8-17-23 Villager

Rappel down the McGregor Square bridge!

Life class 101

“We need a mandatory class in high school for all students that teaches basic finance and life skills.”

In my thirty years as an educator, I’ve heard many suggestions from people outside education about what “schools should really be doing.” Ideas range from personal finance to basic household maintenance to interpersonal communication and letter writing. It surprises me how many people are upset that “kids today can’t change a tire or balance their checkbook anymore.” I smile and nod politely as I struggle to remember where my checkbook even is or whether I’ve changed a tire since I was about sixteen.

Sometimes these concerns rise to the legislative and policy-making level, as in Oklahoma which last year proposed a law requiring all high schools to teach a class called “Adulting 101.” Yes, the term adult has now become a verb, and apparently there’s a curriculum that will teach everything a person needs to do to become a licensed practicing adult. The proposed class covered all manner of useful life skills from finance to home repair, and it pledged to teach young people all the soft skills they will need to be successful adults.

Granted, there is value in teaching the basics of personal finance, especially for young people going off to college or entering the workforce. My daughter was genuinely shocked when we received the long-term payments for her college loan offer recently. “How is it even possible?” she reasonably wondered, that people end up paying so much in interest to borrow money. And she’s an honors student who has taken AP micro and macro economics. When the theoretical becomes personal, and young people face the prospect of incurring five and six-figure debt by the time they’re twenty-years old, the intricacies of high finance become all too real.

That said, no high school class will magically prepare students for all the challenges they will face in their adult lives. Schools could devote a semester or a year to teach teenagers about variable interest rates and escrow, about compound interest and mortgage deductions, about all the byzantine intricacies of their credit card agreements. But that would be as big a waste of time as teaching all kids to change a tire or install a dishwasher. In reality, no one will remember those details years later, any more than they remember the plot of the Great Gatsby, the dates of major battles in all of America’s wars, or the countless formulas from algebra and physics class. When a consumer takes out a loan

to buy a house or a car, they want to know and understand one thing – what’s the monthly payment.

People believe students need a financial literacy class so they can understand the economy and make wise decisions about credit and interest rates and risk. Yet, wasn’t the housing and subprime crash of 2008 fueled by people who knew finance better than anyone? They still made bad decisions. Studying government for a semester doesn’t make

people better citizens, nor does a couple years of world language make people fluent. And no one learns to change their oil anymore because they don’t need to. In fact, with computerized cars and hybrid-electric models, it’s almost impossible for car owners to tinker with the engine anymore.

For as long as schools have existed, students have inevitably asked, “When am I going to use this?” For most content, the answer is likely never. School is not simply a utilitarian training course of useful skills that barely require a twenty-minute tutorial, much less a semester class. Few of us ever use much of the information we encountered in twelve years of public school. But we all use the well-developed brains and temperaments that were cultivated during the long process of growing up and going to school.

A classical liberal arts ed-

C NVERSATIONS

ucation, upon which modern school systems are grounded, is in fact Life 101. It’s about working with people, meeting responsibilities, opening the mind to new ideas, learning foundational theories and skills. Requiring a class like “Life 101” to teach check balancing and tire changing is based on the naive belief that education is simply utilitarian, practical, and indelible. And expecting that once we learn something we never forget it is completely unrealistic. So, the next time someone suggests young people need a class in Life Skills 101, remind them we already have one. It’s called the K12 education system and simply growing up.

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

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Time to hit the trails!

Lace up your sneaks for a timed 5K trail run presented by Les Schwab Tires, beginning at Tagawa Gardens and running along the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. Funds support trail maintenance and Arapahoe County Open Spaces. Includes dinner, craft beer or sports drink, and live music at the finish line. Walkers and all ages welcome!

Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Get details: arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/ 5ktrailrun

Help expand awareness of drug abuse and overdose

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on Aug. 31 that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends by remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose.

Visit overdoseday.com

Bring a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy a movie under the stars at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora. Featuring “Back to the Future” on Sept. 7 and “Maverick” on Sept. 14, with pre-movie activities, giveaways, and live entertainment. Screenings are in partnership with Arapahoe Libraries.

Tickets are $5 online / $7 at the door. 2 & under free. Details and tickets at arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/picturesontheplains

Visit

School is not simply a utilitarian training course of useful skills that barely require a twenty-minute tutorial, much less a semester class. Few of us ever use much of the information we encountered in twelve years of public school.

Family movie night at the Fairgrounds

Received the sad news that longtime Greenwood Village resident John Fielder, now residing amidst the magnificent Colorado Rocky Mountains in Summit County, has succumbed to pancreatic cancer at age 73.

I treasure my Fielder books of majestic mountains. Among my favorite of his massive works of 200,000 negatives is the book, “Colorado 1870 to 2000.” He explored the exact locations of 19th century photographer William Henry Jackson when Colorado was still a territory with 39,864 residents, mostly miners seeking gold. Fielder photographed the locations of Jackson’s

Geological Survey photos and created a twin comparison at the start of the 21st century when the state had reached a population of 4.3 million.

BY BOB SWEENEY

He has donated a massive collection of 6,000 photos to History Colorado and the people of Colorado. History Colorado had a Fielder exhibition in July of his favorite places entitled, “Revealed.”

Fielder is survived by his two daughters Ashley and Katy and six grandchildren. His wife Gigi succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease in 2006 and he lost his son J.T. in 2006.

It would be a nice gesture for Cancer League of Colorado to honor

Fielder at their next annual Hope Ball. John Fielder is certainly deserving of the accolades. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sierra Club, Conservation Colorado, Colorado Open Lands, and Save the Colorado.

A private family memorial will be held in the future.

Rest is peace John Fielder.

***

Another community leader and educator, former Cherry Creek and Denver School Superintendent Richard P. Koeppe passed away March 3, 2023. He was one of many outstanding Cherry Creek School Superintendents that made “Blue Ribbon,” CCSD one of the best

school districts in the United States. “Dick” Koeppe’s continuing career led him to also become Superintendent for Denver Public Schools where he exceled.

He is survived by his wife, Lucretia; and three adult children, Julie, Erik, and John and three grandchildren Jonah, Sophie, and Noah. Dick requested that no public service be held. He is interred at Fairmount Cemetery. His many students, teachers, and friends pay him high homage for his service.

***

Fed policy has profound effect on banks and business

Banks earn on the margin between cost of funds (deposit cost) and income from asset (loans and bonds). When the Fed Reserve raised rates 525 basis points in a year, the cost of funds or the amount banks pay to depositors went up in step. Bank costs rose substantially and reduced margin.

Usually bank asset returns (income on loans) would also increase. That is, a bank could raise loan rates and maintain a margin over its cost of deposits.

Not this time. The long end of the yield curve

did not go up. Therefor bank net interest margin is squeezed. Ironically, higher loan rates depress loan generation.

Expect bank earning reports to be down from last year. Banks are still making money, just not as much as before.

The Fed Reserves

monetary policy decision, to raise rates, bludgeons all banks into doing less business, fewer loans, and forces some banks to look for other, perhaps riskier, forms of investment income. SVB comes to mind.

The Fed’s monetary decision on rate increases is negative for free enterprise, the private economy and every working citizen. As banks curtail lending, businesses are unable to expand, and fewer people get jobs. This is what Powell is doing. He is beating the free enterprise system with a club.

The Fed could use an-

other tool to curb inflation without hurting banks, businesses or citizens. They could reduce the money supply, the liquidity, that the Fed pumped into the economy by taking on federal debt. Absolutely massive debt.

If the Federal Reserve reduced monetary liquidity, they would force Congress to reduce federal spending. That would reduce the effect of government intervention in free markets and allow the private economy to do what it does best: create profits, jobs and prosperity.

PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

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

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

2020 Member

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.

– Dwight D. Eisenhower

Hopping through the South Pacific islands

My latest travel adventure with my globetrotting son was to the South Pacific. It was a fun trip, adding three new countries to our travel tallies. Today I will write an overview of the trip and in my next column I will be get into more specifics.

We took United Airline’s Island Hopper route, launched in 1968. Their Boeing 737-800 plane travels three times per week between Honolulu and Guam, with many stops in between the initial and final destinations. The flight is similar to the “hop-on hop-off” bus tours offered in many major cities.

The first leg of our Island Hopper was from Honolulu to Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands where we disembarked and spent the day until catching the next day’s flight onward.

The next segment brought us to the Bucholz Army Garrison, still in the Marshall Islands, where America tracks foreign missiles and tests our own

BY BRIAN C. JOONDEPH

missiles and rockets. Passengers cannot disembark unless they have official business at the Army base.

Next stop was Kosrae, in the Federated States of Micronesia. We stayed on the plane until the next stop of Pohnpei, Micronesia. The country’s capitol is on this island as well as some fun places to visit, which I will discuss in my next column. It was hot and humid, typical for a tropical rainforest island.

After two days we flew to Guam, the flight stopping briefly in Chuuk, Micronesia, a favorite spot for divers due to hundreds of ships and aircraft in the surrounding waters. Chuuk was home to a “reverse” Pearl Harbor attack where American forces launched a surprise attack on the Japanese fleet.

We ended the day’s journey in Guam, a US territory. Those born in Guam are US citizens but cannot vote in US presidential elections and have no represen-

tation in Congress. I often feel the same way. Guam is the tip of the American spear in the Western Pacific with large Air Force, Navy, and Marine bases.

Our last island was Palau, a two-hour flight southwest of Guam, close to the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Palau is so far west that it sits over the middle of Australia.

A country of over 500 tropical islands, we landed in Koror, Palau’s commercial center. It’s known for scuba diving and snorkeling and was the location for the television show Survivor in 2005.

After two days in Palau, we made a very long journey home, two hours to Guam, then 7 hours to Honolulu, and another 7 hours to Denver.

These South Pacific islands are beautiful and certainly off the beaten path, but not as luxurious as one would find in Hawaii or Bora Bora for example. But if you are looking for more adventure than luxury, the Island Hopper is a great way to see a chunk of the South Pacific.

Littleton Elks #1650 help provide backpacks with school supplies to area children

The Littleton Elks Lodge #1650, along with Integrated Family Community Services (IFCS), sponsored 42 out of 300 backpacks for children in the area. The Littleton Elks Youth Committee, through fund raising within the Lodge and individual lodge member contributions, were able to supply the backpacks full

of grade-specific school supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, folders and crayons. Children from the Littleton, Englewood and Sheraton Colorado area school districts apply to receive one of these backpacks.

IFCS partners with Roonga to procure school supplies at a deep discount. This partnership makes dollars go farther and ensure every

proudly introduces Patrice Matteson owner of RedVintageApron

child gets exactly what their classrooms require.

“I am proud that Littleton Elks #1650 prioritize the educational needs of our K-8 community members, as an early love of learning sets these students up for success in the future, elevating the success of the entire community,” said Littleton Elks Youth Committee chairperson Tanya Apel.

I have always loved vintage and antiques. From spending time with grandparents in Eastern Colorado to visiting my aunt’s antique store in Arkansas, I have loved farms, barns, vintage kitchen items, and chippy paint. There is something special about the warmth and simplicity of ages past. I am always on the hunt to find unique farmhouse chic, rustic, and mid-modern home decor. As I travel through the country, I seek out quaint items found in barns, small town shops, estate sales and one of my favorite…church

bazaars (the homemade pies are the best!)

One customer asked what my theme in the store was and I replied, “Things I love.” Each piece is selected by myself to provide warm memories, charm, patina, and offer a unique and eclectic decorating style. Maybe you’ll find that one special piece you are looking for to complete a collection or maybe start one. I hope the hunt for your special item is fun for you and your friends!

I’m looking forward to seeing you soon at the “Red Apron Vintage!”

Patrice Matteson

Each piece is selected by myself to provide warm memories, charm, patina, and offer a unique and eclectic decorating style.

– Patrice

Patrice

Nathan Yip Foundation features afternoon gourmet treats and car collection viewing It’s the season for fundraising Garden Parties

Linda Yip to be honored as Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Colorado on September 28!

Starry Starry Night of elegance in Cherry Hills Village

100% of funds raised from the event, including silent and live auctions and paddle raise, will support the Shining Stars Foundation, helping to restore dignity to children living with cancer or another life-threatening illness.

Event CoChairs Holly Reef and Robin Brown

LEFT: CEO and Founder of 20 year-old Shining Stars Foundation Kathy Gingery and Honorary Chair Michael Ditchfield

RIGHT: Honorary Chair, Title Sponsor and Event Host Arlene Mohler Johnson with son Scott Mohler and daughter-in-law Becky from Ohio

BELOW: Mandi and Kyle Henderson, Delinda and Peter Fatianow

Nathan Yip Foundation (NYF) raises funds to change the lives of students in rural Colorado schools grades K-12.

ABOVE: Janet Kritzer, Margot Gilbert Frank, Jim Wilkerson, Beverlee Henry Fullerton

Photos by Scottie Iverson

RIGHT: Mieko Nakamura, Mary Justice Thomasson, Elizabeth Gierbolini

FAR RIGHT: Jimmy Yip enjoys one of Kent Miller’s many car collection garages

NYF Founders Jimmy and Linda Yip with hosts Kent and Dr. Leslie Miller

Photos by Pam Cress

LIquor licenses approved for two new restaurants in the King Soopers center at Belleview and Yosemite

BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER

At its regular meeting on June 5, the Greenwood Village City Council unanimously approved the issuance of liquor licenses for Oliver’s, an Italian eatery under construction at 4950 S. Yosemite Street, Suite F3, and Morning Story, a breakfast/lunch restaurant now open at 4930 S. Yosemite Street Suite D1C.

Although they are separate companies, the two sole corporate officers of the entity that owns Morning Story, James P. Gregory and Jessen Gregory Perko, are two of the four corporate officers of the entity that owns Oliver’s.

At the hearing, GV went through its standard procedures of ensuring that all necessary research has been completed and documented, and all legal requirements have been met for the issuance of the two liquor licenses.

The city council took testimony from James Gregory, an owner of both businesses, who is also a practicing attorney. Mr. Gregory explained that liquor sales would constitute less than 10 percent of Morning Story’s business, but he believed the liquor license was important so as “to have the availability for those people who want alcohol (because) the demand from the community is there and all of our competitors in the area offer it.”

He also confirmed that he is an owner of three other similar establishments that have liquor licenses and none of them have had any legal issues with the jurisdictions in which they are located because he takes great care to make sure staff members who serve alcohol get proper training to do so.

Mr. Sean Huggard, one of the owners of Oliver’s also testified to the council. Mr. Huggard told the council he currently manages two other restaurants, one in Denver and one in Lone Tree, that serve liquor, and he has been in this business for 20 years. Oliver’s, he explained, “will be an upscale Italian restaurant, somewhat family friendly, but with a little bit of a higher price point,” and will include, among its features, “a Roman-style pizza that is not done anywhere else in Colorado, a really great chicken parmesan, and a raw bar.”

Council Member Judith Hilton reminded both Mr. Gregory and Mr. Huggard to make sure they don’t sell alcohol to any students from

nearby

Attorney

cense, Mr. Huggard answered, smiling, “I think red wine and spaghetti go together.” In response to a question from the city council, he confirmed that all patrons aged 50 and under are required to provide identification to order alcohol.

Oliver’s Italian is expected to open in early October.

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

Cherry Creek High School who might attempt to purchase it.

Loren Brown appeared with both Mr. Huggard and Mr. Gregory as

their representative. Asked by Mr. Brown why he thinks Oliver’s needs a liquor li-

Morning Story Restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch.

Photos by Freda Miklin

Villager Front Pg

Centennial Traffic Box Wrap Project winners

In 2021, Centennial began installing murals on traffic boxes across the city. These boxes reflected the city's values: neighborhoods matter, education is embraced, businesses are valued and innovation absolute. In March 2023, the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation (CACF) partnered with the city to create a “Call

For Artists” to participate in the Traffic Box Wrap project. This marks the first opportunity for CACF to work with the City of

Smoky Hill Road

Jaclyn Garrett, Strasburg

Centennial to bring art to public places, include local artists in the process and have Centennial residents play a part in selecting the winners. In April, CACF reached out to the community looking for volunteers to be on the selection committee to review and rank the entries. 25 artists submitted entries for this Traffic Box Wrap project. Artists

The winning artists for the 2023 Centennial Traffic Box Wrap project

were to create six proposed art wraps for three different locations: Smoky Hill Road, the intersection area at Dry Creek and Chester and Colorado Blvd from Arapahoe Road to Dry Creek Road. In June, all entries were submitted and reviewed by the selection committee made up of 17 volunteers from the community. The winners were announced at the Centennial Under The Stars event on August 12, 2023. The Traffic Box Wraps are expected to be installed in the fall. It is anticipated that this will be an annual event for the City of Centennial.

Annual Centennial Under the Stars

A community favorite for the past 17 years, Centennial Under the Stars had all the makings of a memorable summer celebration for the whole family. The event brought vendors, musicians and community organizations to Centennial Center Park’s award-winning amphitheater—kicking off with live tunes from Libelula The Band featuring Wrenn and Ian, performing a mix of funk and groove with R&B and jazz, followed by 6 Million Dollar Band, the event’s headliner and Colorado’s premier 80s dance band.

Jaclyn Garrett

“This project is a fun way to add art to the community where I grew up. My favorite memories have had the beautiful mountains and Colorado scenery in the background, so I used that as an inspiration. I earned my Art Degree from Metro State but have been an artist since childhood and love sharing it, especially with kids and my own bright and creative daughters. This has been an amazing opportunity. I am honored to have my work selected to be a part of a city that has given so much to me.” -

Colorado Blvd

Steve Riecks, Highlands Ranch

Steve Riecks has lived all over the world sharing his artistic talent. It was when he moved to Colorado that he fell in love with the wildlife and beauty of the Rocky Mountains. He studied fine art and graphic design at Colorado State University and graduated with a Fine Arts degree. “As a wild life artist, I like to capture a glimpse of the constantly changing world and illustrate a moment in time through my paintings. I hope to show people the beauty I see in God’s creation.”

Dry Creek and Chester

Liz Cunningham, Lone Tree

Families and friends didn’t run out of things to enjoy throughout the evening, with the variety of family activities available, including free face painting, Ninja Nation’s obstacle course and more. Food and beverages were available for purchase. It was a wonderful event that wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our event sponsors: Jacobs, Arapahoe County, Centennial Hospital, Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry, and Centennial Center Park Wifi Partner, Ting.

ABOVE: Jaclyn Garrett, City Council Woman, Tammy Maurer, Mrs. Colorado 2022 Natalie Oliver-Atherton, Mayor Stephanie Piko, former City Council Woman, Kathy Turley, winner, Steve Riecks, Rob Johnston, President of Centennial Rotary

LEFT: Mayor Stephanie Piko, and winner, Jaclyn Garrett

direct client care to provide custom wheelchair seating. This process involves plaster work

Liz is a seating technician

thermoforming. Being able to help someone in need is a constant inspiration. “I am so thrilled to have my work seen by the public! May we all continue to explore during the day and the night. How lucky we are that get to do all of these with the mountains in sight.”

Dentistry,

Centennial Center Park Wifi Partner, Ting

Rob Johnston, President of Centennial Rotary, founders of the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation: Tammy Maurer, Mayor Stephanie Piko and Kathy Turley

that engages in

and plastic

Meet the artists of

Art On The Green

Kim Harrell

How/ when did you know you liked creating art?

As a kid I always loved making things. My mother is a great seamstress, as was her mother, and she always had little projects for us to do during the holidays. I always enjoyed art activities in elementary school and I remember making a mud/adobe Pueblo structure as part of a project which I was especially proud of.

What inspires your creativity?

Anything that catches my eye especially, landscapes, the ground I walk upon, artworks, architecture and of course being in nature. I am inspired by the lines, shapes and forms I see.

What is your favorite piece of art by you or someone else?

The last piece I made or the last piece I bought by someone else!

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?

I love making something out of ‘nothing’ and I love teaching beginners how amazing metal is!

Richard Rodriguez

How/ when did you know you liked creating art?

In 4th grade, I painted one of my first pieces, “Ducks on a Pond.” The painting won a regional elementary school competition. It is hanging at my parent’s today. In high school, art became my passion. I’m always thinking about how I can fit something I see into a painting.

What inspires your creativity?

When I was young and later in university, I was intrigued by RUNNING FENCES, the environmental installation created by Christo and

Jeanne-Claude. I use similar vertical lines in many of my paintings. The lines draw attention and I like the feeling of not having boundaries.

What is your favorite piece of art by you or someone else?

My favorite piece of art of my own is a painting called “Blaze.” It is part of a very nice couple’s collection in Prescott, AZ. The piece is a modern take on the horse, it’s motion and size.

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?

What I enjoy most about being an artist is my time in front of the canvas. Creating beauty from the ordinary and creating movement in my pieces comes from my heart.

Recently, I like Kevin Weckbach’s “Trail Run” and “Like a Fairy Tale.” His use of color is amazing.

Silversmith, goldsmith and jewelry designer

GV decorator files counterclaim against model who sued her for misuse of funds

signs for over a year before they could be installed in the home.”

On July 28, decorator

Hayley Louise Servatius and her company, HLS Designs LLC, responded to a lawsuit filed against her on June 20 by model Danielle Braverman and her husband, David Reis. The complaint described misuse of funds and poor work by Servatius on a home owned by Braverman and Reis as the cause of the claim. The $2.4 million home that is the subject of the dispute is located twotenths of a mile away from the $2.4 million home where Servatius lives and works in the Greenwood Hills neighborhood of Greenwood Village.

Servatius’ response contains multiple denials of the allegations and several counterclaims. She denies, among many other things, that she misrepresented her previous experience and that she purchased items for the project using Braverman’s credit card without her permission. She also denies telling Braverman that her remodeled home was going to be featured in a magazine.

Both parties agree that on January 25, 2023, Servatius told Braverman and Reis she was ending their relationship. They disagree about whether both parties fulfilled their

obligations under the contract leading up to its termination.

Along with other claims, Servatius maintains that if Braverman and Reis actually suffered any financial damages related to this project, it is because of their own actions or things that occurred over which Servatius had no control, and that, in fact, they owe her money for work she did for them for which she has not been paid.

In her counterclaim, Servatius asserts that “due to the property undergoing massive renovations, HLS Designs LLC was subject to numerous installation delays on account

of delays in construction,” and that the delay lasted over six months.

Braverman and Reis, in their suit, alleged that some of the new items purchased for their home were in Servatius’ home, which they said was evidence of the designer taking their property. Servatius explains it differently, stating, “Due to delays in construction of the home, HLS Designs agreed to store various pieces of furniture, including nightstands, lighting, banquet chairs and a sofa, that could not be installed at the Project, at HLS Designs, without charging Plaintiffs any

Essentials for back to school success

Summer is ending and school is about to begin. New backpacks, new books, new clothes, new grades, new friends, and sometimes new schools. This could be scary, exciting, sad, anxiety-ridden, or fearful for students.

As a parent you can assist your child by informing them that teachers are aware of their feelings regarding the first day of school and they are ready to address them. Teachers are taught to introduce themselves and to help students get oriented and know what to expect. Experienced teachers provide ice-breakers encouraging students to get to know one another and increase connections to reduce anxiety and stress.

According to the Search Institute, relationships and healthy connections help students succeed in school and in life. Relationships are at the heart of what youth need to learn, grow, and thrive. High-quality relationships are essential to the development of resilience and overcoming obstacles and life hardships. The National Research Council on the Developing Child opined, “Whether burdens come from the hardships of poverty, the challenges of parental substance abuse or serious mental illness, the threats of violence or

chronic neglect, or a combination of factors, the single most common finding is that children who end up doing well have had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult.” To learn, grow, and develop, research informs us that supportive relationships are critical. They provide an environment of reinforcement, modeling, and constructive feedback for physical, intellectual, and social growth. Additionally, healthy relationships are the rich soil in which students thrive regarding social and emotional competencies. Educational researchers Pianta, Hamre and Allen write, “Positive relationships with adults and peers are perhaps the single most important ingredient in promoting positive youth development. Educational scholar, Bronfenbrenner, declared, “No society can long sustain itself unless its members have learned the sensitivities, motivations, and skills involved in assisting and caring for other human beings.” This research is not new but needs to be operationalized and invested in now more than ever. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a new report entitled, The Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. According to this report as many as

40 percent of students feel lonely and isolated from meaningful support.

If relationships really matter, we must make them a priority for young people. We need to invest in high-quality relationships in our families, schools, and youth programs. Growing evidence suggests that strategically investing in building healthy, high-quality relationships can be catalytic for effective education, programs, and services for children, youth, and families. Educational experts throughout the country have stated that the effectiveness of youth-serving programs, practices, and policies is determined by whether they strengthen or weaken relationships. When healthy, high-quality relationships are prevalent, development is promoted, and when supportive relationships are not available or diluted, other educational interventions show limited effects.

In conclusion, for this school year to be the best, let us work together to make healthy, high-quality relationships a priority for ourselves and our students. Let’s teach and model the foundational skills it takes to develop relationships and watch the school year unfold. joneen@myrelationshipcenter.org

Servatius also lists 16 separate changes Braverman and Reis made to the scope of the project after the original contract was signed, including adding a swimming pool (plaintiffs noted that in their complaint, as well), as well as adding a pantry, closets, an island, a door, and two bathtubs, while removing a three-story brick fireplace.

Both parties believe they are owed an as yet uncalculable amount of money by the other and agree they want to have a jury trial to settle this dispute.

fmiklin.villager@gmail. com

storage fees. Some of these items were stored at HLS De-

We reported on the original suit on July 20, 2023.

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that fall under this category include glaucoma tests, diabetes self-management trainings, barium enemas to detect colon cancer, and digital rectal exams to detect prostate cancer. For a complete list of services along with their eligibility requirements, visit Medicare. gov/coverage/preventivescreening-services

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your plan is also required to cover the same preventive services as original Medicare as long as you see in-network providers.

Hidden Costs

You also need to know that while most of the previously listed Medicare services are free, you can be charged for certain diagnostic services or additional tests or procedures related to the preventive service. For example, if your doctor finds and removes a polyp during your preventive care colonoscopy screening, you will pay 15 percent of the doctor’s service fee. Or, if during your annual wellness visit, your doctor needs to investigate or treat a new or existing problem, you will probably be charged here too.

You may also have to pay a facility fee depending on where you receive the service. Certain hospitals, for example, will often charge separate facilities fees when you are receiving a preventive service. And you can also be charged for a doctor’s visit if you meet with a physician before or after the service.

To eliminate billing surprises, talk to your doctor before any preventive service procedure to find out if you may be subject to a charge and what it would be.

Athletes who diss U.S. don’t deserve support

That penalty kick by Megan Rapinoe that sailed high over the goal at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup—leading to the elimination of the United States team from contention for its third straight World Cup title—seemed like poetic justice to me.

And I am not alone.

Many ordinary citizens I’ve encountered since then said they weren’t sorry the Americans were ousted by Sweden, adding that they weren’t even watching the U.S. team’s games—all because of Rapinoe.

Television personality Megyn Kelly commented: “She poisoned the entire team against the country for which they play.”

Donald Trump, not surprisingly, agreed.

“Many of our players were openly hostile to America— No other country behaved in such a manner, or even close.”

Politics aside, I need someone to explain to me how anyone representing this country should be allowed to disrespect it so openly on the international stage. And why we should spend a dime in support of them.

My attitude is: If that’s how you feel about this country, don’t bother to pretend that you’re playing for it. Don’t bother to show up. Let someone who appreciates the Red, White and Blue take your place.

I feel the same way about Olympic athletes who choose the medal stand to “make a statement.” Shot putter Raven Saunders is a recent example. She won silver in Tokyo then crossed her arms in the shape of an X above her head in defiance of the International Olympic Committee’s ban on protests during medal ceremonies.

It took 10 months in a Russian jail, but Brittney Griner apparently now gets it.

In 2020, in case you’ve forgotten, Griner and a teammate called for the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) to stop playing the U.S. national anthem before games. She said her position was, in part, in support of the George Floyd protests (though she didn’t acknowledge that they were violent and destructive).

Two years later, in February 2022, she was detained in Russia after hash oil was found in her luggage. In December that year she was trad-

ed for a Russian arms dealer known as “the merchant of death.”

Following her return, she stated that her experiences in Russia led her to appreciate the “uniquely American freedoms” that so many take for granted or overlook. Her agent said she’d henceforth stand as the Star Spangled Banner is played before every WNBA game.

Really.

Alongside Griner is Rapinoe, who has been protesting America since at least 2016. That’s when she took a knee during the national anthem before an international match—in solidarity, she later said, with former pro football player Colin Kaepernick, who earlier had made himself a protest symbol by kneeling during the anthem before NFL games.

“It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it,” she explained.

In response, U.S. Soccer issued a statement that, in part, read:

“As part of the privilege to represent your country, we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the national anthem is played.”

To which Rapinoe replied in an interview: “Using this blanketed patriotism as a defense against what the protest

actually is was pretty cowardly.” She also declared that she would probably never sing the national anthem again.

Don’t you wonder if some time in a Russian jail would change her view of America, as it did Griner’s?

Rapinoe is 38 years old, so her lack of patriotism can’t be attributed to misguided youth.

She’s an advocate for allowing transgender women (i.e. men) to play women’s soccer. Maybe that’s because she’s better than a lot of male soccer players.

She’s been playing soccer for most of her life and has been at the forefront of the campaign to get U.S. Soccer to pay their women soccer players as much as their male counterparts (which is now the case, as it should be).

Rapinoe announced that she would be retiring after this World Cup, so presumably her soccer career is at an end. Though surely not her activism.

Missing her last chance to score a goal may not be the way she envisioned going out. But that disappointment is eased in a uniquely American way.

Members of the U.S. team will share in a $3.25 million paycheck despite the upset loss.

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

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Majority of Aurora City Council opposes strong mayor form of government

BY FREDA MIKLIN GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

At a study session of the Aurora City Council held via remote participation on August 7, the council discussed City of Aurora Resolution R2023-93 (the Resolution), “expressing the Aurora City Council’s desire to oppose a Mayor/Council form of city government.”

The Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Juan Marcano, who is an announced candidate for mayor in November, pertains to a ballot initiative that has been preliminarily certified to be submitted to the city’s voters on November 7.

The Resolution contains assertions that:

• “The circulators for the (Ballot) Initiative utilized deceptive practices to obtain signatures from the public;”

• “The Council/Manager form of City government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials with the strong managerial experience of an appointed manager or administrator;”

• “The Mayor will not have the same strong managerial experience and public administration background

that an appointed manager would have;”

• “The City’s (current) Council/Manager form of government has ten Council Members and a Mayor with diverse backgrounds and experience that represent the whole City;”

• “The Council does not want to allow nepotism and cronyism that are seen in other Mayor/Council forms of City government;”

• “The Council does not want to allow the Mayor’s Office to be subject to the highest bidder;”

• “The Council does not want to see favoritism because of campaign support.”

During the discussion of the Resolution, Council Member Marcano said, “I think that supporting one form of government and taking opposition against a specific measure, especially for the reasons in the recitals…I think it’s important that the public understand that we are united in doing so and this is an opportunity for us to take that stance.”

Council Member Steve Sundberg observed that the Mayor/Council form of government “is working in other cities,” and he named Denver and Colorado Springs as examples. Noting that, “This hasn’t been debated at all,” he asked, “What would pro-

ponents say about how this would benefit our city? “

Mayor Coffman, who has donated $10,000 to support the Ballot Initiative, answered, “Having an elected official who is accountable directly to the people, that can have a vision for the city in terms of the direction, the development of the budget--- there is so much policy involved in the budget, it ought to be an elected official that does that.”

In describing the contents of the Ballot Initiative, he said, “There is an extra check and balance by having veto authority over the decisions made by Council. But, at the same time, there is a check and balance because Council, at any time, with merely six votes, can refer all or part of the initiative back to the voters for reconsideration.” He noted that that happened in Denver, where some mayoral powers

were changed to require council consent. Coffman continued, “We’re the 51st largest city in America and we have the urban challenges of race, poverty, and crime. I think it’s time to make a change.”

Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Gardner responded, “The size of the city is not in any way relevant to the structure of government. Some of the largest cities in America, including Dallas, the fourth largest city in the US, (along with) Phoenix, San Jose, and Charlotte are all city manager forms of government. Some of the most corruptly run cities in the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are strong mayor cities… Denver is…taking away power from their strong mayor, including requiring Council approval of mayoral appointees…In a dozen ways, perhaps more, this proposal goes further than even the strong mayor powers given to Denver…and Colorado Springs.”

Gardner said it wasn’t fair to compare Aurora to Denver or Colorado Springs because there are important differences between what is proposed in the ballot initiative and how the system works in those cities.

Coffman countered that the ballot initiative was “based on Colorado Springs” and that few cities administered either the mayor/council system or the council/manager form of government exactly the same way.

The mayor continued, “A city manager is not directly accountable to the voters. He is accountable to the city council, so, six members of the city council can do away with the city manager, whereas the mayor is directly accountable to the people and not to the city council.”

Council Member Alison Coombs pointed out that no elected official in Aurora has been held accountable by the voters in the past four years because the only mechanism available to do so is a recall election “and that hasn’t happened, even though people have been incredibly upset about decisions made by elected officials in this city.”

She continued, “When there have been issues with

the city manager, elected officials who are as accountable to the people as the mayor, have…directed the city manager to address those issues being raised by their constituents…I don’t think anything in the petition that you put forward makes it any easier for people to hold the mayor accountable than it is for council to hold the city manager accountable to our constituents. So, I fail to see how this (Ballot Initiative) increases accountability to the voters by vesting all that authority…in one person instead of across 11 people.”

Mayor Coffman responded, “I mentioned a vision. This council has established virtually no vision for the growth of this city in terms of economic development… The city manager unilaterally has the authority to move money around and could in fact initiate an economic development plan, but he’s accountable to the Council and the Council would probably dismiss him if he did that.” He continued, “The city manager could establish whole departments without the consent of council. In fact, that was done by the last city manager who established a DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) office without the consent of council,” which Coombs disputed.

She continued, “I believe we’ll have the economic development conversation moving forward…It’s in public records that this council supports developing a comprehensive economic development plan. We just don’t support one that has a complete lack of details going into the conversation.” Coffman answered, “I differ with you on that. I think that Council has not moved forward.”

Council Member Juan Marcano talked about the process used in Colorado Springs to adopt the Mayor/ Council form of government, adding that, for Aurora, “This is a very costly initiative that could potentially really be disruptive to city services.”

When Coffman polled the council on the Resolution to oppose the ballot initiative, Council Members Coombs, Gardner, Jurinsky, Lawson, Marcano, and Murillo indicated they were in favor. Council Member Zvonek indicated he was against. Council Members Bergan, Medina, and Sundberg did not respond. On that basis, Mayor Coffman declared the resolution would move forward for an official vote at the August 14 city council meeting, where it was placed on the consent agenda and where it was adopted without any further discussion by the mayor or any council members.

fmiklin.villager@gmail.com

“A city manager is not directly accountable to the voters. He is accountable to the city council, so, six members of the city council can do away with the city manager, whereas the mayor is directly accountable to the people and not to the city council.”

- Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman

95th WESTERN WELCOME WEEK

EVENTS AUG. 11-20

AUG 17, 5-6 pm. Historic Littleton’s Inc.’s Downtown Historic District Walking Tours. (Meet at the old courthouse on Littleton Blvd.)

AUG. 18, Opening of the Annual Quilt Show and used book sale at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton. Also the Elks Hometown Pig Roast and Dance at the Elks Lodge.

AUG. 19 10-11:30 a.m., Western Welcome Week Grand Parade. View the Craft and Home Improvement Fair on Downtown Littleton’s Main St. and adjoining streets.

AUG.19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. A Day at the Elk’s Lodge. 12 noon to 4 p.m., The Honor Bell, a tribute for Colorado’s heroes to be held downtown.

AUG. 20, 12:00 noon -2:30 p.m., rubber duckies race along Little’s Creek, starting at the War Memorial Rose Garden.

AUG. 14-19, 10-5 p.m. “Home on the Range” art show at Town Hall’s Stanton Gallery presented by the Littleton Fine Arts Guild. “Best of Colorado” also to be presented at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave., Littleton.

CLUB GREENWOOD TO HOST

MOVIE SCREENING

AUG. 17, Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. Club

Greenwood is going to host a movie screening for a movie called “Go On Be Brave!” This is a Free Event. A film about Andrea Lytle Peet’s race against time, a diagnosis of ALS and an attempt at the impossible; to be the first person with ALS to complete a marathon in all 50 states. https://clubgreenwood.com/programs/go-onbe-brave/

DOUGLAS COUNTY REPUBLICAN

WOMEN LINCOLN DAY PICNIC

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

AURORA REPUBLICAN FORUM

AUGUST 19, 10 a.m. The Threat to Our Infrastructure - How Real Is It? Presented by Tina Francone - Save Our Grid, LLC Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora - The Aspen Room. Info: president@aurorapublicanforum.com

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.

Volunteers needed.

AURORA INTERFAITH COMMUNITY

SERVICES ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

AUGUST 23, 6-9 p.m. at the Franciscan Event Center - off Arapahoe Road and Revere Parkway. Italian Garden Party. $55/person. Includes complimentary cocktail, horsd’oeuvlres Italian buffet supper and Deborah Stafford Jazz band entertainment. Silent & Live auction. The group served more than 30,000 Aurora residents in 2022 by providing nearly 500,000 meals to at-risk individuals, as well as assistance with utility bills and services for those who are homeless. They have a small staff with assistance from volunteers. Tickets: www.aurora interfaithcommunityservices.org

PUBLIC HEARING FOR SOUTH SUBURBAN 2024 BUDGET

AUG. 23, SEPT. 27, OCT. 4 Provide input on projects and priorities. Meetings to be held in the Board Room at the Sports Complex (4810 E. County Line Rd., Littleton. Info: Call 303-7985131. Mon.-Fri from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

PARK MEADOWS SUMMER SUNSET

SERIES

Thursday, 4- 9 p.m. 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.

5K ARAPAHOE COUNTY TRAIL RUN

THURS., AUG. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Begin at Tagawa Gardens and run along the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. Funds support trail maintenance and Arapahoe County Open Spaces. Includes dinner, craft beer or sports drink, and live music at the finish line. Walkers and all ages welcome. Details: arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/5ktrailseries

ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER BLOCK PARTY

AUG. 26, 4-10 p.m., 3400 S. Broadway. Live music, local vendors, beer & cocktails, food trucks and family fun. Info: lindsey@ myenglewoodchamber.com

ENGLEWOOD CHAMBER RIBBON

CUTTING

AUGUST 30, 4-6 p.m. at UrgentVet Englewood, 5124 S. Broadway, Englewood. Free & open to

the public. Tours, food, and refreshments. RSVP: myenglewood chamber.com

INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE

AWARENESS DAY

AUG. 31. A global event that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. Visit overdoseday.com

PARIS STREET MARKET

SEPT. 2, OCT. 7 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. Open-Air, Vintage, Boutique, Artisan.

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.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

SEPT. 7 & SEPT. 14. Bring a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Sept. 7 - “Back to the Future” and Sept. 14, “Maverick.” Pre-movie activities, giveaways, and life entertainment. Screenings in partnership with Arapahoe Libraries Tickets are $5 online/ $7 at the door. 2 & under free. Tickets at arapahoecountyeventcenter.com/ picturesontheplains

TAPS: TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS

WESTERN-THEMED 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

MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA

- QUEEN’S TEA

SUN, SEPT 10, 2 p.m. -5 p.m. At Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course, Antero Ballroom. It will be a fun afternoon of sipping tea and tasting the delights of an assortment of finger sandwiches, canapés, appetizers, and desserts. You will be entertained by the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant Queen 2023 Joanie Ryan and club members including the dance group, The Bella Donna’s! Silent auction and Live auction! This is an annual fundraiser that should not be missed. For tickets contact Cyndy Oberdier at: 720-217-3560 colosramerica.com

AUTHORS HALL OF FAME DINNER

SEPT. 11 at the Double Tree Hilton DTC. 12 New Inductees. For the list of all inductees, and tickets to attend the gala visit ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org

SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

SEPT. 12 - Comedy Works South. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. A full day of empowerment, engagement, and actionable takeaways focused on equipping women with skills and knowledge to thrive in both professional and personal environments with five outstanding speakers. Tickets: info@bestchamber.com or call 303795-0142.

Whether you are home or away, protect what matters most from unexpected power outages with a Generac Home Standby Generator.

CHERRY CREEK REPUBLICAN

WOMEN

Cherry Creek Republican Women are taking a break from monthly meetings for July and August. Programs resume on Sept. 12. Contact Evie Ashmore at 303-746-4608 for information.

CHALK ART FESTIVAL

SAT., SEPT. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Streets at SouthGlenn, 6851 S. Vine St. Watch local artists create sidewalk masterpieces using only chalk and their imaginations. Shopping, live music featuring Some Sweet Day, Family Activities, outdoor concert.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MULTIPLE

SCLEROSIS CENTER GALA

SAT., SEPT. 16, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Live Music, Auction, Dancing, Casino Gaming. “The Nacho Men” presented by 5 Star Talent & Entertainment. Tickets: MSCenter. org/gala

ART ON THE GREEN ALL-COLORADO

ART FAIR

SEPT. 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sponsored by the Curtis Center for the Arts and the City of Greenwood Village. Featuring dozens of artist booths, food trucks, live music and more at Greenwood Village’s Curtis Park. Info: www. aretonthegreencolorado.com

CITY OF AURORA WARD VI TOWN

HALL MEETING

SEPT. 20, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club. Hosted by Council Member Franchise Bergan. Info: Call 303-739-7015 or visit AuroraGov.org/ TownMeetings

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE POLICE FOUNDATION CAR SHOW

SUN. SEPT. 30, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cherry Hills Village City Hall Parking Lot - 2450 E. Quincy Ave. No fee for spectators. Info: 303-324-0965 or Email: marklgriffin@msn.com

RODEO ALL STAR RODEO COMPETITION

OCT. 6-7. NEW Denver dates. Three rodeo competitions and a Friday night All-Star Concert.. Also the RAS Mutton Bustin’’ Sheep Stampede. Registration open. Tickets: rodeoallstar.com

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Special naturalization ceremony held in honor of Colorado Statehood Day

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed 35 new U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony Tuesday at the Colorado State Capitol. USCIS Kansas City District Director David Douglas administered the Oath of Allegiance and Gov. Jared Polis offer ed congratulatory remarks. The ceremony was held in honor of the 147th anniversary of Colorado statehood.

The 35 candidates originate from 20 countries: Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Liberia, Mexico, Poland, Sudan, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

USCIS often partic-

ipates in naturalization ceremonies at museums, schools, libraries and other notable locations to celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant’s journey to citizenship and honor their commitment. Ceremonies in honor of national holidays or significant historic anniversaries—like Colorado Statehood Day— connect new citizens with our nation’s past, while welcoming them as part of America’s future. Colorado joined the union as the 38th state on August 1, 1876.

USCIS encourages new citizens and guests to share their naturalization ceremony experiences and photos through social media, using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis. gov

Arapahoe Road bridge reconstruction

August 2023 Project Update

After discovering a utility conflict with the proposed bridge, the team has been working closely with Denver Water to relocate a waterline to accommodate the bridge work and improve an aging piece of Denver Water’s infrastructure. The construction team expects traffic impacts to extend into October. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please pay attention while driving in the work zone and never drive distracted. Motorists should expect increased Arapahoe County Sheriff patrols in neighborhoods north and south of Arapahoe Road to manage cut-through traffic. All construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change for the safety of crews and the traveling public.

Upcoming Construction Impact

Week of Aug. 14

Crews will prepare and pour a retaining wall.

Remainder of August

Crews will continue ongoing stream stabilization and utility relocation work in partnership with Denver Water.

Ongoing

Traffic continues to travel in new lane configurations to accommodate construction. One lane will be provided westbound, and two lanes will be provided eastbound (with occasional lane closures during construction hours) through the duration of the next construction phase. Detour routes on University Boulevard and Dry Creek Road are highly encouraged.

Project Summary

The existing bridge over Big Dry Creek was built in 1945 and is past its useful life. This reconstruction project will:

• Replace the existing bridge with a wider and taller structure

• Improve pedestrian access over and around the bridge

• Make improvements to the Big Dry Creek drainage and waterway system

Road closures are expected during the project. Prior to any closures an announcement will be sent to advise the public of alternate travel routes. People living in the nearby neighborhoods will still be able to get to their homes.

Learn more about the Arapahoe Bridge over Big Dry Creek Replacement Project by visiting the project page at centennialco. gov/arapahoebridge.

18th Annual TAPS Colorado Celebrity Classic Songwriters Show & Dinner

Saturday, September 9 | 5:30 pm

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

Since 1994, TAPS has been the leading national organization providing compassionate care and critical support services for nearly 120,000 military survivors and their families, all at no cost. For the tenth year in a row, TAPS has earned a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. TAPS is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) Veterans Service Organization and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense. EXECUTIVE

George Dempsey

Laura Benton

David & Annette Jewell

Edie Marks

Bo & Lynne Cottrell

Vic & Sharon Evans

Elise Marks Gruitch

Liza Patton

Pat Robinson

Eric Schierburg

Sharon Sweeney-Barbillon

Tom & Jill Tarver

Jeff & Rene Tomczak

Pete & Marilyn Coors

Miles & Jan Cortez

Steve & Marla Grove Jake Jabs

(Ret) Gene & Jill Renuart

The evening will feature performances by Pam Tillis, Gary Morris, Grammy Award winner, Frank Myers, Producer and A-List Session Player, Jimmy Nichols and Franki Moscato. Exciting silent and live auction items are available. Proceeds from the Classic will benefit military survivors in Colorado.

us as we honor our fallen military servicemembers and pay tribute to the loved ones they left behind. Enjoy fabulous music, exciting live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks and friends!

FEATURING SPECIAL APPEARANCE

Pam Tillis CMA/Grammy Award winner

Proceeds from the Classic will benefit military survivors in Colorado. Sponsorships & tickets available at TAPS.org/Colorado or scan the QR code for more details.

Franki Moscato American Idol Gold Ticket Winner

Gary Morris Billboard Artist of the Year

USCIS welcomed 35 new US citizens at the Colorado State Capitol