5-27-21 Villager

VOLUME 39 • NUMBER 27 • MAY 27, 2021

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PAGE 2 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021

Arapahoe County’s Bill Holen shares important information with residents

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

On May 20, Arapahoe County Commissioner Bill Holen held a town hall event for residents.

Shannon Carter, the county’s Intergovernmental Relations and Open Spaces Director, provided information on the Open Spaces program. Luc Hatlestad, public information officer, moderated the discussion.

Level Clear

Holen told listeners that Tri-County Health Department (TCH), to whom the State of Colorado handed off jurisdiction for rules concerning the spread of COVID-19 in Arapahoe and Adams County (Douglas County commissioners voted to “opt out” of TCH’s public health order) declared that Arapahoe County went to Level Clear on May 16 and would stay there until August 16, resulting in virtually no restrictions for businesses or their patrons. After August 16, TCH will re-evaluate based on COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations, both of which are presently going down. Holen said that 60 percent of Arapahoe County residents have already received at least their first vaccinations.

Veteran’s services and other assistance

“Arapahoe County will face many challenges in 2021 due to the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 virus,” said Holen.

He continued, “At this time, the county is practicing fiscal restraint and seeking cost savings and efficiencies, carefully

Bill Holen is serving his third and final term as Arapahoe County Commissioner District Five. He is a Vietnam War veteran and a former member of the Colorado Air National Guard.

evaluating county operations as it develops a new strategic plan.”

Despite those challenges, Commissioner Holen was instrumental in getting a new veteran’s service office opened in Aurora in the Altura Plaza building at 15400 E. 14th Place, in addition to the one already operating at 1690 W. Littleton Blvd in Littleton. Holen shared that there are almost 80,000 veterans living in Arapahoe and Adams Counties.

He said, “This office in north Aurora has a full-time veterans service officer who helps people with disabilities (Holen is a disabled Vietnam War veteran), including claiming the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption and assisting veterans with their education benefits.” He continued, “Last year, this office brought $6 million in benefits to veterans,” adding, “This office is a partnership with Adams County and the City of Aurora to have a close-by office that is on the bus line to help veterans in the area,” especially important because of the large concentration of vet-

erans in the City of Aurora. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to Noon on Fridays. The other office is located at 1690 W. Littleton Blvd, Suite 110. Information on available services and appointments can be obtained by calling 303-7388045.

Holen also shared that the county expects to receive $126 million from the American Rescue Plan, which will be used to maintain essential services. It has already received and disbursed $114.5 million from the CARES Act, much of which went to small businesses throughout the county. Arapahoe County is also still providing help with rental and housing assistance, food, and other relief for its disadvantaged residents. It continues to make available job fairs, skills classes, and targeted programs for veterans and seniors, all delivered virtually on webinars. Information about these and other programs can be found on the county website arapahoegov.com.

County Fair returns for 2021

Celebrating a return to normalcy, Holen announced that the 115th annual Arapahoe County Fair is back on this year after being canceled in 2020. It will be held on July 22-25 at the fairgrounds at 25690 E. Quincy Avenue in Aurora and showcase the county’s agricultural heritage.

This year’s theme is, “Getting Back in the Saddle.” There will be multiple rodeos, including a Mexican rodeo on Sunday that will include singing and dancing to highlight the Mexican culture, a modified tractor- pull, carnivals, fireworks, and lots of musical

Shannon Carter has served as Intergovernmental Relations and Open Space Director at Arapahoe County for ten years.

entertainment, along with all of the traditional 4H Club activities, including a youth livestock auction on Saturday, all for $15.

Tickets can be purchased online at arapahoecountyfair.com. That website also includes the full schedule of events.

Other upcoming events, which are also listed on the county fair website, include the 17 Mile House 5K fun run for walkers and runners on June 12, which will be held live at the fairgrounds as well as virtually. 17 Mile House Farm Park is a county-designated heritage area at 8181 S. Parker Road in Centennial that includes a historic house, red barn, silo and milk shed, along with two antique windmills and 30 acres of open space. It also has picnic tables, a parking lot, and restroom, plus a trailhead that connects to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail.

County residents are also invited to the fairgrounds on Wednesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 30 for Pictures on the Plains, where families can bring picnics, games, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy a movie and concert under the stars. Information for these events is also on the county fair website.

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Carter said that during the past year, Arapahoe County parks, trails, and open spaces have seen a 15 percent increase in use, including the new E-470 trail, as well as the most common ones like the High Line Canal trail.

Open Spaces builds and maintains trails, enhances neighborhood and regional parks, and preserves natural and heritage areas. Since 2003, this 0.25 percent open spaces sales and use tax (25 cents on every $100 spent) has been the reason this department has conserved more than 31,000 acres of open space, built more than 70 miles of new trails, and supported more than 168 park, heritage-area and trailhead projects.

Of the around $30 million in tax collected each year, 50 percent is given back directly to the cities and towns in the county, based on their population. Of the remaining money, 27 percent is used for open space acquisition, and 12 percent is used for competitive grants awarded by the Open Spaces and Trails Advisory Board, a seven member citizens committee from across the county. This year, $16 million is being shared back directly with jurisdictions including Centenni-

al, Littleton, Greenwood Village, Aurora, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, and Sheridan, along with South Suburban Park & Recreation District for their parks, trails, and open spaces.

Only four percent of the tax generated is spent on administration, despite the significant amount of work done by Carter’s department.

That department is currently overseeing the completion of an updated Open Spaces Master Plan. That effort engages the community by providing the opportunity to give input on what should be done in the areas of open space preservation and providing quality spaces and experiences for residents to enjoy. The county spent the past year getting input through written, telephone, and online surveys. They heard “quite clearly that people want to preserve wildlife areas, agricultural properties like ranches and riparian areas.” The master plan shapes the priorities for the coming years. As development happens, Holen said, “The open spaces board makes sure that the programs funded preserve the areas and wildlife habitats that are so important to people.” He also noted that those goals are always considered in the administration of the county’s land use code.

Carter made a special note of the importance of having parks and open spaces nearby, compared to mountain areas that can be difficult to access because of traffic.

Carter also shared that the current authorization for the one-quarter-of-one-percent tax is set to expire in 2023 and county commissioners are considering asking the voters to authorize it permanently, instead of having to vote for it every ten years. The tax has been in effect since 2003.

Closing thoughts

Public Information Officer Luc Hatlestad told listeners about a program called County 101, through which the county provides information to residents about county functions and services, including how it shares tax revenue, how it partners with other branches of government, what it means if you live in an incorporated municipality or the unincorporated part of the county, how to get help finding a job, where to access available benefits, other health and wellness information, and other questions that residents might have. It can be accessed at arapahoegov.com/County101.

Hatlestad asked Holen, “How does the county manage growth?

Holen said, “The most significant limiting factor is access to sustainable water resources. Since 80 percent of available water in this state is reserved for agricultural use, we take that into account before approving any new development. There is also a lack of affordable housing because values have increased so much recently.” What matters most?

The commissioner was asked.

He responded, “We need to be mindful of the importance of preserving the quality of life for our citizens in Arapahoe County.” fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

May 27, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 3

No high school shot clock I don’t think I like the idea of a shot clock in high school basketball.

That potential change to the game was announced last week by the National Federation of State High School Associations which voted to permit state associations to adopt a shot clock for the 2022-23 school year. This progressive approach to basketball will not be good for the high school game, and it’s just one more example that traditions matter, often as a hedge against frivolous, unnecessary change.

Games should not just be about speeding up and pursuing more shots for pure entertainment.

There’s so much more to the game, especially at younger levels, and focusing on a quickened pace to force more shots to produce more scoring simply misses the nuanced beauty of the sport.

In addition to compromising the fundamentals of the game, the shot clock in the teenage game will also harm the competitive balance which is so important in high school athletics. While the shot clock has certainly enhanced the college and pro games, it will hurt the high school leagues and exacerbate imbalance among schools.

Thoughtful pacing, ball control, and even the often dreaded “slow down game” are competitive strategies many schools use to their advantage. In the spirit of competitiveness, deliberate pacing is a necessary tactic that smaller schools sometimes need. And this measured approach is no less significant in terms of athletics than the advantage some schools have simply by nature of larger pools of kids.

States will each have to make their own decision on the need and benefit of a shot clock, and it’s to be expected that coaches and athletic directors will weigh in. In some states like Kentucky, the discussion is already in full force, and there are strong opinions on both sides. The cost of installing and managing the clocks is the greatest concern for most schools, as the shot clock would be just another unfunded mandate that most districts can’t afford. And, while some coaches and fans believe the change will speed up the game and create greater excitement with higher scores, many others are vocally opposed, arguing it’s going to lead to a sloppier game as less experienced players will increasingly force up rushed shots to beat the clock. Additionally, as one coach noted, “I just think that a shot clock would negate some of the things that coaches do to close the talent gap.”

I’ve never liked changes that appear to fix what isn’t broken, and some people believe the shot clock decision is an answer in search of a problem. The high school game is fine as it is, and

there isn’t a rash of slow games that will suddenly be improved with the addition of a hurry up offense. I love high school hoops, even when it’s a slowdown defensive battle. And, in those situations, a better option would be for more athleticallytalented teams to figure out a

way to break the slow down, like breaking the press. Playing smarter and more creatively could avoid needing a shot clock. So, teams should figure out a way to pressure the stall,

force turnovers, tie up the ball, and steal a possession. These are all options, and coaches just aren’t thinking creatively enough to solve the problem.

Every sports fan loves the classic basketball movie “Hoosiers,” and most would point to it as an example of the thrill that comes from fast-paced games. However, those who know the history of the game also know that there’d actually be no movie and no story if not for the slow down tactics of the underdog team. In the real game, the athletically outmatched Milan High School team actually stalled and held the ball for more than four minutes in the fourth quarter, which allowed them to run the thrilling buzzer beater shot in the last eighteen seconds to win the state championship. This great sports movie only exists be-

cause there was no shot clock.

Ultimately, the shift to a shot clock will only succeed in giving an advantage to teams who already have one, and it’s not a change the game needs.

Obviously we can expect that large schools and dominant programs which have a pipeline of top athletes to succeed at the fast-paced level will desire the clock. Smaller schools who use strategy to counter and control superior size and athleticism will certainly oppose the change. The question will be whose benefit is valued and supported by the state associations. Let’s hope prudence and a thoughtful approach to what’s best for the game are the key influences on the decision.

Michael P. Mazenko is a writer, educator, & school administrator in Greenwood Village. He blogs at A Teacher’s View and can be found on Twitter @mmazenko. You can email him at mmazenko @gmail.com

In addition to compromising the fundamentals of the game, the shot clock in the teenage game will also harm the competitive balance which is so important in high school athletics.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY C NVERSATIONS E AL S ON 021 S 2 T KE 20, C I T AY M

Let’s get back to

FUN!

It's going to be a BLAST Get your tickets now for the 2021 Arapahoe County Fair and join us for some good ol’ fashioned fun. Think unlimited carnival rides, rodeos, public competitions, fireworks, and so much more! It’s the best deal in town for a safe, family-friendly outing this summer. We can’t wait to see you at the Fair!

Visit arapahoecountyfair.com Why Weatherize? Why not!?

Save up to $330 in annual utility costs and identify potentially life-threatening safety issues – all while staying cooler this summer and warmer next winter. Ensure your safety and cut costs with a Weatherization audit from Arapahoe County – available at no cost for income-qualifying households. Interested in solar panels? Find out if your home qualifies.

Apply at arapahoegov.com/weatherization or call 303-636-1982 Volunteer at the Arapahoe County Fair Sign up with your family, snag your bestie or bring coworkers – volunteering is fun for everyone! If you love lending a helping hand, interacting with people and being outside and on the go, volunteer for a shift, or three. Not only will you have a blast, you’ll get a cool T-Shirt and admission to the Fair on the day of your shift.

Learn more on arapahoecountyfair.com under Get Involved.

arapahoegov.com

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

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021

The Villager

Where our food originates

Americans owe a great amount of gratitude and thanks to our food industry from the grassroots level of production of the raw foods, the processing and packaging, the distribution, and finally the grocery shelves at the local King Soopers, Safeway/ Albertsons, and other marketplaces.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Chicken is the most widely eaten meat product and millions of chickens are processed daily for our eating enjoyment. A second hen product is of course eggs that are a great source of protein and consumed by the millions every day.

Chickens are fed a variety of grain products such as soybeans, wheat, and corn making a mixture of nutritious enr,iched foods.

Most chickens are mass produced in cages, never seeing the light of day.

Pork comes from pigs that are fattened on a similar diet to chickens but devour a greater amount of corn. There are massive pig/hog farms located throughout America with a large concentration of these farms in the eastern coastal states and southern based massive hog farms. These farms offer a challenge in zoning, water, and waste disposal challenges. Neighbors don’t like to live downwind from a hog farm. There are some hog farms in Eastern Colorado.

Pork has been less expensive than beef, but grain prices have had recent massive increases in prices. Soybeans are hitting $16 a bushel, a price never seen before.

Corn is pushing over $7 a bushel, from a low of $3.00. Wheat is rising close to $7, an ingredient in bread, cereal, and animal feed. This is an excellent market for our American agricultural products. Expect sharp increase in bacon and pork chops, and probably effecting the price of pepperoni on pizzas.

Decades ago, while an exchange journalist to the Soviet Union, I had very fatty ham for breakfast. I inquired about the poor quality of the pork and was told that, “In America you fatten your pigs on corn, here in Russia we fatten our pigs on garbage.”

Beef prices are soaring on all cuts of beef with the price of corn and soybeans hitting record heights. During my journalism exchange experience, I visited a dairy where they had a shortage of hay and were feeding the milk cows soybeans.

There are several types of cattle; grass fed animals are raised usually without any grains, steroids or additives to their diets and therefore much leaner meat.

Beyond the grass era, yearling heifers and steers are purchased by feed lots and fed a rich diet of corn, soybeans, hay, and are aged and fattened to become choice and prime roasts and steaks.

Greeley is the major feed lot capital in Colorado with a JBS processing plant that provides a large portion of Colorado prime beef.

A rack of lamb is still a prized delicacy at gourmet restaurants and succulent in flavor and ten-

derness. Mutton comes from sheep and lamb chops and are the favorite cut coming from the sheep industry.

My lifelong friend Tom Maneotis in Craig would roast an entire lamb over an open fire spit, basting and cooking the lamb for hours. It was a great delicacy for Greek weddings and major community events. For decades Craig, my hometown, was the nation’s largest wool shipping town in America. A large wool shed housed tons of sheared wool in huge sacks that were shipped out of Craig on the historic Moffat railroad to woolen mills across America. This gave the sheep ranchers a dual product for their livestock profitability.

I loved those “Pendleton” wool shirts worn on many cold days.

Greek immigrants like the Harry Koulis family now includes retired Colorado Supreme Court Justice Becky “Love” Kourlis. The Governors’ daughter married into one of the very well-known and respected Greek ranching families. The good news for the sheep industry is that they purchased early cheap mountain lands to graze their animals in the summer and sage brush summer pasture on the great prairies leading into Utah in the winter months. While the wool business dwindled, the ranchland business has boomed and enhanced ranch values.

I can remember driving to Denver through the Vail Valley when there was only a winding

creek and vacant meadows filled with wildflowers.

The residents who still live on ranches and farms work 24/7 caring for livestock and suffering the slings and arrows of Wall Street and the world economy ups and downs of supply and demand.

These market swings dictate the market price of agricultural products. Today, prices are high, but on many occasions the prices have dropped dramatically, and these hearty hard-working families take a financial beating, some forced to sell their farms and ranches depending upon their bank support or lack of it.

There is more and more corporate farming taking place across America as private ownership decreases.

Bottom line, food doesn’t just appear on the grocery shelves from the back room. Bless the trucking industry and drivers who have fought through C0VID-19 to deliver our precious food. In the beginning it starts with tilling the soil, planting the seeds, breeding the animals, and nurturing the crops and animals to feed a hungry nation, and now even the world markets.

The highest quality food produced anywhere in the world is here in the United States and by our Colorado farmers and ranchers. God Bless Agriculture and the men, women, and children who work in the fields and barns to keep our tables abundant with food.

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 bsween1@aol.com VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING Sharon Sweeney 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 REPORTER Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 sharon@villagerpublishing.com Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com Valerie LeVier — 303-773-8313 valerie@villagerpublishing.com Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

Agriculture is vital to our very existence and we must have food to sustain our existence. Certainly we can have fake meatless varieties, vegan delights, and gluten free breads.

But each of our food chain products goes through a major amount of development to reach the grocery store shelves and our dining room tables.

I was once a part of this food chain raising Hereford cattle in N.W. Colorado. My fond memories of ranch life related to healthy hard work seven days a week.

The cattle business begins with a ranch where the animals can be raised. It takes both bulls and cows and nine months of pregnancy to produce a bouncing baby calf.

Yearling heifers have the most trouble beginning calf birth. They are kept close to the house to monitor any troubles and sometimes need assistance in birthing. This is accomplished by pulling the calf with your hands, rope, or with a rachet device with leverage placed against the cow’s rump.

The calves come in the

spring; breeding occurs in June. The new crop of calves were greeted with castration of the male calves along with branding and ear marking.

Sometimes this was done on the ranch in metal chutes or later in summer pastures.

On the range cowboy ropers on horseback would heel the calves and drag them to the fire where the hot branding iron was waiting along with a sharp knife. One cowboy would hold the top hind leg braced against the bottom leg to prevent kicking the brander and castrator. Heifers got a much better deal, but still felt the hot branding iron. The calves were vaccinated for various diseases and turned back into the herd where anxious mothers would smell and lick their calves.

Summertime was spent irrigating the hay meadows, fighting mosquitoes, and then harvesting the hay. It was long hot days. I really enjoyed the hay hands from nearby ranches and from the Craig employment office.

We enjoyed wonderful home cooked meals morning, noon, and night. Many of the ranch hands were World War II veterans who told stories about the war.

In late fall the yearlings were loaded on trucks early in the morning and taken to the Craig stockyard, loaded on railroad cattle cars and shipped to the Denver Stockyards.

I remember the John Clay Company signs at the Denver stockyards. My dad would ride in the train caboose with his cattle and my mother would drive the car with my brother and I to Denver. In later years trucks hauled the cattle to the Denver market much faster. We always stayed at the Standish hotel and rode cable cars.

Cattle buyers watched for western slope cattle that were tainted with black smoke from the smoke belching cattle trains going through the Moffat tunnel. The long train trip caused major dehydration of the animals that were sold by the pound... unfortunately.

In N.W. Colorado winter started in November with deep snows and below zero temperatures. When the ranch pastures were covered with snow hay was fed seven days a week by a horse team pulling a sled or a tractor and hay wagon. One tractor driver and one ranch hand was needed to pitch off the hay as the hungry cattle followed the wagon.

Bulls were separated from the cows in the winter and only put back with the cows in late spring for the ninemonth cycle that began once again.

Winter months were spent repairing equipment, shoveling snow, cutting ice in the river for the cattle to drink and doing chores. I went to school and did ranch work on weekend. Life was peaceful and quiet, and my ranching evenings were spent without television or phones. I read countless books including the Napoleonic Wars.

I went off to Colorado A&M to become a veterinarian, but that’s another story.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Susan 720-270-2018 PHOTOGRAPHER Stefan Krusze — 303-717-8282 octaviangogoI@aol.com EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification, and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

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

2020 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK I haveof wondered at QUOTE the WEEK times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.

– Ronald Reagan

May 27, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

OPINION

Remember the misery index?

Villager

BOOK REVIEW Where the Crawdads Sing

This novel was published in 2018 by Delia Owens. The setting begins in 1952 North Carolina coast and swamp.

The main character is Kya Clark, known as the “Marsh Girl”. Kya has only one day in school and learns instead from nature. She is barefoot, wild, and living mostly alone yet yearns to be touched and loved. She becomes drawn to two young men in town, and she begins to open up to a new world from her isolated life in the marsh.

In 1969, a popular boy in town, Chase Andrews, is found dead. Locals suspect her and build a case against her. She then goes to trial.

Where the Crawdads Sing is a coming-of-age story combined with a mystery. I loved it. It was written with vivid words that brought the marsh girl and her surroundings to life. Suspenseful to the end. Even though I finished the book, I still keep think-

To learn more about Lisa and her books, visit her website, www.LisaJShultz.com.

To read more book reviews, follow her on Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/ LisaJShultz. Lisa loves speaking to groups, and she would be happy attend your book club.

Call her at 303-881-9338. ing about it long afterwards.

I wholeheartedly give it a thumbs up. The book has been adapted into a film and is currently in production.

No release date has been announced, but if you like to read books before seeing the movie, now is your chance.

History may not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Today’s economic news has a familiar rhyme, at least to those old enough to remember the 1970s.

Not disco music and leisure suits but the Jimmy Carter presidency.

Carter popularized the phrase “Misery Index”, a simple numeric measure of how the average American is doing economically. It is the sum of the current seasonally adjusted unemployment rate plus the current inflation rate, a simple addition calculation.

Carter used the misery index against incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential campaign.

Ford presided over an anemic economy and in January 1975, almost two years before the election, the misery index reached 19.9%.

While it dropped to 15% ahead of the election it was high enough for Carter to use it as a winning campaign issue. Another term, “stagflation”, was also popular in the 1970s as a more qualitative measure of economic misery, specifically slow economic growth, and high unemployment.

The media, just like last year, working hard on behalf of the Democrat challenger against a Republican incumbent, popularized these terms to assist Jimmy Carter winning the presidential election.

Karma bit President Carter hard.

While the misery index hit almost 20% during the Ford presidency, during the summer of 1980, ahead of the Carter-Reagan election, the index hit almost 22%, leading to

Reagan’s 1980 victory.

Although the media has little interest in the misery index today, it is rapidly rising. The US Department of Labor reported last week that the consumer price index rose 4.2% over the past year, the largest gain since 2008. April’s seasonally adjusted civilian unemployment hit 6.1%. Add those two numbers together and get the current misery index of 10.3%.

Can government numbers be believed? If COVID numbers can serve as example, “official numbers” can be elevated or depressed to serve political agendas. COVID case counts were falsely elevated based on unreasonably high PCR cycle threshold numbers used in testing. Erroneously attributing murder-suicide deaths to COVID falsely padded the death counts.

What are some of the inflation figures today according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics? Gasoline is up 51%, bacon 11%, fresh fruits

BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH

7%, used cars and trucks 22%, tobacco and smoking products 7%, and airline fares 10%. Lumber prices are 130% more than a year ago.

Perhaps the real inflation number is higher than the reported 4.2%, and with it the misery index.

Is the Biden administration doing anything to mitigate either unemployment or inflation? Crushing regulations, proposed taxes, and endless business closures are raising unemployment.

Spending trillions of dollars we don’t have, through “stimulus” bills, leads to too many dollars chasing too few goods, and inflation. In four months, America has gone from energy independence to gas lines.

After four years of making America great again, it’s now time to make America miserable again, resurrecting the misery index to quantitate how economically unhappy Americans are and will be for the foreseeable future.

Will the media talk about the rising misery index, Biden’s blast from the past? Don’t count on it.

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PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021

Covid prevented Le Bal de Ballet’s honoring of the 2020 Class of Debutantes and Young Men of Distinction. It also forced the 2020 Mother Daughter Tea to be canceled…twice! “What a year it’s been,” said 2020 Ball Chair Karen Walker. “Third time’s a charm.” Karen wore a stunning silk dress embellished with magnificent butterflies – so perfect for her chosen theme – Les Caprices du Papillon. She thanked the three key planners of the day’s festivities at Denver Country Club – Maura Johnson, Helene Schmidt and Anne Slucky. Newly-elected Denver Ballet Guild President Karen Crossman and 2021 Ball Chair Judy Weisiger were among those chosen for the honor to pour tea from the traveling silver pots. What’s a ballet tea without dancing? Under the direction of Brian Young, several groups from Sweatshop Dance, located in the Santa Fe Arts District, performed outside to the delight of the audience. Co-owner Branden Collette was also on hand.

Both the 2020 Class and 2021 Class will be announced on Saturday, June 12 at The Sheraton Hotel. The spectacular 90-minute presentation will be followed by dinner and dancing to the Jerry Barnett Orchestra.

Bal de Ballet 2020 Les Caprices du Papillon Chair Karen Walker with her mom Bobbi Harty and two of her four daughters Taylor (presented in 2012) and Kinzie (presented in 2011) Photos by Scottie Iverson

2020 Debutante Andersen Dodge and her mom Allison Dodge, 2020 Debutante Jordan Fisher, 2021 Debutante Ashley Fisher and their mom Amy Fisher

Dancers from Sweatshop (not limited to the ballet track) performed on the terrace Planners of the day’s tea – Maura Johnson, Helene Schmidt and Anne Slucky with the gown Anne’s daughter, Katherine wore when presented at Le Bal de Ballet in 2013

2020 Debutante Ella van Kempen and her mom Yolanda van Kempen

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May 27, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

Virtual Purple Gala a success for Alzheimer’s Association Annually, Alzheimer’s Association presents a unique fundraiser pairing Alzheimer’s artists with professional artists. The result is a spectacular show FLEURISH and very moving emotionally. These extraordinary creations are offered for sale and of course, each has a story. This year was a virtual event cochaired by Annabel Bowlen and Libby Weaver who were thoughtful and compassionate - both having close ties to the devastation of the disease.

Weaver lost her mom and Bowlen lost her dad. “It’s hard to know how these events will go virtually, but we are really happy with it and grateful for

the generosity of our sponsors, donors and art buyers,” said the organization’s Senior Director of Development Nancy Thompson. Philanthropist Edie Marks was one of the generous

table sponsors and hosted her guests at the home of technically-accomplished friend Jan Hammond. The official multicourse delectable dinner was from Epicurean.

LEFT: Purple Gala Chairs Annabel (Little Bell) Bowlen and Libby Weaver Photo courtesy of Alzheimer’s Association

Memories in the Making Art Auction Alzheimer’s artist Ann Cowart’s “Triplets”, left, was paired with professional artist Cora Sexton Wheeler’s “Birds of a Feather”pictured left behind the event chairs and below.

Photo courtesy of Alzheimer’s Association

LEFT: Attendees for the table sponsor Edie Marks Watch Party at Jan Hammond’s: Front RowKristina Davidson, Jan Hammond, Edie Marks, Dianne Bartlett Back Row- Lin Taylor, Angela Polidori, Elise MarksGruitch, Lori Marks-Connors and Gerri Sweeney Photo by Scottie Iverson

Youngest Republican State Chair addresses Cherry Creek Republican Women Kristi Burton Brown, by her own admission, is no stranger to politics. She has already served as vice chair of the state’s Republican Party. She is a constitutional attorney, policy analyst and pro-life advocate. In a tweet, she said she is thrilled to be our first woman chair since the 1970s. She’s also had fun with the Dems. All three of the top Republican state party officials are female. By contrast, Democrat state bylaws prohibit those same officers from being of the same gender. At a national session of state chairs, the male Alabama chair had a bone to pick. He had been the youngest until she arrived. Brown, the negotiator, reached a compromise

“We must take action to brand ourselves. We have allowed the Dems and mainstream media to brand us.”

-Kristi Burton Brown, Chair of the Colorado Republican Party (referring to stereotyped Republicans)

to appease him – he would remain the youngest male chair and she would be the youngest female chair. Her priorities focus on local issues

to attract swing voters and make the party more competitive while revitalizing the party’s communication strategy, exposing the Democrats and paint a future-focused, positive attitude for Colorado. “We need to become the party of ideas again. We have lost that art,” she said. ”And, make our ideas definable like Bill Owens. We need clarity with voters.” (That’s not the first time this group has heard that message this year…)

She concluded with three assignments: Email or call all Democrats to vote NO on Featured speaker Kristi Burton Brown and 1st VP Cherry Creek House Education Bill 1295, Republican Women Andi Allott NO on SB 260 Transportation Bill to prevent an end run Mary Elizabeth Conroy and and be aware of Redistricting husband Tom Conroy (Arapahoe summer meetings.

County Republican Party

Aurora Mayor Pro Tem Francois Bergan, Aurora City Council candidates Dustin Zvonek and Danielle Jurinsky with Aurora City Council Member Marsha Berzins

Treasurer)

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021

SCHOOLS CCSD parents question potential social studies curriculum changes

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

A

t the end of the regular meeting of the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education on May 10, several parents from a full house of spectators at the in-person and virtual meeting rose to address the board about a message sent to CCSD parents on April 23 from outgoing Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegfried. That message included, “As part of our Future Forward strategic plan, we are working collaboratively with teachers and administrators to review existing curricular resources through a lens of racial and cultural relevance…

It is critical that we identify resources that accurately reflect the contributions and narratives of our diverse community.” It also said, “Teams of educators will be reviewing instructional materials over the summer and identifying any components that do not meet our standards of racial and cultural appropriateness.”

Siegfried’s message also pointed to a law, HB19-1192, passed by the Colorado legislature two years ago, titled, “Inclusion of American Minorities in Teaching Civil Government.” It established a “History, Culture, Social Contribution, and Civil Government in Education Commission… to make recommendations to the state board of education when the state board performs its scheduled six-year review of education standards so that those standards and programs accurately reflect the history, culture, social contributions, and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including the contributions and influence of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans,

and Asian Americans; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals within these minority groups; the intersectionality of significant social and cultural features within these communities; and the contributions and persecution of religious minorities.”

The 1192 Commission, as that commission has been called, has 17 members (individual members’ names can be found on https://www.cde. state.co.us/standardsand instruction/1192commission), two each from the African American, Latino, American Indian, and Asian American communities and one member from the LGBTQ community.

The remaining members are educators. The commission has met 13 times between December 12, 2019 and May 20, 2021, mostly virtually, but has not yet issued a report of its findings or recommendations.

Nevertheless, Siegfried’s message of April 23 says that CCSD “anticipates the Colorado Department of Education will revise social studies content standards in a year” based on the commission’s expected recommendations.

The first person to address the school board, who identified herself as Jessie Abeyta, raised the question of how HB19-1192 “will be implemented into the schools.” She asked “whether the current curriculum already includes the teaching of different cultures and different races and religions?” adding that, “If we are trying to add more of what is already there and already available to our students…. my question, for history specifically, is, what would be taken out?” Noting that there is a limited amount of time “in the school…day…to teach history and civics and whatever is going to be included in the social studies curriculum, I just have a concern that it would be top-heavy with this

new, progressive idea;…I think we can become overzealous and it takes up all the curriculum and we don’t learn, maybe some necessary things that are also part of our history...I also don’t like how…we are trying to divide all of our kids up into little boxes and little groups, like we have the Asians and we have the African-Americans and we have our white students and we have our bisexual students, and that’s fine, that’s what they are, but when we separate them all into little boxes and little groups, that’s not inclusive, that’s divisive…

Then what do we do once we get them into these groups?

We pit them against each other, and it’s a contest among our kids…who, which box, which group, has been the most oppressed. And the most oppressed is the winner. So we’re all going to have a contest who’s the most oppressed and who can get the most benefit from that.” That drew applause from the room.

After sharing that she was Caucasian and her husband is a physician of Taiwanese descent who graduated from Cherry Creek High School, a CCSD parent, Mary Lang, said, “You can imagine our shock when one of our children came home from elementary school telling us that white people are evil. We have continued to hear for the past two years that white people are racist and oppressors and people with black and brown skin are oppressed.”

Explaining that one of her daughters has skin color like hers and one has skin color like her husband’s, she said, “You can imagine their confusion, trying to understand that (one of their parents) is a victim of oppression and the other is an oppressor… Are you trying to tell them that their Taiwanese father is oppressed and their white mother is

racist? Who in this room has the right to define the identity of my child or your child based on skin color? We want schools where our kids are given a chance to show their individuality and to be heard and seen without prejudice by their peers and teachers?

Does dividing the students in our schools into groups based on their skin color foster relationships between all races, encourage unity and peace and effectively curb racism?...

Rather than…labeling our kids as oppressed or racist oppressors, we would like an environment where you teach principles such as working hard, learning from your mistakes, taking personal responsibility for your actions…If CCSD continues to promote a space that we deem is not safe for our biracial family, we will be looking at other schools that provide a more inclusive and encouraging environment…”

Whitney Vancil, a mom of boys at Homestead Elementary, said that she was speaking for herself and other parents who were in the room, as well as some who were unable to attend the meeting. Referring to the April 23rd email from Siegfried, she explained, “Last month, we received an email from the superintendent stating that the curriculum would be changing. It is a shock… to realize the importance and potential impact of this decision…that the curriculum should include the ideas and mythology of critical race theory. While on the surface, this perspective seems positive, the result is the opposite of healing and will ultimately bring further division. The answer to the current injustices in our nation is oversimplified when labeling oppressors and oppressed persons by various categories…What we ought to be teaching our children is that each and every per-

son…has dignity, deserving of honor and respect...and that everyone should be held accountable for their actions.

Even in an ideal world, equal opportunity does not result in identical outcomes. I implore you to consider curriculums (sic) that acknowledge both the failures and the strengths of our history…We should be encouraging our children to think for themselves without the political influence of the school…At all costs, avoid adding critical race theory to our curriculum.”

Brianna Weldon, who has had children in CCSD since 2010, came to the meeting to acknowledge the excellent school services her children have received. However, she expressed concerns that, “This past year, my older children have reported scant information about the founding principles of this great nation.

Our schools are teaching that America…is a nation of systemic oppression and inequalities, causing students to feel ashamed and resentful of being American…I’ve noticed an urgency to reform and morph curriculum surrounding recent social and political movements…regarding critical race theory…and the Colorado bill HB19-1192…

This should not be a political issue…I would like to see the district restore balance of thought and input, including different and sometimes unpopular views…If critical race theory is taught…will parents have the option to opt their children out of it?”

In reviewing the complete text of HB19-1192 as well as the materials sent out by Superintendent Siegfried on April 23, The Villager noted that the term “critical race theory” is not used and does not appear anywhere in either document. fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

Cherry Creek School Board reports to parents at May meeting

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Board president notes AAPI American Heritage Month and VP Bates seeks reelection

A

t the regular Cherry Creek School District Board of Education (CCSD) meeting on May 10, school board vice-president Kelly Bates announced she would run for re-election to a second four-year term in November.

Board president Karen Fisher will step down from the board in November, due to term limits. The only current board member who has served

CCSD board vice-president and district D representative Kelly Bates announced she will run for re-election in July.

longer than Bates is current Board Secretary Janice McDonald, who is in her sixth year, thus will be term-limited in two years.

In her remarks to the board

and parents at the start of the meeting, Fisher announced that, “May is Asian American Pacific Islander American Heritage month, a time to pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental to its future success. The month of May was chosen to coincide with the arrival of Japanese immigrants to the United States in May of 1843 and the completion of the trans-continental railroad built primarily

by Chinese workers in May of 1869.”

She added that May is also Jewish American Heritage month, “a time to pay tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who have helped form the fabric of American

Christopher Smith is the incoming Superintendent of Cherry Creek Schools.

history, culture, and society.”

The board president noted that, because the general assembly began its 2021 session late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CCSD still does

not know the details of this year’s School Finance Act. As a result, Fisher explained that the regular June board of education meeting will be held later in the month than usual (the regular date is the second Monday of the month; the June meeting is set for Wednesday, June 23) to give the district’s finance staff sufficient time to develop a final budget for the 2021-2022 school year once funding levels have been finalized by the general assembly. She said she also expects CCSD to receive “additional funding for school safety, social and emotional health, the restoration of various grant and educational programs, and funds to Continued on page 9

May 27, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

SCHOOLS U.S. Presidential Scholar Nicole Chen is as genuine as she is intelligent

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Cherry Creek High School graduating senior and Greenwood Village resident Nicole Yee Chen is one of three United States Presidential Scholars chosen from Colorado this year. The others are Whitney Blue from Boulder’s Fairview High School and Kayson Marler from Loveland High School. At least two students, one male and one female, are given this honor each year from every state, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Americans abroad. The states with the largest number of presidential scholars in 2021 are California with nine, Florida with eight, and Massachu-

and a national qualifier this year), Nicole’s favorite subject is history. She told us, “We can learn so much from the past that explains the present.

Finding those connections is intriguing to me.” She also compared the struggles of a character in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with some of the challenges women face today.

Nicole told The Villager that she got the invitation to apply to be a presidential scholar just after she heard from Harvard University that she had been accepted to attend there. She said she was focused on her grandfather then, who was very sick with COVID-19, and eventually passed from complications of the virus at the age of 80. Ni-

family in China) had conflicting cultural ideals…and ethical guidelines,” she told us, continuing, “My Chinese relatives were adamant about keeping him on life support.

It was really interesting, the different moral and ethical interpretations, based on cultural background.”

We asked Nicole why she thought she was picked for this honor. She pointed to her essays, one of which was about moral ambiguity, in which she talked about where she fits in the world. She described science experiments in which she participated during an internship in a laboratory at CU’s Anschutz School of Medicine. Those included using mice in experiments that they would not survive.

Seeing that she was Colorado state champion in senior

She noticed that, even though, “when I was young, I was taught never to kill any animals because that was ethically wrong,” she felt clear that these experiments were for the greater good of humanity and they did not bother her. As captain of the Lincoln Douglas debate team at school, Nicole explained, “we look at the moral implications of our actions…but after my experience working in the lab, I realized that the world is ethically ambiguous.”

Nicole told us that she was attracted to Harvard because of “its strong emphasis on a liberal arts education.” She doesn’t know her major yet.

“I have always been a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) student, but I feel like my passion lies in the humanities.” She plans to explore and see where that leads her.

women’s foil for 2016 through 2019, we wanted to know how Nicole got into fencing. She said she was intrigued when she saw fencing in the Olympics as a sixth grader. She said she fences, “by instinct and intuition.” Participating in that sport “has allowed me to let go and be willing to trust in things I cannot control, letting my sixth sense guide me, which applies to the real world. It also requires a degree of adaptability, which also helps me in real life.”

We wanted to know what motivated Nicole to achieve at such a high level. Not her parents, she assured us, laughing. “My mom is not very strict. She didn’t even know what Power School was until my sophomore year,” she said. (Power School is an online system in which parents can see their children’s attendance and their grades

on every assignment in real time). “I’ve always had a goal and I’ve loved the journey to attain that goal.” Nicole talked about a personality test she took that showed that she was a person who “loved being challenged, going over obstacles, and achievement.”

She described herself as “always having been proactive, motivated, and determined,” but noted the importance of “family values,” as well. “My parents have definitely helped me to hone my values, but they are definitely not tiger parents…My parents have never even met my counselor at school.”

Asked what she wanted people to know about her, Nicole told us, “I am a very self-reflective, self-aware person who enjoys challenges.”

Any weaknesses? “I tend to overcomplicate things, which causes me to sometimes doubt myself. I also think I’m too direct sometimes.” She added, “Also, I’m not a good driver.

I failed my driver’s test three times.”

Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars program recognizes and honors distinguished high school seniors from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Americans Abroad. Of the approximately 3,000,000 students who graduate from American high schools each year, there were 121 culled from a starting group of around 3,000 nationally who got perfect scores on the SAT or the English and math sections of the ACT. Another 20 are chosen for their artistic ability and an additional 20 come from career and technical education. Regardless of which of the three areas candidates come from, those who are invited to apply for this honor are evaluated based on academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities. Those chosen usually attend a National Recognition Program in Washington, D.C. in June, where they get to meet the President of the United States. This year, because of the pandemic, that event will occur virtually.

The Villager plans to keep up with Nicole Yee Chen as she goes on to achieve whatever is next for her. fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

keeping a close eye on bills related to school discipline, early childhood education, statewide collective bargaining, and a bill to perform an audit of the Colorado K-12 education standards and accountability system.”

Scott Siegfried expressed his concern with conflicting guidance CCSD has received and its impact on students. He shared that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and Tri-County Health Department have expressed that it is safe for students inside classrooms to be three feet apart,

but for graduation on June 4, students are required to be six feet apart on an outdoor field.

He said, “That makes no sense to me. It’s time that we get alignment in our guidance.”

Siegfried is retiring in June.

Christopher Smith, who served as Siegfried’s chief of staff, will take over as CCSD superintendent. fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

Nicole Chen will be attending Harvard University in the fall.

This is a diptych painting Nicole created from the photo below

This is a photo of Nicole (on the right) competing in the 2018 Division 1A Regional Open Circuit fencing competition.

setts with seven.

We met with Nicole on a warm Wednesday afternoon after she’d finished taking her last Advanced Placement test.

Although she has excelled in studies from computer science (she took AP Computer Science in the ninth grade) to art (see her diptych painting of fencing above…) and debate (she was the captain of the Lincoln Douglas debate team

cole, whose parents emigrated from China 30 years ago, told us, “My grandpa was elated that I got into Harvard. He said the next step is to meet the U.S. president.” She said that as he was failing and doctors told her family that “it was almost impossible to save him,” her parents began to think it might be better to let him go. “It became increasingly apparent that (her

Board reports to parents Continued from page 8

improve teacher recruitment and retention.”

Fisher also talked about a proposal in the legislature, outside the School Finance Act, to “allocate general fund dollars in a one-time payment to PERA (Public Employees

Retirement Association) to help with the PERA unfunded liability and provide long term savings to teachers and other public employees.” She continued, “The district, with the help of our lobbyist team, keeps this board informed.…

During the final weeks of this legislative session, we are

Superintendent calls out conflicting health guidance CCSD Superintendent

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021

Right here in Denver, serving all our communities, is Bessie’s Hope, the only organization in the country whose mission has been, for almost three decades, to enhance the lives of nursing home elders and bring generations together in mutually rewarding relationships through volunteer programs for youth, adults and families. Hallmark

Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons is the 2021 Bessie’s Hope Community Angel Award recipient

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Office: 303-773-3399

Co-Emcee Rosalina Diecidue

Co-Emcee Eric Goodman

to the longtime success of their programs is the education and training, preparing all ages, preschool to adult, to have comfortable, meaningful interaction with elders of all cognitive functioning levels, including advanced Alzheimer’s Disease.

During its 27 years, Bessie’s Hope has been shining a light on forgotten nursing home elders, and more than 50,000 youth

and elders have benefitted from the mutually rewarding relationships. The hundreds of participating adults each year also acknowledge the life-changing impact. Since the 90’s, Regis University graduate healthcare students benefit from the Bessie’s Hope geriatric education and experience, even with the recent Continued on page 11

Tesoro Cultural Center celebrates American Indian art, culture and veterans at annual Indian market

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Tesoro Cultural Center, Colorado’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to protecting the artistic treasures of our American past and making them available to the community, is once again hosting its annual weekend-long community event, Indian Market, June 5-6, 2021. Tickets are available online now. Since its inception, Tesoro has hosted community events inspired by Colorado’s rich history and shared experiences with Southwest, Spanish, Mexican, American Indian, Black and early European cultures.

Hosted on the grounds of The Fort restaurant (19192 Hwy. 8, Morrison) Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, Tesoro Cultural Center’s Indian Market is a yearly tribute to the American Indian tribes that shaped the cultural community of Old Bent’s Fort, an important fur trading post that operated along the famous Santa Fe Trail in the 1840s.

In celebration of early Southwestern history, Tesoro hosts nationally acclaimed American Indian artists, dancers and drum groups for an art-centered gathering and juried art show, as well as educational and interactive exhibits - including demonstrations by Nature’s Educators – on American Indian culture for a fun-filled, family weekend. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the two-day contest

powwow will not take place this year.

The Southern Cheyenne Nation – displaced from their Colorado homeland after the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 and since residing in Oklahoma – will return home to Red Rocks Country to preside over the ceremonies at this year’s Indian Market. George Curtis Levi (Southern Cheyenne, Arapaho, Oglala) is Tesoro’s Ceremonial Director, and has organized the Cheyenne color guard, drummers and singers; head man and head woman dancer; and blessing to take place at the Tesoro Member-exclusive Meet the Artists party on Friday, June 4, on The Fort’s patio.

Alongside celebrations of art, dance performances and cultural heritage, Tesoro’s Indian Market honors outstanding American Indian veterans each year with an intimate, engaging ceremony to thank them for their service. This year’s honoree is Vietnam veteran and nationally acclaimed artist, Harvey Pratt (Southern Cheyenne Nation).

Pratt, alongside many other Southern Cheyenne, is a direct descendent of William Bent, founder of the original Bent’s Fort, and Owl Woman: a high ranking Cheyenne woman and daughter of White Thunder, a well-respected medicine man in the 1830s.

Pratt was recently awarded a commission by the Smith-

sonian to create a War Memorial for American Indian and all Indigenous veterans who fought and died in War throughout the ages. This meaningful installation was unveiled on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2020, at the Smithsonian American Indian Museum in Washington, D.C. “It’s truly our pleasure to honor Harvey Pratt at our Indian Market this year, especially as his War Memorial so recently debuted on the National Mall,” said Holly Arnold Kinney, Tesoro’s Executive Director. “As a direct descendent of Owl Woman and William Bent, Harvey’s personal family history is very much intertwined with my own history of our Fort, and an important demonstration of how all of our histories here in Colorado are very much shared.”

The festivities will kick off with a Tesoro Member-exclusive Meet the Artists party on Friday, June 4, on The Fort’s patio. The Indian Market on June 5 and 6 is an outside event and open to the public; admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. All CDC protocols will be in place.

All events are subject to approval by the Colorado and Jefferson County Department of health restrictions due to COVID 19. Check www. tesoroculturalcenter.org web site for current and final dates.

May 27, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

emotional intelligence flourishes, as youth learn to be the best remote projects. Adult volunteers human being they can. After have always said that participareceiving education and training, tion in the Bessie’s Hope proincluding information on Alzgrams is eye-opening. In the train- heimer’s Disease and related paing sessions with the healthcare tience compassion and appropristudents, Bessie’s Hope staff perate interaction, such as “be who sons tell them, providing illustrathey think tions and you are,” citing youth are research, prepared that ageand exhibit ism runs genuine rerampant in spect. Two healthcare. beautiful examples of this are a most insightful poem, written by a 16-yr old boy after his visit with an elder gentleman, who thought the boy was his son, with whom the elder had lost several years from being away during “the war.” The other example is what a 9-yr old boy told an elder in “memory care,” when the elder said she couldn’t remember the answer to his question.

“That’s okay, I forget things all the time, and I’m LaFawn Biddle, longtime supporter of really young. You Bessie’s Hope and Presenting Sponsor for the Bridge of Love Gala, displays a “Staying guys are older, Connected Initiative” Valentine poster and it has to be created by Jeffco Human Services Head even harder to Start children. remember everything.”

They can be part of the change.

Bessie’s Hope has been shinBessie’s Hope teaches that in ing that light on nursing home all indigenous cultures, and most elders, 60% of whom received NO personal visitors BEFORE remaining cultures, elders are in COVID. BECAUSE of COVID, the highest, most honored status, a GIANT light began to shine on as the wisdom keepers. Their life the nursing home elders because experiences and enlightenment provide sage advice to all younger of the deaths. Bessie’s Hope generations. In our culture, we are continued through their “Staying Connected Initiative,” delivering implicitly (and explicitly) taught thousands of cards, letters and at a very young age that the older gifts, and through zoom classes a person becomes, the less they and visits. become. Thus, our society has In their “Spirit Lifters Projrelegated the oldest of older adults ect,” one teen and one elder have to the lowest status, no longer weekly zoom visits, after which, worthy being listened to, conversthe teen has assignments based on ing with, sharing ideas with, prothe questions for each visit. At the viding dignity to, having patience following visit, the teen shares the with, laughing with. zoom screen and shows the elders This is why Bessie’s Hope such things as newspaper photos teaches and works with youth of of the elder’s hometown during all ages, including preschoolers. their childhood years and videos The co-founders of Bessie’s Hope of such things as popular dances feel that the erosion of respect, during their young adult years. empathy and compassion in our AFTER COVID lockdown, society is reflectaed and amplified families are beginning to come in in cultural epidemics that are laagain, but what about the devasbeled with “buzz” phrases, such tated 60% above? as ageism, decline in social/emoBessie’s Hope has resumed tional intelligence, and bullying. “placing” Family and Elders In listening to the elders during Program volunteers as “surrotheir nursing home and assisted gate” family members. All the living visits and cultivating reprograms of Bessie’s Hope are lationships with the elders, they needed now more than ever, and hear advice, such as “study hard Bessie’s Hope needs community and do well in school and also support to continue changing find something fun you love, like lives of young and old and to conswimming or dancing”; “you just tinue the ripple effect that brings have to put yourself into someone positive change to our society. else’s shoes and ask yourself how Register for the June 26 Bridge it would feel”; “stay in school, be- of Love Virtual Gala, from 6:30 cause you have to graduate from to 8 p.m. and participate in the high school,” “it’s important to online 2-week auction, attend the help others who need your help.” fun, entertaining, inspiring virtual In Bessie’s Hope Land, social/ gala, become an intergenerational Continued from page 10

Tony David & WildeFire provided the entertainment

sponsor by being an event sponsor. Call 720-333-3825 or visit www. bessieshope.org. Email linda@ bessieshope.org or mail to PO Box 12675, Denver 80212.

Teenagers Jamison and Caroline Poate (not shown), participate in “Spirit Lifters,” having weekly zoom visits with their Bessie’s Hope grandpartners at Cedars Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Taking Vitamins or Nutritional Drugs?

3 Ways Supplements Are Made

Eighty-six percent (86% = 4 in 5) of Americans take supplements (Harris Poll 2019).

Most, however, are not aware that the majority of “vitaDonna F. Smith min” supplements Dr. Ph.D., C.C.N. sold directly to consumers are “Nutritional Drugs.” For brevity’s sake, the terms “Vitamins” represent any individual nutrient (vitamin, mineral, enzyme, etc.) and “Supplements” represent Herbs, Homeopathics and Vitamins.

#1 Whole Food Supplements

This means the ingredients are in their original “whole food or plant” state, like Broccoli, Apple or Echinacea; nothing added or removed, except water and parts inedible or not for medicinal purposes. Other factors that determine whether a whole food supplement is formulated for therapeutic or health maintenance purposes is their food chemistry synergy and concentration.

#2 Isolated Vitamins

An example of a crystallized, extract of an isolated vitamin is In the Medical Industry, there are Ascorbic Acid; though labelled two types of drugs: high-potency pharmaceutical drugs available only as Vitamin C, it is not a whole food Vitamin C. Ascorbic Acid by medical prescription and direct is the outer coating of and only 1 sale low-potency drugs available of 6 parts of whole food Vitamin over-the-counter or online.

C. Foods that contain whole food Vitamin C are crystallized by manuSimilarly, in the Nutritional Indusfacturers to isolate Ascorbic Acid try, there are two types of supplefor market. However, they leave ments: 1. “Therapeutic” Supplements are behind all the other whole nutrients that work synergically with Ascorhigh-potency, clinically-forbic Acid and make a Vitamin C the mulated, and dispensed by Nutritional Professionals, based body recognizes as food, and that can be used to heal, maintain health on abnormal nutritional test and prevent disease. values, to provide the nutrients the body requires to heal and restore optimal health. They also The American Journal of Clinical dispense Health “Maintenance” Nutrition (AJCN) reports that Ascorbic Acid ...suppresses the Supplements. immune system, impairs the 2. “Maintenance” Supplements muscles’ mitochondrial function and are low-potency formulations adaptability to exercise...and more. sold directly to the public for (Vol.87, No.1, 142-149) health maintenance and disease In fact, in time, Ascorbic Acid prevention. actually causes Vitamin C deficiency, just like every other isolated and 3 Ways Supplements synthetic vitamin or mineral causes Are Made deficiencies in the very nutrient they There are three ways supplements are supposed to be helping. are manufactured today, as: 1. Whole Food Supplements #3 Synthetic Vitamins (Herbs, Homeopathics, and Simply put, synthetic vitamins “Whole Food” Vitamins), are made in a Laboratory from 2. Isolates (Crystallized Extracts of non-food sources. For example, Isolated Vitamins and Plant-De- a synthetic version of Vitamin B1 rived), (aka Thiamine) is made from acetone (nail polish and paint remover), 3. Synthetics. ammonia and coal tar. Synthetic Vitamin B1 accumulates in the joints, causing joint-related health issues.

2 Types of Supplements

What Is A Nutritional Drug?

When a part of a nutrient (like Ascorbic Acid) or a whole nutrient (like B1) is isolated or synthetically made in a Laboratory, these two processes are making “Nutritional Drugs,” not supplements.

Nutritional Drugs, like pharmaceutical drugs, manipulate your biochemistry, suppress symptoms and are toxic, even if, not as toxic as pharmaceuticals.

This is why improvement may be felt when initially taking isolates and synthetics but, in time, you feel your supplements are not working, especially when symptoms resurface or get worse.

Do you have a cupboard full of unfinished supplement bottles?

Because the body does not recognize, as whole food, vitamins, minerals or other supplements in isolated or synthetic form, which includes pharmaceutical drugs, it treats them like harmful foreign substances and tries to remove them from the body. However, what cannot be eliminated, without your help, accumulates in the cells and tissues of your organs and glands (like synthetic B1 in the joints) and in time, becomes a source of inflammation (pain).

Nutritional Drugs from Professionals

At Advanced Clinical Nutrition, we observe a “Whole Food” Paradigm for both Therapeutic and Maintenance supplements. Unfortunately, this paradigm is not yet practiced by most manufacturers and professionals in the nutrition or medical industry, who are currently formulating, recommending and/or dispensing therapeutic and maintenance vitamin supplements.

Nutrition Fact #6

Only Sufficient and Pure Air, Water, Whole Foods and Whole Food Supplements Provide the Nutrients the Body Requires to Live, Heal, Maintain Health and Prevent Disease.

FOR A FREE COPY OF MY COMPLETE ARTICLE (20+ Pages), Email: Villager@AdvancedClinicalNutrition.com Subject Line: 3 Ways

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

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021

ABOU

THE LAW

BY DONALD PETERSON Dear Readers,

Changing your Will or Living Trust.

A Will or Living Trust that meets all of the legal requirements is valid until you revoke it. You may revoke either a Will or a Living Trust at any time. A Will or Living Trust that is valid in another state is also valid in Colorado, so simply moving to another state does not revoke a Will or a Trust.

If you change your mind about a particular distribution of your property, or if circumstances force you to otherwise change your Will or Living Trust, you can create a Codicil to your Will (a document amending your Will) or a Trust Amendment to change your Living Trust. The Codicil or Trust Amendment must be signed and witnessed

with the same formalities as your original Will or Living Trust. While a Codicil or Trust Amendment provides you with a convenient method for making minor changes to your Will or Living Trust, significant modifications may require redrafting the original document.

You should never write on your Will or Living Trust after it has been signed. Such writing may not be legally effective and may invalidate the entire document.

It is always best to consult with an experienced estate plan attorney about how to change your Will or Living Trust.

You should keep an upto-date, itemized list of all of your property and debts. This includes insurance policies, securities, bank accounts, real estate, jewelry and artwork, business interests, pension plans, IRAs, and other retirement benefits. You should keep this list with your other important documents, like your Will, Trust documents and Powers of Attorney.

You should record where you maintain a safe deposit box and where you keep your important documents. You should also list your current financial advisors, your attorney and your accountant

on a piece of paper and keep it with your list of property.

Give a copy of this list to your personal representative, successor, trustee, relative, or friend you trust, and to your attorney or financial advisors. Giving people who will be involved with your estate administration a list of where your documents are kept will help them gather the appropriate information to uphold your wishes.

A letter regarding your funeral wishes and any prepaid arrangements should be given to whoever you think will be involved with your funeral, as this will ensure that your family will know your wishes.

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 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 doc-

uments 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.

Selected information in this column has been taken with permission by Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc., from the Colorado Senior Law Handbook, 2020 Edition (Chapter 15: Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts and Your Property, Clara Brown Shaffer, Esq.), which is a copyrighted publication and may be accessed and downloaded for free at: www. cobar.org/For-the-Public/ Senior-Law-Handbook.

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 4100 E. Mississippi Avenue, Suite 410 Denver, CO 80246

Phone: (303) 758-0999 E-Mail: Donald@PetersonLaw.co Website: www.donpetersonlawfirm.com

How much will you need to save for retirement?

Dear Ready, How much money you need to retire comfortably is a great question that all working adults should ask themselves.

Unfortunately, far too few ever bother thinking about it.

But calculating an approximate number of how much you’ll need to have saved for retirement is actually pretty easy and doesn’t take long to do. It’s a simple, three-step process

BY JIM MILLER that includes estimating your future living expenses, tallying up your retirement income and calculating the difference.

SAVVYSENIOR

Dear Savvy Senior, Is there an easy way to figure out how much I will need to save for retirement? My wife and I are both in our late fifties and want to figure out about how much we’ll need in order to retire comfortably.

Ready to Retire

Estimate Living Expenses

The first step – estimating your future retirement living expenses – is the most difficult. If you want a quick ballpark estimate, figure around 75 to 85 percent of your current gross income. That’s what most people find they need to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement.

If you want a more precise estimate, track your current living expenses on a worksheet and deduct any costs you expect to go away or decline when you retire, and add whatever new ones you anticipate.

Costs you can scratch off your list include work-related expenses like commuting or lunches out, as well as the amount you’re socking away for retirement. You may also be able to deduct your mortgage if you expect to have it

paid off by retirement, and your kid’s college expenses.

Your income taxes should also be less.

On the other hand, some costs will probably go up when you retire, like health care, and depending on your interests you may spend a lot more on travel, golf or other hobbies. And, if you’re going to be retired for 20 or 30 years you also need to factor in some occasional big budget items like a new roof, heating/ air conditioning system or vehicle.

Tally Retirement Income

Step two is to calculate your retirement income. If you and/or your wife contribute to Social Security, go to SSA.gov/MyAccount to get your personalized statement that estimates what your retirement benefits will be at age 62, full retirement age and when you turn 70.

In addition to Social Security, if you or your wife has a traditional pension plan from an employer, find out from the plan administrator how much you are likely to get when you retire. And figure in any other income from other sources you expect to have, such as rental properties, part-time work, etc.

Calculate the Difference

The final step is to do the calculations. Subtract your annual living expenses from your annual retirement income. If your income alone can cover your bills, you’re all set. If not, you’ll need to tap your savings, including your 401(k) plans, IRAs, or other investments to make up the difference.

So, let’s say for example you need around $60,000 a year to meet your living and retirement expenses and pay taxes, and you and your wife expect to receive $35,000 a year from Social Security and other income. That leaves a $25,000 shortfall that you’ll need to pull from your nest egg each year ($60,000 – $35,000 = $25,000).

Then, depending on what age you want to retire, you need to multiply your shortfall by at least 25 if you want to retire at 60, 20 to retire at 65, and 17 to retire at 70 – or in this case that would equate to $625,000, $500,000 and $425,000, respectively.

Why 25, 20 and 17? Because that would allow you to pull 4 percent a year from your savings, which is a safe withdrawal strategy that in most cases will let your money last as long as you do.

May 27, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Being civilized in an uncivilized world No matter what our age, we must have the skills necessary to engage in civilized behavior.

For civilization to work, we must practice courtesy, respect and other civilized behaviors.

All of us need to know that we serve our own interests best when we consider the interests of others.

This is the essence of civilized behavior and the foundation for an effective society that values individuality and not collective groups. It is also the basis for personal success and achievement.

It starts with the family.

Couples need to be respectful of one another and have the skills to work through their differences in an effective manner. Children need to able to play cooperatively and not demand more toy time grabbing and screaming. Siblings need to keep their hands to themselves and use words to share their frustration with one another. Employees and employers need to exhibit respectful behaviors and boundaries in the workplace even if there is a disagreement in the office.

When we meet new people, we need to be skilled in the art

of small talk, personal pleasantries, etiquette, grooming and manners.

Life is hard, and people get frustrated. All of us are prone to be annoyed at other drivers for a minor infraction that effects our schedules. We get angry when we call for customer service and must go through several phone prompts to finally get to a service representative. We have watched over-zealous parents scream at coaches or young players on the field because they felt that their child was treated unfairly. The discussion of politics is a vivid example of how uncivilized we have become screaming and name calling to whomever does not share our views. The internet is bursting with examples of disrespect, sarcasm and incivility. Leaders do it, corporate executives do it, parents do it, and now children are doing it. They are exposed to negativity at home when families deal with conflict in unhealthy ways. Many children witness domestic violence, sarcasm, disrespect, passive-aggressive behavior, blame shifting and emotional abuse.

In this sometimes-toxic culture we are losing our humanity and our ability to self-sooth, make healthy, rational and intentional decisions, stay calm and cope with the incivility we encounter. This normalization of incivility is affecting our health, sense of well-being, our democracy and is even threatening our way of life.

To change this, it starts with us. We must recognize the humanity, dignity and worth of every individual. We must not give away our power to those who frustrate or even insult us.

We need to learn new ways of responding rather than reacting. Many times, a kind or soft word helps to deescalate the situation. We must institute he Golden Rule which engenders ageless truth. We must not look to harm others. We must obey the rule of law, desire justice for all, increase our emotional intelligence, value differences, be inclusive, come to the aid of those in need and make it a priority to build healthy relationships. The health of our nation depends on you!

For more information contact joneen@myrelationship center.org; www.myrelation shipcenter.org

Applications sought to fill vacant Ward II City Council seat in Aurora

date on vacancy/input • Mid-June – Tentative virtual reception; questions from residents • June 21 (Study Session) – Interview candidates • June 28 (Council meeting) – Formal vote • July 12 (Council meeting) – Swearing-in The Aurora City Council is composed of a mayor and 10 council members. Of those 10 members, six are ward council members, representing one of the six wards that section the city. The remaining four council members are elected at large, like the mayor, to represent the entire city. The 10 members of Aurora's city council are part-time elected officials, meaning they may all have jobs in addition to their responsibilities as council members. The mayor's position is a full-time responsibility.

The Aurora City Council is accepting applications to fill the upcoming vacant Ward II Council seat. Council Member Nicole Johnston is resigning from the seat June 14 after accepting a job in Colorado Springs, allowing her family to be closer together. Since the vacancy is occurring before the end of the elected term, City Council will appoint a new member to finish the term, which runs through late 2021.

Ward II comprises the northeast area of Aurora, including neighborhoods from Buckley Air Force Base to Denver International Airport, and from Star K Ranch to the Colorado Air and Space Port. A map of the ward can be found at AuroraGov.org.

Citizens interested in the vacant seat can apply by downloading the application at AuroraGov.org/Ward2Application and submitting it to the City Clerk's Office via email, fax or mail. Anyone with questions can email cityclerk@aurora gov.org or call 303.739.7094.

Applications must be submitted

by May 20.

Once the application deadline has passed, City Council will review the candidates.

There are several steps in the review process, and dates for these steps have been scheduled. The Council’s meetings and study sessions are conducted virtually and can be watched live or on-demand at AuroraTV.org.

• June 7 (Study Session) - Up-

Alcohol To Go Bill unanimously passes State House, first Senate Committee

House Bill 21-1027, which would legalize alcohol to go and for delivery from restaurants until 2026, sailed through the Colorado State House and the Senate Finance Committee without a single “no” vote. This legislation is critical to the recovery of restaurants, 93% of which have relied on alcohol to go to supplement lost revenue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Alcohol to go is win-win for the people of Colorado, who overwhelmingly approve of it, and for restaurants, who desperately need it as they work to recover following the pandemic-driven disruptions to business,” said Sonia Riggs, Presi-

dent and CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association. “Passing this measure is a political no-brainer. Being able to sell alcohol beverages for takeout and delivery has been a lifeline for the Colorado restaurant industry, which lost $3 billion in revenue in 2020 alone. Allowing alcohol to go can play a big role in alleviating the gravest economic crisis the restaurant industry has faced in living memory.”

“HB 21-1027 will help get our restaurants back on their feet while giving more choice and convenience to consumers,” said State Senator Kevin Priola, the Republican prime sponsor.

“Colorado restaurants and

taverns have been hit harder by COVID than just about any other small business in our state,” said State Senator Jeff Bridges, Democratic prime sponsor of the bill.”

As of May 13, there has not been a single “no” vote; there are no organizations opposing this legislation, per the Secretary of State’s website; and, in the most recent and final public hearing on May 12, there was no public testimony against the bill. House Bill 21-1027 will be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Committee, before a full reading on the Colorado State Senate floor.

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May 13, 2021, THE VILLAGER | PAGE 23 LEGALS

LEGALS PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021 —Continued from previous page— —Continued from previous page—

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ARAPAHOE COUNTY ARAPAHOE COUNTY INVITATION FOR BID IFB-21-24 CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS, SOLID WASTE

Notice is hereby given that the Arapahoe County Purchasing Division will be accepting proposals to select a site for the disposal of construction debris, soils, concrete, and asphalt pavement.

All Arapahoe County solicitations can be obtained from the County’s website. The Invitation for Bid (IFB21-24) document can be obtained by going to the Arapahoe County

website www.arapahoegov.com, then go to the Finance Department, and under the Finance Department select Purchasing then go to the Quick Link for the Rocky Mountain ePurchasing website. Electronic submissions will be accepted online via Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing Systems (RMEPS), www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado.

Submittals must be received, electronically, no later than 2:00 p.m.

local time on June 24, 2021.

The County reserves the right to waive any or all informalities or irregularities and to reject any or all submittals.

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Published in The Villager Published: May 27, 2021 Legal # 10262 ___________________________

Public Notice Announcing the Availability of an Environmental Assessment DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Development AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service (RUS), USDA ACTION: Notice of Finding of an Environmental Assessment SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the RUS, as required by

be mounted on a tracking system, which allows them to follow the sun throughout the day as the panels face east in the morning, are horizontal at midday, and face west in the afternoon.

Solar components will comply with the current edition of the National Electric Code, be UL listed (or equivalent), and designed with an anti-reflective coating. There will be approximately two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) 440-watt solar modules, thirty (30) inverters, and thirty (30) transformers on site.

Any final action

by RUS relatedPolicy to Act, theis issuing proposed the National Environmental an environ-project will be subject to, and contingent upon, mental assessment (EA) in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by Hunter Solar, LLC. The proposal ompliance with all relevant Federal is for construction of a proposed 75-MWenvironmental alternating current (AC) laws and regulations and completion of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation facility located on approxiSpirit Environmental, an environmental consultant, prepared an 571 acres of undeveloped, largely agricultural land near environmental for RUS that describes the project, nvironmentalmately review procedures as prescribed by 7 CFR Part assessment 1970, Environmental Policies and the Town of Bennett, Arapahoe County, Colorado. Hunter Solar assesses the proposed project’s environmental impact, and has requested long-term financing from RUS for this proposal. summarizes, as applicable, any mitigation measures used rocedures. The Project site is located along the intersection of E Quincy to minimize environmental effects. RUS has conducted an Ave (Highway 30) and N County Road 129 (N Brickcenter Road), Bennett, CO 80102.

independent evaluation of the environmental assessment and believes that it accurately assesses the impacts of the proposed project. No significant impacts are expected as a result of the construction of the project.

omololu.dawodu@usda.gov or Hunter Solar Public Comments, Torch Clean Energy, 939 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302.

The Draft EA and additional project information are available at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/ assessments

Questions and comments should be sent to RUS at the address provided. RUS will accept questions and comments on the environmental assessment for 15 days from the date of publication of this notice.

FOR FURTHER CONTACT:is Omololu Dawodu, A general location map INFORMATION of the proposal shown below.

Environmental Protection Specialist, RD, 202-720-5653,

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Hunter Solar proposes Dated: 05/06/2021 to develop a 75-MW AC solar PV generation facility located on

approximately 571 acres of undeveloped, agricultural land near the Town of Bennett in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Hunter Solar will contain rows of PV cell panels, also referred to as modules, mounted on posts set in the ground. These rows of PV panels are referred to as “solar arrays.” The solar arrays will

Any final action by RUS related to the proposed project will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant Federal environmental laws and regulations and completion of environmental review procedures as prescribed by 7 CFR Part 1970, Environmental Policies and Procedures.

A general location map of the proposal is shown below.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP-21-22 ON-CALL SERVICES FOR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT, CARD ACCESS, AND SOFTWARE Notice is hereby given that the Arapahoe County Purchasing Division will be accepting proposals to obtain On-Call Video Surveillance Equipment, Card Access, Software and Services to provide support for equipment repairs, equipment replacement, consulting, programming, and equipment installation as specified herein, from a source(s) of supply that will give prompt and efficient service to the County.

All Arapahoe County solicitations can be obtained from the County’s website. The Request For Proposal (RFP-21-22) document can be obtained by going to the Arapahoe County website www.arapahoegov. com, then go to the Finance Department, and under the Finance Department select Purchasing then go to the Quick Link for the Rocky Mountain ePurchasing website.

Electronic submissions will be accepted online via Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing Systems (RMEPS), www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado.

Submittals must be received, electronically, no later than 2:00 p.m. local time on June 24, 2021.

The County reserves the right to waive any or all informalities or irregularities and to reject any or all submittals.

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Published in The Villager Published: May 27, 2021 Legal # 10263 ___________________________

COURTS DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO In the Interest of: SAINT DUNSON, LUCAS DUNSON JEWETT, AND SELEAN DUNSON JEWETT, Child, and concerning BRENDA DUNSON, DARIAN JEWETT, AND CHRISTIAN DIORLOVETT AKA CHRISTIAN DIORLOVETT FIERCE AKA CHRISTIAN DIOR-LOVETT FEARS, Respondents.

Kristi Erickson, Reg. #50739 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 303-752-8989 Fax: (303) 636-1889 Case No: 20JV349 Division: 22 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT CONCERNING RESPONDENT, JOHN DOE SET FOR JUNE 7, 2021 AT 3:00 PM IN DIV. 22 To The Respondents: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing regarding JOHN DOE is set for June 7, 2021, at the hour of 3:00 p.m., in Division 22, at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child(ren), dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

Dated: 05/06/2021 Dated: 05/06/2021 Published in The Villager Published in The Villager First Publication: May 13, 2021 Published: May 13, 2021 Last Publication: May 27, 2021 Legal # 10253 Legal # 10253

Due to COVID 19, the Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:

— End of Legals —

•https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ Division22 •Enter your name and email

address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

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

If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664. When prompted enter Access code: 145 993 4462 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).

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

Date: 5/20/2021 Kristi Erickson, Reg. #50739 Assistant County Attorney Published in The Villager Published: May 27, 2021 Legal # 10264 ___________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 (303) 649-6355 Telephone PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner, In the Interest of: CHRISTIAN MOTA AND FAITH CORONA Children, And concerning: Respondents.

YESENIA ROQUE-DIAZ, JOSE MOTA-RODRIGUEZ, AND ENRIQUE CORONA-VASQUEZ Heather L. Tomka, Esq. #50963 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: 303.636.1895 Case No: 21JV63 Division: 22 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding Respondent Father, Enrique Corona-Vasquez is set for July 12, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in Division 22 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112.

You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

Date: May 17, 2021 Heather L. Tomka, Esq. #50963 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: 303.636.1895 Published in The Villager Published: May 27, 2021 Legal # 10265 ___________________________

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE ORDINANCE 4, SERIES 2021 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE AMENDING ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS TO ADDRESS COMPLAINTS ARISING OUT OF MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE MATTERS Copies of the Ordinances are on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

Published in The Villager Published: May 27, 2021 Legal # 10268 ___________________________

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May 27, 2021 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15 May 27, 2021, THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

LEGALS

NEWS BRIEFS

—Continued from previous page—

Classified Advertising SERVICES

Dependable Yard Work: Modest rates.

Friendly and dependable. Local references.Call Greg at 720-404-8032 tfn

Handyman who can do it right the first time. Local repairman. Call Doug at 303-756-5655

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CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD IN THE VILLAGER 303-773-8313 LEGALS —Continued from previous page—

SPECIAL DISTRICTS INVITATION TO BID CHERRY CREEK VISTA PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT ORCHARD PARK POOL PROJECT Notice is hereby given that the Cherry Creek Vista Park and Recreation District (“District”) seeks bids from qualified contractors for the construction of renovations to the Orchard Park Pool, 11350 E. Orchard Rd., Englewood, County of Arapahoe, Colorado (“Project”) as outlined in the Request for Proposals, dated May 21, 2021 which can be obtained by contacting the District at info@ ccrider.us, 303-482-1002 OR as follows: Alyssa Tharrett alyssa@essenza-arch.com 303-952-5080 Sealed Bids are due by June 22, 2021, not later than 4:00 P.M. MT to the District at alyssa@ essenza-arch.com or Essenza Acthitecture, 685 S. Arthur Ave., Unit 12B, Louisville, CO 80027.

Bids not received by 4:00 P.M. MT will not be considered. Bids INVITATION TO BID will not be publicly opened and CHERRY CREEK VISTA PARK read.

AND RECREATION DISTRICT Published in the The Villager ORCHARD PARK POOL PROJNewspaper one-time ECT on May 27, 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the BY ORDER OF Vista THE BOARD OF Cherry Creek Park and DIRECTORS: Recreation District (“District”) CHERRY CREEK VISTA PARK seeks bids from qualified contracAND RECREATION DISTRICT tors for the construction of renovations to the Orchard Park Pool, 11350 E. Orchard Rd., Englewood, County of Arapahoe, Colorado (“Project”) as outlined in the Request for Proposals, dated May 21, 2021 which can be obtained by contacting the District at info@ ccrider.us, 303-482-1002 OR as follows:

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

Alyssa Tharrett alyssa@essenza-arch.com 303-952-5080 Sealed Bids are due by June 22, 2021, not later than 4:00 P.M. MT to the District at alyssa@ essenza-arch.com or Essenza Acthitecture, 685 S. Arthur Ave., Unit 12B, Louisville, CO 80027.

Bids not received by 4:00 P.M. MT will not be considered. Bids will not be publicly opened and read.

Published in the The Villager Newspaper one-time on May 27, 2021.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: CHERRY CREEK VISTA PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT

Published in The Villager First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: June 10, 2021 Legal # 10269

Published in The Villager Published: May 27, 2021 Legal # 10267 ___________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Charles Lester Duvall aka Charles L. Duvall, Deceased Case Number 21PR30481 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, on or before October 4, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Barbara A. Duvall c/o Scott J. Atwell 5673 S. Fulton Way Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Published in The Villager First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: June 10, 2021 Legal # 10266 ___________________________

other offices of the above-named depository institutions will continue to operate following the transaction. Home Savings and Loan Association of Carroll County, F.A. intends to consolidate the operations of the office to be acquired with its existing branch office located at 121 N. Folger Street, Carrollton, Missouri.

This notice is published pursuant to 12 USC 1828(c) and 12 CFR Part 5. Anyone may submit written comments on the application by July 2, 2021, to: Director of District Licensing, OCC Western District Office, 1225 17th Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80202.

The public may find information regarding this application, including the date of the end of the public comment period, in the OCC Weekly Bulletin at www.occ. gov. Requests for a copy of the public file on the application should be made to the Director of District Licensing.

Home Savings and Loan Association of Carroll County, F.A. (Acquiring Institution) other offices of the above-named depository NBH Bank institutions will continue to operate following the transac(Target Institution) tion. Home Savings and Loan Published in The Villager Association Carroll County, Published in Theof Villager Published: May 27, 2021 F.A. intends to May consolidate First Publication: 27, 2021the opLegal # 10267 NOTICE OF APPLICATION erations of theJuly office to be acquired Publication: 1, 2021 ___________________________ Last with its existing branch office Legal # 10270 Notice is hereby given that applicalocated at 121 N. Folger Street, ___________________________ tion has been made to the Office Carrollton, Missouri. of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) for approval for Home This notice is published pursuant Savings and Loan Association to 12 USC 1828(c) and 12 CFR of Carroll County, F.A., Norborne, Part 5. Anyone may submit written Missouri, to acquire the branch NOTICE TO CREDITORS comments on the application by office of NBH Bank, Greenwood Estate of Charles Lester Duvall July 2, 2021, to: Director of District Village, Colorado, locatedDeceased at 1002 aka Charles L. Duvall, Licensing, OCC Western District N. Highway Carrollton, MisCase 65, Number 21PR30481 Office, 1225 17th Street, Suite 300, souri.

The branch office operates All persons having claims against Denver, Colorado 80202. under the name “Bank Midwest, the above named estate are a division Bank.” requiredoftoNBH present them to the The public may find informapersonal representative or to tion regarding this application, It District is contemplated that all of the Court of Arapahoe County, including the date of the end of Colorado, on or before October 4, the public comment period, in the 2021, or the claims may be forever OCC Weekly Bulletin at www.occ. barred. gov. Requests for a copy of the Barbara A. Duvall public file on the application should c/o Scott J. Atwell be made to the Director of District 5673 S. Fulton Way Licensing.

Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Published in The Villager Home Savings and Loan AssoFirst Publication: May 27, 2021 ciation of Carroll County, F.A. Last Publication: June 10, 2021 (Acquiring Institution) Legal # 10266 ___________________________ NBH Bank

MISCELLANOUS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

MISCELLANOUS NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) for approval for Home Savings and Loan Association of Carroll County, F.A., Norborne, Missouri, to acquire the branch office of NBH Bank, Greenwood Village, Colorado, located at 1002 N. Highway 65, Carrollton, Missouri. The branch office operates under the name “Bank Midwest, a division of NBH Bank.”

It is contemplated that all of the

(Target Institution)

Published in The Villager First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: July 1, 2021 Legal # 10270 ___________________________

SUMMER READING AT ARAPAHOE LIBRARIES The Summer Reading BINGO sheet can be picked up at your favorite library or printed from home at arapahoelibraries.org. Everyone ages 0-18 is invited to visit one of their libraries and choose a free book while supplies last.Get creative this summer and share or show your favorite part of your neighborhood in a life-size neighborhood collage at any of the library locations.Add a splash of color, words, a poem or a sketch to illustrate the spirit of your community.Schedule of library events: visit arapahoelibraries.org ACC FOUNDATION DENIM & DIAMONDS Honoring Dr. Diana M. Doyle Presidential Scholarship Endowment. VIP event at 5:00 p.m. June 23 for all donors to the endowment. Denim & Diamonds June 23 at 6:00 -9:30 p.m. at ACC Sturm Collaboration Campus, 4500 Limelight Ave., Castle Rock.

Tickets: $150 which includes passed hors d’oeuvres, plated dinner, open bar, and entertainment.

Emcee, former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers and a live auction.

2ND ANNUAL MILESTONES FOR MAXWELL GOLF TOURNAMENT Thursday, July 29 at Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden. Register for golf, sign up to be a sponsor or donate an item for the auction. Info: Kim Fry kreeman3@gmail.com or Todd Griffin at underpar@ yahoo.com. Money raised will go towards Freed’s rare neurological disease contracted at age 2 diagnosed as SLC6Al. A gene therapy is being developed at the Univ. of Texas so they are in a race against time.

CHILDREN’S ART SCHOOL JOY OF ART The Children’s Art School’s week long explorations are for interested and talented young artists ages six to 12 from June 28 -July 26 at South Clayton St in South Denver. Included: COMICS cartoons, ARCHITECTURE designing and CHINESE PAINTING and its four treasures. Info: visit www.artcreates.org.

5K TRAIL SERIES WALK/RUN The 3.1-mile course begins and ends at 17 Mile House Farm Park in Centennial and follows a beautiful stretch of the Cherry Creek Trail. Camp Gladiator will lead a pre-race warmup! Free race t-shirt and pancakes at the finish line on Saturday, June 12.Visit aragahoecountyfarir.com/5ktrailseries

HERITAGE FINE ARTS GUILD ART SHOW The art show will be held at the Edwin A. Bemis Library in Littleton in the Lower-Level Gallery at 6014 Datura St. The diverse collection of art comes from talented local artists.The Juror is Kathy Beckman, a local artist. The show runs May 3-29 Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT FRONTIER FREEDOM Join in person or virtually. Celebrating America’s Western spirit with Allen West, Rep. Louie May 27,Sen 2021, THE | PAGE 15 Gohmert, Ted Cruz, andVILLAGER world champion rodeo stars. A conversation with Young Conservative Leaders, including Benny Johnson, Isabel Brown and CJ Person.

Honoring the 2nd Amendment with Rep. Lauren Boebert and Antonia Okafor Cover. Speakers, workshops, exhibits, and more! June 18-19 at the Hyatt Regency Denver. Reservations: Western ConservativeSummit.com THE 20TH ANNUAL INDIAN MARKET & CEREMONIAL DANCE A celebration of American Indian Art, Culture, and Dance Saturday and Sunday, June 5 & 6. 10:00 a.m.

-4:00 p.m. At The Fort: 19192 Highway 8, Morrison.

(Southwest Denver in Red Rocks territory.) Tickets for sale. Call 303-839-1671. Proceeds benefit the Tesoro Cultural Center.

CONVERSATIONS WITH COMMISSIONERS Virtual conversations with commissioners Bill L. Holen, District 5: May 20 with special guest Open Spaces Director, Shannon Carter and Jeff Baker, District 5: May 26 with special guest Public Works and Development Director, Bryan Weimer.Both events start at 6:30 p.m. Details at arapahoegov.com/townhall KEMPE TOP GOLF CHALLENGE The Challenge will be held at 10601 E Easter Avenue in Centennial on June 17 from 4-7:00 p.m. for games, networking, silent auction, food and beverages.

Call 303-864-5300 or visit stone.julia@ kempe.org.

2021 Toyota C-HR is economical and classy

BY H. THROTTLE AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST

Toyota does make economy cars along with hybrids and luxury models. The C-HR is in the economy class with a suggested manufacturer’s retail price of $25,240 with options included.

The C-HR is a front-wheel drive, four door sedan with elevated rear door handles that are unique. The trunk opens manually, and front seats are adjusted with a lever.

The 2.0 four-cylinder engine runs on eco with a versatile transmission shift mode. The vehicle surprisingly has adequate power and acceleration with the smaller engine. The combination of engine and transmission work well together and deliver 29 mpg. That is commendable.

Just looking at the C-HR it appears much more expensive than the list price.

A sleek design with “magnetic gray” metallic paint and 18 black alloy wheels give the appearance of speed and performance.

Toyota did not slack on safety features and the C-HR has all of the Safety Sense features and the radar cruise control works exceptionally well. The car is fast, but at lower speeds acceleration strains the engine that squeals in slight

protest with being pushed too hard.

Steering is exceptionally good, and a study frame and suspension system allows for a firm ride. The rearview mirrors are large and efficient. Seats are comfortable with minimal setting controls.

Smaller in size, the car is agile, easy to park and drive, and has many safety features including ventilated disk front and rear brakes.

This is an affordable economy model assembled in Japan. I like the appearance of the car, the affordability, the handling, and the major Toyota safety features, so vital in today’s crowded highways.

A good graduation present for a college bound student that is eye appealing and easy on fuel consumption.

The C-HR is very efficient and likeable.

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PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • May 27, 2021

BY LISA J. SHULTZ

This Denver treasure house is located on 2001 Colorado Blvd.

In 1868, Edwin Carter moved into a tiny cabin in Breckenridge, Colorado, to pursue his passion: the scientific study of the birds and mammals of the Rocky Mountains.

Almost single-handedly, Carter assembled one of the most complete collections of Colorado fauna then in existence.

Word of Carter’s collection spread and, in 1892, a group of prominent Denver citizens declared their interest in moving his collection to the capital city for all to see. Carter offered to sell the entire collection for $10,000. The founders also secured a collection of butterflies and moths and a collection of crystallized gold.

Together, these three collections formed the nucleus of what would become the Colorado Museum of Natural History, officially incorporated in 1900. After years of preparation and construction, the Colorado Museum of Natural History finally opened to the public in 1908.

The city of Denver increased its funding for the museum, leading to a name change to Denver Museum of Natural History in 1948. In 2000, the name was changed to the present Denver Museum of Nature and Science to reflect the institution’s wider focus. In addition to exhibits, the museum also contains Gates Planetarium and Phipps IMAX Theater.

In my youth, I went to the museum on many occasions for field trips. Most recently, I visited on a rainy day and thoroughly enjoyed the many exhibits. The wildlife halls featuring taxidermy displays that Edwin Carter initiated are so real looking that I could almost envision being present in the scene created. The dinosaur and fossil displays always leave me in awe.

Colorado Mining history, gem and mineral displays would take multiple visits to fully appreciate.

Mummies and a plasticized human body are fascinating to me. No matter your age, this museum is filled with interesting objects and history galore.

Currently, there is a temporary exhibit about Stonehenge that lasts until September 6. Make your plans and reservations to visit this amazing museum at www.dmns. org.

Lisa J. Shultz is a Denver native. She loves to inspire exploration of the city’s treasures in her book Essential Denver. She features the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on page 81.

Find out more about her and her book on her website LisaJShultz. com or call her at 303-881-9338.

Photos by Lisa J. Shultz