Hearing Room of the County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County will meet to consider the following proposed budget resolutions (NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID19 emergency the hearing may be conducted through remote access – please check the May 26, 2020 public meeting agenda at https://www.arapahoegov.com/ AgendaCenter/Board-of-CountyCommissioners-1 for specific information on how to attend and participate. The agenda will typically be posted by the Friday afternoon preceding the hearing): I WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Information Technology Department is requesting to transfer $31,107 from the General Fund and recognize and appropriate the same in the Central Services Fund to purchase additional storage capacity for the County for public safety applications including Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management, Jail Management and Mugshots and Digital Crime Scenes; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to transfer $31,107 from the General Fund, Information Technology Department and recognize and appropriate the same amount in the Central Services Fund, Information Technology Department for additional storage capacity public safety applications. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. II WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Information Technology Department is requesting to appropriate $97,735 from the unappropriated fund balance in the General Fund for a purchase order from 2019 that was not included during the reappropriation process; and WHEREAS, this purchase order is for work that is to be completed during 2020 for software in the Coroner’s Office; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to transfer $97,735 in the General Fund, Information Technology Department from the unappropriated fund balance for a purchase order from 2019 for software in the Coroner’s Office. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. III WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Information Technology Department is requesting to transfer $21,280 from the General Fund and recognize and appropriate the same in the Central Services Fund for additional installation and first year maintenance
FIRST PLACE Best Public Notice Section
2018 NNA Better Newspaper
PLACE — Best Section
cost for a new air conditioning unit; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to transfer $21,280 from the General Fund, Information Technology Department and recognize and appropriate the same amount in the Central Services Fund, Information Technology Department for additional installation and maintenance costs for a new air conditioning unit. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. IV WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting to recognize $18,168 and appropriate $5,298 in the General Fund to reflect anticipated federal funds from work on task forces to be used for overtime expenses; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to recognize $18,168 and appropriate $5,298 in the General Fund, Sheriff’s Office for anticipated federal funds from task force work to be used for overtime. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. V WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office has determined that funding for the License Plate Reader (LPR) project needs to be consolidated in the same fund to complete the one-time purchase; and WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting to transfer $61,545 from the Central Services Fund and recognize and appropriate the same amount in the General Fund for the purchase; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to transfer $61,545 from the Central Services Fund, Sheriff’s Office and recognize and appropriate the same amount in the General Fund, Sheriff’s Office to consolidate funds to complete the purchase of the LPR project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. VI WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, a change in statute designates the Treasurer as the Public Trustee beginning on July 1, 2020; and WHEREAS, this change will require recognizing $232,250 and appropriating $127,017 in the General Fund, Treasurer’s Office; and WHEREAS, this change will require a corresponding reduction in the revenue in the General Fund, Administrative Services Department by $105,000 for excess Public Trustee fees that will now be accounted for in the Treasurer’s Office; and
Advertising Contest Award-winning Newspaper
WHEREAS, the Treasurer’s Office is requesting to add 2.50 FTE in the General Fund for the transition of the Public Trustee staff; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to recognize $232,250 and appropriate $127,017 in the General Fund, Treasurer’s Office and increase the FTE count by 2.50 and reduce the revenue in the General Fund, Administrative Services Department by $105,000 to transition the Public Trustee to the Treasurer’s Office. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. VII WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Facilities and Fleet Management Department is requesting to appropriate $27,754 in the Capital Expenditure Fund for exterior light fixtures at the Warehouse; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to transfer $27,754 in the General Fund, Facilities and Fleet Management Department from the unappropriated fund balance for exterior light fixtures at the Warehouse. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. VIII WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Information Technology Department is requesting to appropriate $525 from the unappropriated fund balance in the Capital Expenditure Fund for a late invoice received on the Coroner’s Case Management System project; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to transfer $525 in the Capital Expenditure Fund, Information Technology Department from the unappropriated fund balance for an invoice for the Coroner’s Case Management System project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. IX WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting to reduce the appropriation in the ALEA Fund by $10,888 and reduce the revenue by $10,888 and appropriation by $49,000 in the Central Services Fund, Sheriff’s Office for a duplicate vehicle replacement request included in the 2020 adopted budget; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to reduce the appropriation by $10,888 in the ALEA Fund, Sheriff’s Office and in the Central Services Fund, Sheriff’s Office reduce the revenue by $10,888 and appropriation by $49,000 for a
vehicle replacement request that is not necessary. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. X WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting to recognize and appropriate $4,608 in the General Fund for non-claimed funds from evidence; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to recognize and appropriate $4,608 in the General Fund, Sheriff’s Office for non-claimed funds from evidence. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. XI WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2020 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting to recognize and appropriate $3,056,941 in the Homeland Security Fund for unspent funds from prior year grants; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to recognize and appropriate $3,056,941 in the Homeland Security Fund, Sheriff’s Office for prior year grants. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies. Published in The Villager Published: May 21, 2020 Legal # 9702 ___________________________ ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County, Colorado shall make final settlement with GH Phipps Construction Company for its work completed for Arapahoe County on the project identified as #2019-15 Human Service (GOALS) Oxford Vista Remodel. The work generally consisted of tenant improvement construction services to include a remodel of the existing space to offices/conference rooms and workforce service area. Final Settlement will be made on June 9, 2020. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by GH Phipps Construction Company or any of its subcontractors, or that has supplied rental machinery, tools or equipment to the extent used by GH Phipps Construction Company or any of its subcontractors in or about the performance of the work done for the abovedescribed project whose claim therefore has not been paid by GH Phipps Construction Company or any of its subcontractors may file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid with the Arapahoe County Attorney’s Office (on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners) at 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120, at any time up to and including June 8, 2020. This Notice is published in accordance with Section 38-26-107 of C.R.S., and all claims, if any, shall be filed in accordance with this statutory section. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement and/or claim prior to the aforementioned date for filing claims shall release Arapahoe County, its officers, agents and
employees from any or all liability, claims, and suits for payment due from GH Phipps Construction Company. Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Published in The Villager First Publication: May 21, 2020 Last Publication: May 28, 2020 Legal # 9703 ___________________________
COURTS
DISTRICT COURT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 7325 S. Potomac Street, #100 Centennial, CO 80112 Claimant: ANDERSON HEMMAT, LLC; Respondents: KARIANN BACA; PERSONICARE, LLC; GENESIS CHIROPRACTIC SPINE & SPORTS CENTER; and DAWNLIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. d/b/a DENVER SPORTS MASSAGE. Attorneys for Claimant: ANDERSON HEMMAT, LLC Chad P. Hemmat, #20845 Address: 5613 DTC Parkway, Suite 150 Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 Phone Number: (303) 782-9999 Case Number: 2019CV32082 Div.: 21 Ctrm.: 21 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED CLAIMANT: Kariann Baca 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. This is an interpleader action pursuant to Rule 22, of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure for the equitable distribution among the Respondents of the proceeds of $11,664.94 from Ms. Baca’s personal injury claim. Claimant seeks to deposit the $11,664.94 into the Registry of the Court to discharge Claimant from any further liability/ responsibility to Respondents. Dated: May 1, 2020 ANDERSON HEMMAT, LLC By: *s/ Chad P. Hemmat Chad P. Hemmat This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Published in The Villager First Publication: May 7, 2020 Last Publication: June 4, 2020 Legal # 9683 ___________________________
GREENWOOD VILLAGE BID INFORMATION ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID Notice is hereby given that the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado (the “City”) will receive electronic bid submissions through BidNet® on the Rocky Mountain Bid System at the Greenwood Village website: www.greenwoodvillage. com/bids. Bids must be submitted by 2:30 p.m., May 28, 2020 for the: 2020 Intersection Projects The plans and specifications are available electronically via the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System on the City of 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 bid for any bids greater than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). The bid and the deposit shall be filed with the Public Works Department, 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 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 two-year (2) warranty period has expired. An electronic bid opening will occur at 2:31 p.m., May 28, 2019. Pricing information will be shared with interested parties and will also be available through the Rocky Mountain Purchasing System. Any questions regarding the project should be directed to Zeke Lynch at (303) 708-6149 or zlynch@ greenwoodvillage.com . /s/ Jeremy Hanak Director of Public Works Published in The Villager First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 21, 2020 Legal # 9697 ___________________________ BID INFORMATION ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado (the “City”) will receive bids by electronic submission through BidNet® on the Rocky Mountain Bid System on the Greenwood Village website at www.greenwoodvillage.com/bids. Bids must be submitted by 4:00 p.m., May 28th 2020 for: 2020 Trails Rehabilitation Project The plans and specifications for the 2020 Trails Rehabilitation Project are available electronically via the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System on the City of 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 bid for any bids greater than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). The bid and the deposit shall be filed with the Public Works Department, 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 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 two year (2) warranty period has expired. An electronic bid opening will occur at 4:01 p.m., May 28th, 2020.
— Continued to next page —
May THE VILLAGER VILLAGER || PAGE PAGE 15 May21, 21,2020 2020,•THE 23
Be safe. Stay Strong. LEGALS —Continued from previous page—
Arapahoe County Covid-19 Telephone Town Hall May 21. This meeting will focus on the County’s Road To Recovery efforts. 7:00 pm. To participate call 855-436-3656 or visit arapahoegov.com/townhall. The County buildings remain closed to the public. For up-to-date information go to arapahoegov.com/covid19
2020 Dragon Boat Festival Cancelled The Colorado Dragon Boat Leadership has determined that the best course of action is distancing and sanitization. to cancel this year’s summer festival originally 8:30 am – 1:30 pm. 6295 S. Main Street, Unit planned for July 25 – 26. We hope to bring 104, Aurora (Next to Massage Envy). our annual celebration of Asian and Asian American heritage back in 2021. For informaFor information call 303-363-2300. tion call 303-953-7277 Cherry Hills Village Exotic Car Show Cancelled FUNDRAISERS Cancer League Hope Ball Due to continued uncertainty about when it will be safe to host large events, the City’s Cancelled Previously scheduled for May 9, this event Exotic Car Show scheduled for June 7 has been cancelled. We look forward to lots of fun was rescheduled to August 1 and is now just and festivities next year. For information call a drawing at 9:30 p.m. online for a chance to win a 2020 Dodge Big Horn diamond black, 303-789-2541 crew cab, fully loaded, V-8 Hemi-powertrain Cherry Creek Arts Festival MSRP $51,120. Donated by Doug Moreland Cancelled and the Moreland family of dealerships. Tara Brickwell, Executive Director of the festi- Tickets $25 each or 5 for $100. For tickets: val, announced the cancellation of this year’s Martha Jentz at rsmeja@comcast.net or 720event which has been moved to July 2 – 4, 480-1930. 2021. Artists juried into the 2020 show will 2020 Le Bal de Ballet Cancelled have the option of participating in that event This signature event originally scheduled for or receiving a full refund for this year. Cher- June 6 has been deferred until of the weekryArts will continue its activities connected end of June 11 – 13, 2021. For information with the festival including the virtual Art Shop contact karen.walker2020@aol.com. where you can buy the work of festival artists. Saturday Night Alive Gala For information go to hello@cherryarts.org or Cancelled call 303-355-2787 This Signature Gala benefiting the Denver
Southland Shopping Center Blood Drive May 27. Southland Shopping Center and the Aurora YMCA are hosting a blood drive to support local hospitals. Extra precautions will be implemented to assure appropriate social
Colorado Renaissance Festival Opening Postponed The new date for the opening of this year’s festival will be August 1 for eight weekends through Sunday, September 20. For updates and further information call 303-688-6010.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Best of Show Artists May 22 – July 19. These artists and their works were winners of the 2019 Eye of the Camera Exhibit sponsored by the Littleton Fine Arts Board. If the Littleton Museum of Art is still closed, the exhibit will open virtually on the museum website social media. For information go to littletongov.org/covid-19.
EVENTS
Botanic Gardens Cancels Summer Concert Series Due to safety measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Denver Botanic Gardens is canceling its 2020 Summer Concert Series sponsored by UMB Bank and Swallow Hill Music. For information about future events call 720-865-3500
2020 Cadillac XT6 has luxury galore BY H. THROTTLE AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST
The first thing I noticed in driving this 2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium is the smoothness of ride, like soft silk in handling and comfort. The cabin is jet black with jet black accents and the exterior an attractive “Satin Steel Metallic” paint. Final assembly is at Spring Hill TN. U.S. and Canadian parts comprise 52 percent of the part content, 21 percent from Mexico and other locations. The manufacturer’s suggested list price is $54,695. But hold on for this model boasts a moniker of “Premium Luxury all-wheel drive.” The marketing folks at General Motors have added $15,895 of optional equipment to this model, making the total LEGALS
vehicle price of $71,585. For example, the platinum package consists of semi-aniline leather seating on all three rows, console, door trim, and floor mat
and dampening suspension as $4,900 in additional options. The additional options make quite a long list, like a 14” Bose speaker to the existing Bose sound system. This wide variance of options can vary with vehicles on the showrooms impacting vehicle prices. You do tend to pay for what you get and are long lasting enjoyable features. Needless to say, this is a true luxury vehicle with a strong V6
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. engine and nine-speed transmission with an average fuel consumption of 20 mpg. Three rows of seats and a large cargo space make this a family luxury workhorse. The main safety features are included in the basic price are forward collision alert, lane departure and side blind alerts. Most of the major safety cameras are now included on almost all models with some variations and optional cost factors. This model has a perfect fivestar safety rating for front crashes. Cadillac features a 6-year 70,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 4-year/ 50,000-mile bumper to bumper limited warranty on this model. Smooth, roomy, safe, and secure, this is a dependable choice for an all-wheel, long-lasting American iconic quality selection. Just be picky about the long list of optional equipment. The vehicle doesn’t need too much frosting on the cake.
Classified Advertising HEALTH CARE SERVICES
SPECIAL CARE GIVER FOR 20 + YEARS LOOKING FOR PRIVATE CARE PATIENTS
Experience in hospice, dementia and Parkinson’s care. Stellar CNA license. Call 720-939-1056
m21-j11
SERVICES
Dependable Yard Work: Modest rates.Friendly and dependable. Local references. Call Greg at 720-404-8032
Handyman who can do it right the first time. Local repairman. Call Doug at 303-756-5655
tfn
tfn
12 NEW WOODARD OUTDOOR PATIO DINING CHAIRS
$9,000 Value. Will take best offer. Call Jane at 303-761-7768
Commercial Agricultural Equestrian Garages Hobby Shops And More! Eastern CO 970-230-2052
S T R U C T U R E S
NE and Western IA 402-426-5022
Wisconsin 608-632-1389
www.GingerichStructures.com
Colorado Statewide Classified Advertising Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact The Villager at 303-773-8313 x301.
COLORADO PRESS ASSOCIATION NETWORK
WANTED Cash for Mineral Rights Free, no-risk, cash offer. Contact us with the details: Call: 720-988-5617 Write: Minerals, PO BOX 3668, Littleton, CO 80161 Email: opportunity@ecmresourcesinc.com
Buy a 25-word statewide classified line ad in newspapers across the state of Colorado for just $300 per week. Ask about our frequency discounts! Contact The Villager at 303-773-8313 x301
DORIS TRUHLAR, ATTORNEY AT LAW Also serving as mediator for family law cases, including divorce Doris B. Truhlar Truhlar and Truhlar, L.L.P. 7340 E. Caley Ave., Suite 310 Centennial, CO 80111 (303) 794-2404 38 years of experience. Representing both men and women.
May 21, 2020, THE VILLAGER | PAGE 23
—Continued from previous page— Any questions regarding the project should be directed to John Wannigman at (303) 944-3229 or jwannigman@greenwoodvillage.com. /s/ Jeremy Hanak Director of Public Works Published in The Villager First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 21, 2020 Legal # 9698 ___________________________ NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Notice is hereby given that the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado (the “City”) will receive proposals by electronic submission through BidNet® on the Rocky Mountain Bid System on the Greenwood Village website at www. greenwoodvillage.com/bids. Bids must be submitted by 2:00 p.m., May 28, 2020 for the: 2020 Noise Wall Structural Repairs The request for proposals for the 2020 Noise Wall Structural Repairs is available electronically via the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System on the City of Greenwood
Village website, www.greenwoodvillage.com/bids. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, and to make final determination in the event of duplications. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the date set for opening thereof. Any proposal received as a result of this request is prepared at the consultant’s expense and becomes City property and therefore, public record. Any questions regarding the project should be directed to Justin Williams at (303) 708-6150 or jwilliams@greenwoodvillage.com. /s/ Jeremy Hanak Director of Public Works Published in The Villager First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 21, 2020 Legal # 9699 ___________________________
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Rachal Ann Metz, also known as Rachal A. Metz, Rachal Metz, Rachel Ann Metz, Rachel A. Metz and Rachel Metz, Deceased Case Number 2020PR30383 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado or on or before September 14, 2020 or the claims may be forever barred. The original of this document is on file at the law office of Donald Glenn Peterson. /s/. Donald Glenn Peterson Donald Glenn Peterson Attorney for PR 1720 S. Bellaire Street, Suite 530 Denver, CO 80222 Telephone: (303) 758-0999 Published in The Villager First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 28, 2020 Legal # 9700 ___________________________ NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Norbert Eugene Simpson aka Norbert E. Simpson, Deceased Case Number 20PR30337 All persons having claims against
the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe, County, Colorado on or before September 14, 2020, or the claims may be forever barred. Turner Lang, Personal Representawtive c/o Scott J. Atwell 5673 S. Fulton Way Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Published in The Villager First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 28, 2020 Legal # 9701 ___________________________
SPECIAL DISTRICTS NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE OAK PARK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-905, C.R.S. that one or more vacancies exists on the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Metropolitan District, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado. Qualified eligible elec-
tors of the Oak Park Metropolitan District who wish to be considered to fill a vacancy must file a letter of interest within ten days of the date of publication of this notice. A letter of interest may be filed on or before 5:00 p.m., May 31, 2020, with the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Metropolitan District, c/o Fritsche Law LLC, 1888 Sherman Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80203 or electronically to joan@fritschelaw. com. OAK PARK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ FRITSCHE LAW LLC Attorneys for the District Published in The Villager Published: May 21, 2020 Legal # 9704 ___________________________ NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE VALENTIA COURT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-905, C.R.S. that one or more vacancies
exists on the Board of Directors of the Valentia Court Metropolitan District, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado. Qualified eligible electors of the Valentia Court Metropolitan District who wish to be considered to fill a vacancy must file a letter of interest within ten days of the date of publication of this notice. A letter of interest may be filed on or before 5:00 p.m., May 31, 2020, with the Board of Directors of the Valentia Court Metropolitan District, c/o Fritsche Law LLC, 1888 Sherman Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80203 or electronically to joan@fritschelaw. com. VALENTIA COURT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ FRITSCHE LAW LLC Attorneys for the District Published in The Villager Published: May 21, 2020 Legal # 9705 ___________________________
—Continued End oftoLegals — next page— —
Be safe. Stay Strong.
PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • May 21, 2020
Soak up the sun...minus the pool BY JESSICA ROE BEHIND THE SCENES STAFF WRITER
Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of swimming season, but this year, the earliest you may be able to jump in the pool is sometime in the month of June. Even that may be wishful thinking. The Villager spoke with several pool maintenance and HOA management companies, all of whom report they have received very little guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which oversees swimming pool regulations. Just earlier this week, Water World announced that for the first time in its 41-year history, it will not open due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Currently all swimming
pools are closed under the most recent Safer at Home order,” said MaryAnn Nason, Communications Manager of CDPHE’s Water Quality Control Division. “After June 1, the state will decide if the Safer at Home order can be further modified to phase in other things like summer activities and public spaces like libraries.” Beyond that date, here is what else we have learned after surveying more than half a dozen pool professionals. If you have a pool in your neighborhood or a swim club or country club you frequent, it is likely you have seen it filled up in the past week or so. Operators are simply getting the chemicals and heating controls just right, so they can be ready the moment they get the “go” from CDPHE. Again, the earliest possible date is June 1st. If your neighborhood pool is still empty by Memorial
v
Office: 303-773-3399
Cell: 303-905-0744
CALL EDIE FOR A SHOWING
467 ADAMS ST., CHERRY CREEK
Exquisite designer home, French Country ambiance. On Cherry Creek’s best street. $2,195,000
G
N COMI
NEW LISTINGS o 5055 S. HOLLY CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE Best buy at only $2,350,000. Must see masterpiece on 2.2 acres, panoramic view. o RANCH NO MAINTENANCE VILLA IN THE MEADOWS AT CASTLE ROCK - Better than new ranch villa, 2 years old, hardwood floors fabulous finished basement. Extraordinary location and condition in a community filled with amenities and open space. $519,000 o 467 ADAMS ST. CHERRY CREEK NORTH - Extraordinary custom home, designer perfection, top location and better than new condition. This home sits on Cherry Creek’s best site, close enough to walk to everything and away from the congestion. May be offered as a turnkey purchase, from designer furnishings to kitchen silverware. PRICE NOW $2,195,000 o BACKING TO THE NATURE PRESERVE 4701 PRESERVE PARKWAY NORTH Exceptional Executive home. 10,000 square feet, private pool, walkout basement, 2 studies and a Guest Suite on the main floor. $3,000,000. o THE PRESERVE ON OPEN SPACE. 4810 PERRY PARKWAY. Walkout basement, voluminous family room,rare contemporary design by Golden Builders. Recently remodeled and expanded by Colorado’s Best, BOA Construction. Guest Bedroom on the main floor. Cherry Creek Schools. $1,795,000 o OBSERVATORY PARK - 2475 S. COLUMBINE ST. SOLD $2,000,000 o 37 CHARLOU IN CHERRY HILLS - $1,700,000 SOLD. o 5816 S. VILLAGE WAY - $2,560,000 SOLD o 19 S. FRANKLIN CIRCLE - $3,550,000 SOLD
SOLD
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
SOLD 8 CHURCHILL
CHECK OUT MY INDIVIDUAL HOMESITES at www.DenverRealEstate.com E-mail me at emarks@DenverRealEstate.com
#1 DENVER BOARD OF REALTORS 12 YEARS STRAIGHT #44 OF 1,350,000 AGENTS IN THE USA (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL)
The Heritage Greens Pool in the neighborhood of Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin is routinely packed in the summer.
Day, pool operators have explained to The Villager that generally means your HOA board believes they are doing the right thing - perhaps trying to save money or something - and decided to hold off on a start date. The issue is, they tell us your pool will be at a disadvantage, and here’s why: Once the other pools that are ready to open can do so, pool operators will be incredibly busy training lifeguards on new capacity, cleaning and safety protocol the state rolls out, so the earliest they may be able to get out and fill your empty pools may not be until the middle of summer. Larger facilities, like country clubs or fitness centers such as Life Time Fitness, may not have their pools filled yet, but they still may be able to have their pools open by the first day the state allows. That’s because they have an entire dedicated team on site to operate and maintain that one giant pool, versus neighborhood pools, where a traveling crew manages dozens of pools in any given day. Smaller pool operators and HOAs expect the biggest change they will have to make is coordinating a new entry system, to maintain capacity. Will it be first come, first served?
Will you instead have to make a reservation on your HOA’s website for a two hour window? Will there be a time limit on how long you can stay? These are all things the folks who operate your pool are trying to figure out while they await word from CDPHE. If you have a small pool in an HOA subdivision without a lifeguard - typically these have signs that say “Swim at Your Own Risk” - and it appears the HOA is opening it, this is against the law. We found more than one HOA with this type of pool who believed theirs was no different than that of a private homeowner and therefore they could do whatever they wanted. Not true, said CDPHE, and if caught, the pool will be shut down indefinitely and the HOA fined. “Public Health Order 20-28, at Section I.H, closes all pools. Other aspects of an HOA fitness center may remain open, but pools are specifically closed,” said Nason. Die-hard pool regulars are having a hard time imagining the start of summer not kicking off with a trip to the pool. “I swim almost every day in the summer,” said Tami Snowden of Highlands Ranch. “Throughout my whole life, there is nothing that relaxes me
more than taking a book to read by the pool and taking time to swim.” For families of competitive swimmers, the pandemic has led to a completely different way-of-life. “I have an 18-year-old son and a 16-year-old son who have swam in the Rocky Mountain Swim League since they were 5-years old. The league cancelled all meets this summer,” said Sandi Stephenson of Centennial. “As a swim mom, I understand the decision because swim meets involve a lot of people in close quarters. But it is sad because it’s such a great neighborhood activity. Usually we live at our neighborhood pool from midMay through mid-July. This summer will be very different for our family.” Prior to a decision on pools, Governor Jared Polis is expected to announce decisions on whether ski resorts can reopen for spring skiing, restaurants can reopen and at what level, and whether summer residential and day camps can reopen and under what conditions, all by the time the state’s Safer at Home order expires on May 26. To stay up to date with the state’s latest public health orders, visit covid19.colorado.gov.
2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE Has Style BY H. THROTTLE AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST
Toyota’s slogan “Let’s Go Places” is a pretty clever marketing statement. They make many of the world’s most popular vehicles that include the Corolla brand. The 2020 Corolla Hatchback XSE is a different new styled hatchback that has the appearance of a SUV model without all-wheel drive. The Corolla has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with a sport mode that provides sufficient acceleration and admirable overall 33 mpg. The hatchback features the famed Toyota sequential transmission with standard drive and optional nine-speeds with a leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, just like more expensive sports cars. It is truly amazing how much power, acceleration, and fuel economy comes from this 2.0L engine without turbo as-
sistance or hybrid batteries. The Corolla is manufactured in Toyota, Aichi, Japan and this model has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price $24,340 with a significant list of options moving the price to $29,301. All of the Safety Sense features are standard equipment and include all camera warnings, front and rear, lane departure alerts, dynamic radar cruise control and blind sport monitors. A major list of the latest safety features so important in
today’s busy highways. This Corolla is attractive with exterior “Bronze Oxide” paint and a sleek body style that includes leather trimmed sports seating . Toyota engineers might offer this model with a turbo engine as they visualize this as a sports car product at a modest price. Overall this is a fun car, loaded with safety features, and very capable at high speeds with the great transmission features.
