6-29-23 Villager

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is an economy winner

Toyota Corollas have been around for many years, a popular sub-compact front wheel drive at an economical price. The smaller vehicle blends well with traffic and parking spaces. A good commuter vehicle with four doors and stick, or automatic transmissions.

Now comes on board the new Toyota Corolla Cross that has a base price of $27,970 with straight six-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and achieves up to 43 mpg. The 222V lithium-ion batteries do not require charging and work in harmony with the gasoline engine.

The Corolla has a versatile transmission and three drive modes; sport, normal and eco. A noticeable burst of power when going from normal to sport modes. Eco is great to use on flat highways and coming down from the

mountains. The sports mode is powerful, and the Corolla has plenty of pep, performance, and agility.

While lacking some of

structure and powertrain of a more expensive SUV. Safety features are included, along with lane departure and many of the Toyota Sense features.

The Corolla is somewhat replica of the larger Toyota

By H. Throttle

the convenient options, like power seats, with only manual seat controls, and a latch-opening trunk, cloth seats, the car has the basic

RAV4, but smaller, far less expressive, yet still has many of the RAV4 features. The hybrid system provides great fuel economy and efficient

self-charging. J.D. Powers gives the Corolla Hybrid Cross a “Great” rating - their second highest score.

The power plant is a 1.8L engine that in tandem with the hybrid system provides a spirited performance and excellent fuel mileage.

Seating is comfortable, audio works well along with standard safety features. The basic frame, suspension, and engineering comes from the more expensive, larger, Toyota SUVs, which is a real plus.

The best feature of the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a competitive price for a very long-lasting, proven performance subcompact. The vehicle is attractive, performs well, a comfortable ride on 18-inch alloy eight-spoke attractive wheels. Easy to drive, easy to park, a strong choice for the purse, or billfold, along with a gas station win.

I’m intrigued by what was happening in Russia this past week. It looks like the Kremlin Wall might be cracking a little bit with military revolts and uprisings. Like most dictators, Putin might be reaching the end of his KGB rope and iron fist rule of Russia.

His invasion of the Ukraine has flopped, sadly killing thousands of soldiers on both sides in the war and destroying billions of dollars of property in Ukraine. The body bags arriving in Moscow are becoming hard to conceal, with thousands of families burying their native sons. There must be immense hatred stored up in Russia towards the regime. Russians are very protective of their country. Putin has lied to the people about Ukraine, the U.S., NATO, and potential threats from the West.

Ukraine did have some questionable leadership and there must have been some unrest.

BY BOB SWEENEY

This recent mercenary rebellion should give hope and courage to Ukraine forces to push the fight and continue the counterattack. The Russians now appear to be failing on the ground attack.

While it could get worse as Putin becomes desperate to win “Putin’s War,” he might attempt to use nuclear weapons and more aerial bombing attacks.

The West has been very supportive of Ukraine and the United States taxpayers and administration have been very patience and generous in funds, weapons, intelligence, and training.

But this war must come to an end soon.

****

leadership. Capitalism has been the driving force to defeat the failures of Communism. Chamber of Commerce organizations are vital to support free enterprise supply goods and services, create good jobs and networking opportunities.

It is saddening to see the Colorado Education Association attack capitalism at their annual meeting. Free enterprise is the backbone of American success and why millions of immigrants are still flocking to America. There is not a line of people fleeing the United States.

American history is laden with violence and racism, but always struggling to follow a legal system that protected all citizens.

We can’t go back and correct slavery, civil wars, and racism, but we can learn from the past and attempt to avoid future inequities.

EDITOR

Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com

PUBLISHER

Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR

Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com

Ukraine is minerally and agriculturally rich and was once the breadbasket for the USSR with wheat, corn, and soybeans. Ukraine exported large shipments of grain to other nations and has become a powerful country since leaving the USSR decades ago.

Putin was under the false impression that some of the border citizens would prefer to live under Russian rule.

Driving home last week the sky was black as coal east of Denver and there was a beautiful rainbow reaching up into the sky in front of the darkness. A jet plane was flying by the rainbow, and it was a spectacular sight that I will cherish in my mind forever.

Rainbows were a promise from God in the Bible that he would never flood the earth again. Mother Nature, who we must consider is in God’s employment, has done a good job of breaking rain record for Colorado in May and June. For the first time in decades the entire state is not a drought map. Lakes and reservoirs are full and

The South Metro Denver Chamber is a great organization. We’ve been chamber members for over 41 years dating back to the days of Dick Harrison and Brian Vogt at the helm. Successful business and private ownership have been key to Americas success story. The legal system of property ownership and capitalism has vaulted the United States to great prosperity, wealth, and

Capitalism has some weaknesses and disparities in equity, not equality. Some men and women are just born with more brain cells and, teamed with ambition and genius traits have become very successful with hard work, new inventions, and technology. These financial barons have been more than generous with their foundations and philanthropy. American people are the most generous on earth and our nation spends billions around the world in aid and assistance.

American history is a story of the oppressed and the oppressors, the history of the world since the dawn of civilization. Races and genders have been persecuted and punished for centuries.

dition to the restaurant scene.

History is hard to overlook, and every great civilization has failed, not from without, but from within. The great Roman Empire crumbled with free bread and gladiator events while the barbarians were at the gates. Sounds, and looks, familiar to present day life.

Strong leadership, patriotism, and education are the best tools to keep us free and a democratic. We obtain these rights at the ballot box that cannot be stolen by dishonest elections, apathy, vast amount of dark money, and foreign election interference.

Register to vote and join a political party if you are so inclined. Unaffiliated voters are the largest group in Colorado.

If our two major political parties didn’t exist, we would have chaos, limited checks and balances by each party, and money flowing to splinter groups with strings attached.

VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING

Sharon Sweeney sharon@villagerpublishing.com

LEGALS

Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com

NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 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

Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com

Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

Linda Kehr — 303-881-9469 linda@villagerpublishing.com

Valerie LeVier — 303-773-8313 valerie@villagerpublishing.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Susan 720-270-2018

PHOTOGRAPHER

Stefan Krusze — 303-717-8282 octaviangogoI@aol.com

EDITORIAL COLUMNIST

some streams and rivers flooding areas. Hopefully, downstream dams are filling up with fresh Colorado river water. ***

I’m very familiar with Rodizio Grill DTC after just celebrating Father’s Day at the brand-new dining facility. The location is on Clinton St. in the DTC. There is another Rodizio downtown on Market Street. This new Rodizio Grill restaurant has just opened off Dry Creek Road. What a welcome ad-

Rodizio Grill, America’s First Brazilian Steakhouse, started in Denver in 1995 by Ivan Utrera. He was born in San Paulo and had the vision to extend the classic Brazilian cuisine to America where the restaurants have prospered with outstanding recipes.

The DTC Rodizio has a large meeting room, spacious dining rooms, and excellent service. The rotisserie grilled meats and

salads are delicious. The meats just keep coming by the staff until diners’ signal they can’t consume another bite of the succulent beef, pork, chicken, and fresh grilled pineapple.

The salad bar is equally unique with so many wonderful fresh items that can also be ordered as a separate meal on the menu. Drinks are made from fresh fruit, along with traditional beverages. A family-owned business, they are a welcome addition to local dining and have a Club Rodizio that can be found on their website.

You can find them at www.rodizogrill.com/ denvertechcenter.

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

2020 Member

Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children.

– Sam Levenson

GVPD recognizes service that goes above and beyond

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

Every year, the Greenwood Village Police Department recognizes members of its team and the public who have been deemed to have provided exceptional service to the community. All awards originate with recommendation from peers or the public. Those are reviewed by top police department brass who decide what awards have been earned.

On May 25, in conjunction with National Police Week, GVPD recognized 56 employees in its department, along with three other individuals, for actions they took that were deemed above-and-beyond.

Unlike some law enforcement agencies, GVPD is presently fully staffed with 67 sworn officers on duty or in the process of completing their police academy training. GVPD officers’ experience level consists of one-third with 20+ years on the job, one-third with 10-20 years, and one-third with less than 10 years. Interestingly, five out of the last six officers hired at GVPD are women.

The Villager sat down with

GV Deputy Police Chief Dave Oliver, a 12-year veteran, and Commander Joe Bradley, who has been with the department for 23 years, to find out about a few of the many acts of valor that led to recognition of some of the dozens of people who were honored with receiving it.

Corporal Steve Heil was awarded the Medal of Valor, bestowed for “distinguishing actions through extraordinary heroism in the presence of great danger or at significant personal risk,” along with the

Life Saving award, for multiple actions he took, including administering a life-saving tourniquet and performing CPR, including compressions, to a person whose life was in peril, until paramedics arrived, who credited Corporal Heil with saving that life.

Officer Andy Wynder received the Life Saving award, as well as this year’s Distinguished Service award, bestowed for “gallantry rising significantly above the standard,” for saving the life of a person who was threatening

to jump off an overpass and commit suicide. Even though the person in distress was physically larger than him, Officer Wynder was able to position himself in the exact location so he could get a secure hold of the person in distress and pull him to safety.

Commander Bradley told The Villager that Detective Anthony Costarella, named 2022 Officer of the Year, “has long been our go-to person when it comes to retail theft, well beyond everyday shoplifting. He has worked with

(several significant GV retailers) on organized retail theft rings. He was able to connect theft suspects who were targeting our stores with (theft) cases across the metro Denver area. Detective Costarella was able to file charges that covered over $100,000 in retail theft in nine other judicial districts in addition to the 18th (where GV is located). He also assists with drug take back day, teaches in the GV Citizens Police Academy, and

Continued on page 6

GV Detective Anthony Costarella (center) was recognized as the sworn Employee of the Year 2022. Also pictured, Police Chief Dustin Varney (left) Commander Joe Bradley (right), Deputy Chief Dave Oliver (in back, with head turned) and Commander Scott Jones (in back, wearing glasses)

Digital Media Specialist Douglas Kalbaugh was named the 2022 Civilian of the Year. From left to right, GV Deputy Chief Dave Oliver, Chief Dustin Varney, Douglas Kalbaugh, and Commander Scott Jones.

Photos courtesy of Greenwood Village Police Department

GVPD recognizes service

Continued on from page 5

even defensive driving school, all of which are not directly connected to his position as a detective. Always quick to volunteer, Detective Costarella is the person we

always look toward to train new detectives.”

Matthew Ottolenghi is the young man who earned recognition as Exceptional Citizen of the year because he “rendered valuable, courageous or heroic assistance

to the Greenwood Village Police Department,” just as the criteria for the award describes. Deputy Chief Oliver told us, “Matthew saw a person who looked like totally out of place in his neighborhood, then witnessed that person hide behind some bushes. Very soon after that, police cars began to flood into the neighborhood. Matthew waved down the commanding sergeant on the scene and pointed out the location of the person who he thought was acting inappropriately. That person was subsequently arrested for several thefts and trespasses in the neighborhood. Police officers credited Mr. Ottolenghi with facilitating the arrest of the offender by flagging them down.”

Kirk Armstrong, a corrections officer in the City of Aurora Detention Center, was off-duty, driving by the Cherry Creek High School/ Campus Middle School/ Belleview Elementary campus, Commander Bradley told us, when he observed several School Resource Officers (SROs) talking to an elementary school student, “Who had had a really bad day and had run from school. The child had not done anything wrong and the SROs did not want to force him to return to school, but they couldn’t leave him on the street. As they were struggling to convince him to return to school voluntarily, Mr. Armstrong stopped his car and asked the SROs if they would let him try to talk to the child. They said yes and Mr. Armstrong was able to make a connection with the child, who was voluntarily back in school within 15 minutes.” The SROs nominated Mr. Armstrong for the Exceptional Citizen award.

The Meritorious Unit award is presented to “a group of employees who accomplish an extraordinary achievement by performing their duties in an unusually effective manner.” Deputy Chief Oliver explained, “It is usually given when we have a great outcome, usually on

a criminal event, as a result of the collective teamwork of everyone involved, from dispatch to the officers to the crime scene technicians and the detectives and supervisors who all worked together and achieved an outstanding outcome as a result.”

The 2022 Meritorious Unit award was bestowed on 53 individuals, including six

sergeants, seven corporals, seven detectives, 22 officers, six 911 specialists, two criminalists, an evidence technician, a digital media specialist, and even a behavioral health co-responder who teams up with officers to deal with suspected mental health situations. fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

Chief Dustin Varney (left) congratulates Officer Andy Wynder on his being bestowed GVPD’s 2022 Distinguished Service award. Officer Wynder also received a Meritorious Unit award.

Chief Dustin Varney (left) congratulates Officer Andy Wynder on his being bestowed GVPD’s 2022 Distinguished Service award. Officer Wynder also received a Meritorious Unit award. Photos courtesy of Greenwood Village Police Department

Denison University Alumni Citation awarded to Margaret Rakowsky, Ph.D.

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

Denison University is a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio founded in 1831. Among its graduates are former Indiana U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, Hall of Fame Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes, former CEO and Chair of the Walt Disney Company Michael Eisner, and two of Greenwood Village’s most accomplished residents, Mayor Emeritus Ron Rakowsky and retired Air Force Academy Chemistry Professor Margaret Rakowsky, Ph.D.

On June 3, the 2023 Alumni Citation was conferred upon Dr. Margaret Rakowsky at the university’s Alumni Convocation. The Alumni Citation “is awarded to Denisonians who have achieved recognized leadership among their peers through outstanding contributions and services to the professional, civic, or religious life of the nation, or to the advancement of the university.”

Denison described Dr. Rakowsky as “leading a life devoted to education and service,” having followed her attainment of a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Denison with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Riverside, while moving around the country with her husband as he pursued his career as a Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force.

Dr. Rakowsky was described by Denison as, “leading a life devoted to education and service,” having followed her attainment of a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Denison with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Riverside, while moving around the country with her husband as he pursued his career as a Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force.

Along the way, Dr. Rakowsky had two children, Catherine, who also graduated from Denison, and Robert. She was also a founding member of a new

library in Texas, directed the chemistry teaching assistant program at UC Riverside, was a postdoc toral fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., received a Nation al Science Foundation fellowship to conduct research in chemistry at the Universi ty of Denver, taught chem istry at Regis University, University of Colorado Denver, and the Air Force Academy, and served 14 years as an elected member of the board of directors of South Metro Fire Rescue in Colorado. While teaching general, as well as inorganic chemistry, serving as an academic advisor at the Air Force Academy, and commuting 100 miles daily between Greenwood Village and Colorado Springs, Dr. Rakowsky also performed as the Cadet Summer Research Program representative that selected cadets for the CIA, the Defense Forensic Sciences Center, and the National Labs at Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia. She even

Margaret Rakowsky is a 35-year resident of Greenwood Village and the spouse of its former mayor, Ron Rakowsky.

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Orchard Station update: 22-acre Triad complex moving toward foreclosure

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

Bahman Shafa, owner of the three Triad office buildings at 5660, 5670, and 5680 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, adjacent to the Orchard Light Rail Station in Greenwood Village, told The Villager in an exclusive interview that the property is likely proceeding to foreclosure because of the banking environment and market conditions that are outside his control. The property is held under the name Triad Focus LLC.

When he purchased the property in February 2020 for $54 million, which we reported at the time, it was 60% occupied, Shafa explained to us. He “Spent millions of dollars to improve the property. By

April 2023, it was 70% occupied and breaking even financially.” Today, he told is, “It is 77% occupied.”

We reviewed current advertising for the three Triad buildings and calculated the cumulative amount of space currently available for rent to be 95,310 square feet out of 414,831 square feet of rentable space, which constitutes 23% of the total, exactly consistent with what Shafa told us. It is also worth noting that 77% occupancy is as good or better than most other similar office buildings in the area.

Our research also showed that 2022 real estate taxes for the three buildings, totaling $1,064,758, were paid three weeks before they were due and there are no real estate tax delinquencies for the property.

The problem, Shafa told The Villager, is that his loan

came due and he has been unable to renew it on similar terms as those he got three years ago, just before the pandemic. With interest rates having risen precipitously since February 2020 and significantly fewer employees working in offices, “The banking environment has changed. Banks don’t want to lend on office space,” Shafa explained, continuing, “Operations were fine. The problem was that the debt came due. Our lender had no appetite for an extension and there were no new lenders willing to lend a similar amount with the same terms. We really had no options. We are still in talks with the lender, but, as of now, CBRE has been appointed as a receiver.”

He acknowledged that either foreclosure or the execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure are realistic possi-

Cherry Hills City Council affirms its commitment to countering antisemitism

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

After attending the May 2023 Cherry Creek Schools Board of Education regular meeting and hearing students and parents testify about incidents of antisemitism that occurred at Campus Middle School and West Middle School, which multiple residents of Cherry Hills Village and the surrounding area attend, CHV City Council Member Al Blum reported back to the rest of the CHV City Council about his experience.

In response, the CHV City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 19, Series 2023, affirming its commitment to countering antisemitism. The council directed city staff to publish the resolution in CHV’s monthly newsletter, The Crier.

RESOLUTION NO. 19

SERIES OF 2023

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE AFFIRMING A COMMITMENT TO COUNTERING

WHEREAS, an Anti-Defamation League audit found the number of incidents of antisemitism in the United States reached an all-time high in 2022; and

WHEREAS, Colorado ranked twelfth in 2022 and eighth in 2021 among states for the number of reported antisemitic incidents, with the number of reported incidents reaching the highest on record in nearly four decades; and

WHEREAS, antisemitism is counter to the basic American principles of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy and has led to violence and the destruction of lives and communities; and

WHEREAS, we have recently seen an increase in public figures using their platforms to elevate and engage in dangerous antisemitic rhetoric; and

WHEREAS, education and action are essential to prevent the spread of antisemitism, provide strong support to a vulnerable community, and combat toxic hatred that harms not only the

Jewish community but all of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, City Council has become aware of recent reports of students at Campus Middle School drawing antisemitic symbols (swastikas) following its Holocaust presentation on April 28, 2023; and

WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon us all to speak out against anti-Jewish hate, violence against Jews, antisemitism and hate speech of any kind and to stand with our Jewish community members as allies in support and solidarity, strengthening our commitment to greater understanding and dignity for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, COLORADO THAT:

Section 1. That the Cherry Hills Village City Council decries antisemitism, supports the City’s Jewish residents and the Jewish community at large, and affirms its ongoing commitment to counter antisemitism and hate in all its forms

bilities. In either case, his entire investment in the property would be lost.

The three buildings that comprise the Triad, two of which are six stories and one of which is five stories, are considered Class B office space, currently offered for rent at $29/square foot. They are laid out in the form of a hexagon with significant surface parking between them and extending out from them, creating a 22-acre complex. Unique and distinctive in their time, two of the buildings are now 60 years old. The third is 50 years old. Shafa told us that the fact that the space is Class B also makes financing more challenging because there is a significant amount of newer office space available.

The Triad plays an important role in land use planning in Greenwood Village. When the city created the master development plan for the area many years ago, which is still in effect, it called out the Triad

and to cultivate an inclusive city that celebrates both the individuality and commonality of its people.

Section 2. That the City Clerk shall affix the City’s seal to this resolution and that copies be transmitted to the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region, JEWISHColorado, and the Rocky Mountain Rabbis and Cantors.

Section 3. This resolution shall be effective immediately.

Approved at the regular meeting of City Council this 16th day of May, 2023, by a vote of 5 yes and 0 no.

Signed: Kathleen Brown, Mayor

City Council Member Earl Hoellen thanked Councilor Blum for bringing the resolution, which he noted he supported wholeheartedly, adding that, “Cherry Hills Village decries any forms of hate directed at any racial, ethnic, or religious groups, sexual orientation, disabilities, etc. That is what Cherry Hills Village stands for.”

Scott Levin, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region, testified in support of the resolution. He thanked Council Member Blum for bringing the resolution forward and the entire council for supporting it.

Levin said, “There’s been

buildings as the determining factor for the maximum allow

able height for all other build

ings in the area of the Orchard Light Rail Station.

A few short blocks away, the 163,647-square foot former Greenwood Village home of Comcast at 5800 S. Quebec Street was just acquired by Colorado Health and Tech Centers, a company formed by Afshin Safavi, Ph.D., who recently completed one term on the Cherry Hills Village City Council.

Safavi, a research scientist by training, bought the building for $5 million, a bargain compared to the $29 million the Arapahoe County Assessor says it is worth, as well as the $27 million it fetched when it last changed hands 10 years ago.

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

a rise in hate…We’ve had a 36% increase in antisemitic incidents year over year from 2021 to 2022, but more painful than that, in the K-12 schools, it was a 49% increase…To have a governmental body acknowledge its commitment to counter antisemitism—it really is important to us…One of the defining factors of The Holocaust was government’s involvement. The institutions of government allowed that kind of murder and death to take place. In America, and here in Cherry Hills Village, it’s great to know that government is standing up on the side of a targeted group.”

Bahman Shafa bought the Triad in February 2020.

Photo by Freda Miklin

Two of the Triad buildings were built in 1962, the third in 1972.

Photo courtesy of Focus Triad LLC.

Scott Levin, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region testified in favor of CHV’s resolution.

On Wednesday, May 31, 121 members of the Class of 2023 celebrated their high school graduation at Kent Denver’s Commencement ceremony in Chenery Amphitheater. As the first graduates of the school’s second century, the class chose to launch a new Commencement tradition by wearing caps and gowns.

The Class of 2023 chose Sadie Fitzpatrick to deliver the Student Commencement Address. She delighted classmates and attendees with a heartfelt and touching speech about the Kent Denver experience. The faculty address was delivered by history teacher Dr. Sam Gubitz.

Curious where Kent Denver’s newest graduates are headed next year? Find out by visiting the Class of 2023 College Matriculation List at www. kentdenver.org/news.

Photo Credit: Volodymyr Petruniv

Photo Credit: Mary Fran Park

Twins times two! Jackson and Kendall Kozlowski join Janie and Thomas Landgraff as they get ready for the procession.

Photo Credit: Lisa Mortell

ABOVE: Sevilla Montoya, Fairleigh Waxter, Ella Cobb, Avery Martin, Adelle Dhanda, Davis Patteson, Katherine Mellman and Audrey Zuckert celebrate graduation.

Photo Credit: Volodymyr Petruniv

Sutton Damiano and Kathleen Michaud strike a pose.

Photo Credit: Lisa Mortell

Sadie Fitzpatrick delivers the Commencement address.

Photo Credit: Volodymyr Petruniv

ABOVE: Fletcher Craig and Myles Patton celebrate after the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Volodymyr Petruniv

Kate Kechriotis and Andrew Derwin show off their diplomas.

Photo Credit: Volodymyr Petruniv

Rappel down the

Denver Ballet Guild’s 55th Le Bal de Ballet – Elegant. Magical. Meaningful. Non stop entertainment, performances and surprises at Le Bal de Ballet 2023.

Under the leadership of Maura Johnson, an amazing team and volunteers came together to produce an exquisite evening to honor outstanding young women and men in our community. Debutantes and Young Men of Distinction (YMOD) represented 13 high schools. The Ellie Caulkins Opera House (“The Ellie”) at the Denver Performing Arts Complex was the venue for formal presentation of the honorees. Master of Ceremonies was Arthur Espinoza, Jr. Adding to the traditional ceremony was the Mustang Cadet Squadron Color Guard, Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

The tiaras were high and brilliant, the lanyards for the YMOD’s shiny medals were scarlet and the French theme was consistent throughout with breathtaking set designs, red rose floral accents and bouquets. The glamorous audience was especially thrilled with “The City of Blinding Lights” with music by U2 that was choreographed by Colorado Ballet’s Sandra Brown. The Grand Ball at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel featured dinner, the traditional waltz and with a French theme - a surprise Can-Can segment by dancers Mylie Buck, Brooke Janney and Heather Ludlow. Merci! Merci!

Dr. Michael Ho presents his daughter Megan Ho on stage

Andrew “Drew” Damiano with his Debutante daughter Sutton Damiano

Libbey Storey curtsies with a hand from her dad Brian Storey

Ballet

Le Bal de Ballet Chair Maura Johnson with the Debutantes and Young Men of Distinction Class of 2023 Courtesy of Wells Photography

Surrounding Debutante Reagan Digby – Rylee O’Connor, Lindsay O’Connor, Don Digby, Jr. ( first YMOD class 1988), Kelley Digby, Donald “Trey” Digby III (YMOD 2021), Carolyn O’Connor, Terry O’Connor

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Denver Ballet Guild was founded in 1979 and Le Bal de Ballet is its signature fundraiser

Denver Ballet Guild (DBG) is a volunteer-driven organization with more than 450 members working actively in the community to promote and support dance arts through fundraisers and member events. The Guild awards annual grants to local dance companies, sponsors the Showcase of Dance and the Young Dancers Competition. By the numbers – DBG raises over $180K annually to support the Colorado Ballet Community: $85K in grants to

Continued from page 12-13

ten metro Denver dance companies, $45K to Young Dancers Competition of which $28K is awarded to promising young dancers and $44K funds educational outreach programs reaching 7,500+ children. In addition Les Cygnettes, Les Demoiselles and Les Messieurs bring middle and high school students to various dance performances and professional theater events. Information and to become a member: www.denverballetguild.org.

LEFT: Honorary Chair Jane Buckley, Chair Maura Johnson and CoChair Katy Truitt who will Chair 2024

RIGHT: Denver Ballet Guild Presidents Kelli Fisher (2022-23), Allison Dodge (2023-24 whose gown was appropriately embellished with French scenes) and Caroline Rodawig (2024-25)

LEFT: Jane Lauchli surrounded by her parents Lauren and Dr. Geoffrey Smart

LEFT: From Colorado Ballet: Artistic Director Gil Boggs and his wife Sandra Brown (Ballet Mistress and Assistant to the Artistic Director), Nicole Frankel and her husband Sameed Afghani (Executive Director)

David and Dawn Wolf surround daughter Paige

Maura Johnson with daughters Audrey (class of 2016) who sang The National Anthem and Ava (class of 2020) who was Late Night Party DJ

LEFT: Popular Jerry Barnett had a great time with his upbeat orchestra

RIGHT: Don and Beth Green enjoyed the evening

RIGHT: A surprise Can-Can number thrilled the guests

CSI welcomes two new board members

Armen Khadiwala & Mark Osborn

Common Sense Institute (CSI) welcomed Armen Khadiwala and Mark Osborn to the Board of Directors.

“The heart of CSI has always been our board of directors. Their commitment to free enterprise, diversity of experience, and representation of industries across our economy informs our research and makes us stronger,” said Kelly Caufield, Executive Director.

“We are pleased to announce the addition of Mark Osborn and Armen Khadiwala to this group of amazing leaders and we look forward to sharing their perspectives,” continued Caufield.

About

Armen Khadiwala

A near native of Colorado, Armen moved to Littleton from Chicago when he was three years old. He attended Columbine High School and

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The University of Colorado – Boulder. Armen began college studying civil engineering but transferred into the Leeds School of Business after his father passed away. Looking for direction and purpose in life, he joined Northwestern Mutual’s highly accredited internship program in 1998. Conversations about planning for the unforeseen – including protecting loved ones left behind – began to influence how he wanted to build his career.

Armen attained a B.S. in Business with a double degree in finance and marketing. Following graduation, he continued his career with Northwestern Mutual. For the past 11 years, he has served as Managing Director of the Northwestern Mutual DTC Office while maintaining his role as Founder and Principal Wealth Advisor of a private wealth management

firm of Northwestern Mutual. Armen lives in Columbine Valley with his wife Jameela and their two sons, Nico & Dominic. His family and foundation in faith guide his every endeavor, and his mission in life is to serve. He travels frequently, learning and speaking at conferences around the country, and is active on several leadership committees at Northwestern Mutual. Armen takes his responsibility of civic engagement seriously and has most recently been involved with Leadership Program of the Rockies in varying capacities. He was recognized as Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year in 2019 for raising over $380K. Armen chooses to live with gratitude as a central tenet to his life; he gives thanks each day for his and his family's health and to live in our beautiful state of Colorado.

About Mark Osborn

Mark Osborn is a Colorado native with over 20 years of experience in real estate and law. As an attorney, Mark initially worked for a

downtown Denver firm and focused on both civil litigation and real estate transactions. Mark shifted to a business role at Village Homesa Colorado homebuilder and real estate developer. There he managed land acquisitions & sales, community planning, local government approvals, and Metro District / HOA formation & operation.

Following his work at Village, Mark advised and assisted clients as an attorney, a consultant, and a broker in real estate transactions, local government negotiations, and troubled real estate bank loans. More recently, Mark

has overseen family investments as well as trusts and estate administration. Mark is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and the University of Colorado School of Law, and he is a Colorado licensed attorney and real estate broker. Mark and his wife Melissa have three children (who are sixth generation Coloradans) and they live in Denver.

Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise in Colorado and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most to Coloradans. CSI’s mission is to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Coloradans are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives.

THIS DICK TANNER DESIGNED EXECUTIVE HOME IS A SYMPHONY OF STYLE, QUALITY, VOLUME, AND LIVABILITY. ITS UNIQUE FLOORPLAN INCLUDES TWO STUDIES AND A LUXURIOUS GUEST BEDROOM ON THE MAIN FLOOR. WITH ITS SPACIOUS ROOMS, EXQUISITE FIREPLACES, AND EVERY IMAGINABLE AMENITY, IT IS TRULY IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN!! FROM ITS PERCH OVERLOOKING THE VERDANT PRESERVE, A NATURE PRESERVE IN PRESTIGIOUS GREENWOOD VILLAGE, ITS OVER 10,000 PLUS SQUARE FEET OF SPACE, INCLUDING ITS WALKOUT LEVEL, OFFERS AMENITIES AND PRIVACY THAT ARE RARE, EVEN IN THIS UPSCALE COMMUNITY. WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST FENCED YARDS, THE OWNERS HAVE CREATED A VIRTUAL PRIVATE OASIS ON THIS HEAVILY TREED 3/4-ACRE SITE. WITH FIRE PITS AND OUTDOOR KITCHENS ON THE MAIN AND LOWER LEVELS AN EXQUISITE WATERFALL, A POOL AND HOT TUB ONE STILL HAS THE USE OF THE OLYMPIC SIZED POOL, TENNIS COURTS AND WALKING TRAILS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY PRESERVE COMMUNITY. WITH 2 STAIRCASES TO ALL LEVELS, DRAMATIC VOLUMINOUS ROOMS WITH EVERY AMENITY IMAGINABLE, BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORS A FABULOUS STATE OF THE ART GOURMET KITCHEN, A WINE CELLAR, EXERCISE ROOM, EXTENSIVE STORAGE AND AN INTEGRATED THEATRE ROOM... WHY LEAVE HOME?

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How to locate interesting volunteer opportunities in your area

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good organizations or websites for locating interesting volunteer opportunities? I’ve been doing some volunteer work since I retired last year, but most of the jobs I’ve tried haven’t been very fun or satisfying.

Retired Volunteer

Dear Retired,

For many retirees, finding a volunteer opportunity that meets your interests, utilizes your talents and fits your availability can be challenging. To help you find some interesting and satisfying volunteer opportunities, here are some tips and online tools that can help you search.

Getting Started

Volunteering is a great way for retirees to make a positive contribution to their community and stay actively engaged, not to mention it’s good for your health too. But how can you find the

BY DONALD PETERSON

Dear Readers,

What is an annuity and how does it work?

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company under which you make a lump-sum payment or a series of payments. In return, the insurer agrees to make periodic payments to you beginning immediately or at some future date. Annuities typically offer tax-deferred growth or earnings and may include a death benefit that will pay your beneficiary a guaranteed minimum amount, such as your total purchase payments.

There are generally two types of annuities: fixed and variable. In a fixed annuity, the insurance company guarantees that you will earn a minimum rate of interest specified in the annuity contract during the time that your account is growing. The insurance company also guarantees that the periodic payments will be a guaranteed

right opportunity for you?

Start by asking yourself some basic questions like: What types of organizations or activities are you interested in? What kind of skills can you offer a volunteer organization? How much time are you willing to give?

What do you want to gain from your experience (for example, meet new people, learn new skills, help those in need, exposure to a particular issue)?

Once you get a general idea of what you’d like to do, there are dozens of volunteer websites that can help you search for different opportunities in your area and virtually.

Most sites work like search engines that let you choose an area of interest and type in your ZIP code or city and state. The sites will then give you a list of opportunities that you can check

amount per dollar in your account. These periodic payments may last for a definite period, such as 20 years, or an indefinite period, such as your lifetime or the lifetime of you and your spouse.

In a variable annuity, by contrast, you can choose to invest your purchase payments from among a range of different investments options, typically mutual funds. You may direct allocations of your money into separate accounts. The rate of return on your purchase payments, and the amount of the periodic payments you will eventually receive, will vary depending on the performance of the investment options you have selected.

Variable annuities differ from mutual funds in several important ways, such as:

• Variable annuities let you receive periodic payments for the rest of your life. This feature offers protection against the possibility that, after you retire, you will outlive your assets.

• Variable annuities have a death benefit. If you die before the insurer has started making payments to you, your beneficiary is guaranteed to receive a specified amount, which is typically at least the amount of your purchase payments.

• Variable annuities are tax deferred. This means that you pay no taxes on the income and investments

into. Depending on your interest and expertise, here are some top websites to help you get started.

General volunteer sites

To find a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in your community that serve causes like children, animals, seniors, education, health, the arts and more check out sites like VolunteerMatch.org, Engage.PointsofLight.org, IdeaList.org and UnitedWay. org

Retired volunteer sites

If you’re interested in opportunities targeting older adults and retirees, some good options include AARP’s CreateTheGood. org, along with AmeriCorps Seniors (AmeriCorps.gov/ serve/americorps-seniors), which matches retirees with community projects and or-

gains from your annuity until you withdraw your money. Generally, the benefits of tax deferral will outweigh the costs of a variable annuity only if you hold it as a long-term investment to meet retirement and other long-range goals. As with all estate and financial planning, it is a good idea to seek the assistance of an experienced estate plan attorney, or financial planner.

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

ganizations that need experienced volunteer help.

AmeriCorps Seniors offers three different programs: RSVP, which has a variety of volunteer activities with flexible time commitments; the Senior Companion Program that brings together volunteers with homebound seniors who have difficulty with dayto-day living tasks; and the Foster Grandparent Program that matchers volunteers with kids in the community that have exceptional needs.

Niche volunteer sites

There are also a number of niche websites to help you look for specific types of volunteer opportunities in your area. For example, to find natural and cultural volunteer opportunities in places like national and state parks, see Volunteer. gov. If you’re interested in emergency preparedness and disaster response volunteer services, try Ready.gov or RedCross.org. If you have

or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package:

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney;

2. General Financial Power of Attorney;

3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and

4. Will (or a Will with a Trust). Careful medical/estate planning should include preparation and signing of these documents, to accomplish your goals and protect you, both during your lifetime, and at the time of passing. The Power of Attorney

a knack for construction or have an interest in learning about interior design, see Habitat.org. Or, if you’re interested in longer-term volunteer opportunities check out AmeriCorps.gov and PeaceCorps.gov/50plus, which offers three-month to two-year programs in the U.S and abroad.

Professional volunteer sites

If you have expertise in areas like business planning and development, marketing, communications, finance, fundraising, web and graphic design, or writing and editing there are sites like Catchafire.org and TaprootPlus.org that can link you to volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations in need. Or you can help entrepreneurs and small business owners through the SCORE. org volunteer mentoring program.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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 17: Annuities, Rebecca L. Franciscus, Esq.), which is a copyrighted publication and may be accessed and downloaded for free at: www.cobar.org/Forthe-Public/Senior-Law-Handbook

Question for Brown: How much is enough?

Bruce Brown has a decision to make after the National Basketball Association’s free agency period begins tomorrow. It’s a choice we all wish we could have.

Does he re-sign with the Nuggets for the most they can pay him under the NBA’s salary limits for the coming season—just short of $8 million—and, in the process, secure a shot at another NBA championship?

Or does he cashin on his freedom and take the most money from whatever team will pay it—even if it means foregoing a shot at another league title, maybe ever? (Or betting on a team that’s thought to be building toward a title.)

Ask a pro athlete in any sport what’s most important to him (or her), and almost unanimously the answer is: “A chance to win.”

Implicit in that answer is “a ring,” as in the jewelry players receive when they’re part of a champion.

But another question crosses my mind whenever a pro faces the kind of choice in front of Bruce Brown: How much is enough?

I don’t know about you, but in what I consider a good career, I never once had the chance for a million-dollar payday, let alone one worth almost $8 million.

In fact, while I haven’t added up my lifetime earnings, I’m certain they wouldn’t equal what Brown already has made in his best season so far.

He has called Denver a “perfect fit” for his game and has spoken glowingly of coach Michael Malone as maximizing his talents. During the downtown celebration of the Nuggets’ first NBA title, he sounded a lot like he wanted to return to the Nuggets.

But this raises that question again: How much is enough?

The demise of most championship teams can be traced to their inability to retain the players who were key to winning.

Nazem Kadri took the money Calgary offered, for example, and that, combined with injuries and other subtractions, rendered the Avalanche unable to defend their Stanley Cup.

The Nuggets are unusual in that their entire starting five is under contract for 2023-24 and, thus, should be equipped for an encore.

Only Brown and sea-

soned veteran Jeff Green are uncertain among the top eight—’22 first-rounder

Christian Braun still under his rookie contract as he enters his second season in the league.

Another championship is not guaranteed, of course. But the Nuggets appear to be in a strong position as they approach their title defense. If he returns, Brown could find himself basking in the euphoria of another title.

But, once again, how much is enough.

Almost 20 years ago, I wrote a book with former All-American Jay Leeuwenburg, who was a starter on Bill McCartney’s national champion football team at the University of Colorado, then played nine years in the National Football League— all with type 1 diabetes.

Jay was one of the NFL’s first big-money free agents, signing with Indianapolis after the 1995 season for $6.3 million over four years. That’s less than Bruce Brown passed up a few weeks ago by declining his player option with the Nuggets, but at the time it made Leeuwenburg the highest-paid center in the NFL.

As much as $6.3 million is, though, Jay showed me that it’s a lot less than it sounds once you deduct your agent’s share and pay your taxes.

The point is that Bruce

Brown, whatever he ultimately signs for, won’t make that much himself.

But, again, how much is enough? And, I’d add, what else matters?

Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth has shown himself to be a smart, shrewd architect when it comes to building a championship roster. Last year, he traded for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and signed Bruce Brown, for example.

And he found a way to transform last week’s NBA Draft from barren to possibly fruitful.

So, I won’t be surprised if he finds a way to convince Brown to cast his lot once again with Denver.

One creative way would be to sign Brown for as much as he can for next season and agree to another player option for the following one—which Brown could again decline, believing the Nuggets will make good with a richer, long-term deal. A four-year deal with an initial salary of $14 million would be possible.

That, of course, would require commitment from the Nuggets, trust from Brown, and acceptance of less than he could make elsewhere in the coming season.

How much is enough?

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

ONE CHERRY LANE

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9 SUNRISE DRIVE, THE RESERVE IN CHERRY HILLS: ON 1.72 PARK LIKE ACRE. INCREDIBLE ENTRY LEVEL PRICING FOR CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CONTEMPORARY STYLING, PRIMARY BEDROOM WITH HIS AND HERS PRIVATE BATHS. SOLD $2,221,000 BUYER NEED : HOME IN CHERRY HILLS ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE AREA, APPROXIMATELY ONE ACRE. UP TO $3,500,000. CALL ME WITH INFORMATION BUYER IS READY TO BUY!!

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ONE OF THE FINEST, BEST CONSTRUCTED HOMES IN GREENWOOD VILLAGE OR CHERRY HILLS. TRADITIONAL DESIGN,VOLUMINOUS SPACES, 2 STUDIES PLUS A GUEST BEDROOM ON THE MAIN FLOOR,

Pad Based Red Light Therapy is HOT now!

Aids in digestion

Acid helps break down food. That’s why there’s so much of it in our stomachs. The acid in lemons may be especially helpful in supplementing stomach acid levels, which tend to decline as we age.

Helps you stay hydrated

Most of us don’t drink enough water. A daily lemon water habit is an easy way to get your day off on the right foot. How do you know if you’re drinking enough? Your urine is almost clear.

Weight-loss friendly

We’re creatures of habit. Ponder the impact of replacing your morning OJ or latte with lemon water. Not just once, but perhaps 20 times a month — and multiply that by 10 years. Your waist line will thank you.

Prevents oxidation

Like all produce, lemons contain phytonutrients, which protect your body against disease. These phytonutrients have powerful antioxidant properties,

Melinda Luke

which prevent cell damage from oxidation, the same mechanism that causes rust.

Supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C Juice half a lemon into your water and you’ll add a mere 6 calories to your diet. Plus you’ll get more than a sixth of your daily vitamin C, which is needed to protect us from cell damage and repair injury.

Provides a potassium boost Your body can’t function without potassium.

It’s necessary for nerve-muscle communication, transporting nutrients and waste and blood pressure regulation. Fruits and vegetables are important sources of potassium.

Helps prevent kidney stones

Lemon water helps prevent painful stones in those deficient in urinary citrate (a form of citric acid). More importantly, increased fluids help prevent dehydration — a common cause of kidney stones.

Coach

Melinda Luke

I’m Melinda Luke, Integrative Health Coach. After supporting women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for many years I wanted to have a space to help women with weight-loss on a local level.

At Castle Rock Contouring I have the most advanced, pad designed Red Light Technology to target arms, abdomen, back, thighs, and face in EACH SESSION!

Helping Castle Rock Area Residents Lose a Dress or Pant Size

Contour Light is FDA cleared which means they acknowledge that a reduction of at least 2 inches will take place with each session. It is liquifying the fat which releases into waste. The pads have a reflective surface which traps and redirects light energy into the tissue. There is no other LED based system available on the market that delivers and retains more mid-600 nm and infrared light energy. At

2 inches in your first session. There are so many wonderful benefits to red light therapy! Each session is followed up with 10 minutes on a vibration plate and a discussion about your food intake as our Health Coach can possibly give you some suggestions that could really help you in your weight-loss

I’m Melinda Luke, Integrative Health Coach. After supporting women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for many years I wanted to have a space to help women with weight-loss on a

I have the most advanced, pad designed Red Light Technology to target arms, abdomen, back, Contour Light is FDA cleared which means they acknowledge that a reduction of at least 2 inches will take place with each session. It is liquifying the fat which releases into waste. The pads have a reflective surface which traps and redirects light energy into the tissue. There is no other LED based system available on the market that delivers and retains more mid-600 nm and infrared light energy.

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The importance of weddings

I have attended many weddings recently as June is the most popular month to get married. I have been thinking about these amazing events with great interest and curiosity.

Because weddings are so expensive, there are many who are choosing to skip the event and put the money that would have been spent on a wedding into a down payment on a house or pay down school debt. There is a debate about this skipping the wedding trend. My wondering is, why are weddings important. What I discovered is that a wedding has several purposes. One purpose is to celebrate marriage in the community increasing its visibility and value. Young people are not being taught about marriage or family formation. I recently asked a large conference of educators how many of them talk about marriage and family as a life goal with their students. Not one hand was raised. No wonder marriage rates are trending downward. Weddings and marriage have been replaced by sliding into relationships, casual sex and cohabitation which has become the social norm. According to researcher and author, Kay Hymowitz, there are two Americas, those who marry and those who do not, depending on educational achievement and financial resources. Her book entitled,

Marriage and Caste in America, Hymowitz outlines this cultural shift. A new book entitled, The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind, by economist Melissa Kearney explains how marriage is important to financial and educational success. According to both these scholarly books, marriage is a prosocial stabilizer and is good for one’s health.

Marriage is important and weddings are essential since one of the purposes of this celebration is to showcase the thoughtful, intentional, and public commitment of two individuals in the presence of family and friends. The most valuable purpose of a wedding is to provide a ceremony of spoken promises before God or state officials and witnesses. The couple recites their vows to each other asking the community of people in attendance to support and mentor them. At my children’s weddings, after the vows were spoken to one another, the officiant asked the guests to stand and pledge with an “I do” as well. The attendees promised to support guide, mentor, and be available to assist these couples in their commitment to one another because, after every wedding comes a marriage with all the ups and downs of life adventures and obstacles.

One of the ways we, as a nation, can continue this tradition of weddings and the celebration of a marriage without the tremendous price tag is to ask organizations to host the wedding ceremony allowing the couple to have as many guests as they desire. After the ceremony they can host a celebratory punch and cake event in the reception

area. In this way the guests can witness this amazing life transition event and offer support in the years ahead without going into debt. The more guests who witness this life transition and the promise to care for one another, the more the couple feels supported and loved. After all, love, support, family and community development is the real purpose of a marriage and a wedding. joneen@myrelation shipcenter.org

Jordan Lewis, Esq. #50198

Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 303-636-1883

Case No: 22JV423 Division: 34 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT PLEASE

an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT FATHER, JUAN HERNANDEZ DELACRUZ, is set for July 26, 2023 at 10:45 a.m. in Division 34 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(ren) dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.

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

• https://judicial.webex.com/meet/

D18-ARAP-Div34

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

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

If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664. When prompted enter Access code: 2594 408 0614 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).

If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Dated this 20th day of June 2023. Jordan

80112. The Court requests that you to be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin, in order for you to discuss the case with an attorney and/or caseworker, if you wish to do so.

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:

• https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div22

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

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

• If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664.

When prompted enter Access code: 2594 887 9073 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).

YOU ARE FURTHER

COMMANDED to appear before

the Court at said time and place, either in person or by 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: June 22, 2023 Erinn Walz, Esq. #43200

Assistant County Attorney Attorney for Petitioner (303) 636-1821

Published in The Villager

Published: June 29, 2023

Legal # 11248

MISCELLANOUS

NOTICE:

The Annual return of the Lewan Family Foundation, a private foundation, is available for inspection during regular business hours at 1400 S. Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80222 by any citizen who requests it within 180 days after the date of this notice. Foundation manager is Kimberly Laydon.

Published in The Villager

Published: June 29, 2023 Legal # 11249

PARK MEADOWS SUMMER

SUNSET SERIES

Thursdays, 4- 9 p.m. JUNE 29, JULY 13, JULY 27 AUG. 10, AUG.

24. Enjoy a summer sunset stroll in the Vistas at Park Meadows with a cocktail in hand, live music, shopping, photo ops, activities for kids and a chance to win a summer get away.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA

ROMEO & JULIET

William Shakespeare’s famous love story told through the romantic melodies of Charles Gounod.

Performances June 24, 30, 7 p.m.; July 2, 8, 2 p.m. July 12, 15, 21, 28, 30 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 2, 4 at 7 p.m. Buy tickets from centralcityopera.org

ART SMART SUMMER

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

GREATER ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

RIBBON CUTTING

JUNE 30, Broadway Collective, 4045 S. Broadway, Englewood. Free and open to the public. RSVP: info@ myenglewoodchamber.com

VETERANS STAND DOWN

EVENT

JUNE 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Arapahoe County Fairgrounds East Hall. For Veterans and those currently serving in the military. Food, resources, a job fair, and more. Questions? Call 303738-7892 or 303-738-8047

19TH ANNUAL MILE HIGH INTERNATIONAL PASTEL EXHIBITION

MAY 12-JULY 1. Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30, Sat. 10-4 Hosted by Curtis Center for the Arts. Showcasing 85 paintings in a variety of styles and subject matter in partnership with the Pastel Society of Colorado. This year’s juror is Aaron Shue, an accomplished pastel artist from Montana. He chose 85 pieces from 328 entries submitted by 117 artists from across the country. The works are on display and free to view.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR

JULY 27-30. Be a volunteer! Visit arapahoegov.com/volunteer for details.

DENVER LYRIC OPERA

GUILD DLOG SUMMER

PARTY

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN

LINCOLN DAY PICNIC

AUGUST 19. 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Wiens Ranch. Couples $60.

CANCER LEAGUE 5K RUN & WALK

SUNDAY, AUG. 20. 27th Annual Race 4 Research at Washington Park. Register www.cancerleague.org or call 303-281-9864.

CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO OVER THE EDGE

SEPT. 7-9. Join in the fight against cancer by repelling down McGregor Square. Registration now open for 2023. www.cancerleague.org or Call 303-281-9864.

TAPS: TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS WESTERNTHEMED GALA

SEPT. 9 at Wings Over the Rockies. Founders, Lynne and Bo Cottrell, in 2005 will be honored. The Cottrell’s will be stepping down as directors of the event. The event raises funds

for military survivors. Featuring country legend Pam Tillis and singer/ songwriter Gary Morris. Also a special performance by Frank Moscato, an American Idol Gold Ticket winner.

INFO: visit TAPS.org/Colorado

WHAT’S NEW?

Break Bread LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer to serve two warm, freshly cooked meals each week. Options include food prep, serving meals, walking meals to neighbors close by driving meals stop families without transportation access, or hosting a table. Call 720-335-5525 or sign up online at break-bread.org/volunteer. Check them out on Wednesday evenings for to-go meals or Sat. evenings from 4-6 p.m. at 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Money donations are also needed for the 400 meals provided every week. $145 feeds a family of 4 twice a week for a month. $1750 nourishes 1 table once a week for an entire year.

Get a jump on your Independence Day celebrations with fantastic music from the Arapahoe Phil harmonic and wonderful food and drinks from Breckenridge Brewery! Enjoy patriotic symphonic classics like William Tell , 1812 Overture, and Stars and Stripes Forever and music from your favorite movies and TV shows including Back to the Future, The Mandalorian, Fro zen and more! This exciting evening celebrating American spirit, culture, and ingenuity will be capped off with fireworks!* Get your tickets early, they will sell out! This event is rain or shine, so bring a poncho if rain is forecast. No refunds will be offered in the case of inclement weather.

*Fireworks are dependent on local fire regulations. Should City of Littleton not permit fireworks on the day of concert due to drought conditions, no refunds will be given.

BUY YOUR TICKETS

General Admission

Adults: $40

Seniors: $34

Students: $20

Children (12 and under): $13

Tickets and Seating

Concert will take place in the Farmhouse Beer Garden. Doors open at 7:00pm.

Food and drink are not included in your ticket and will be available for purchase from the Breckenridge Brewery bar and food truck.

- Outside food and beverages are not allowed.