The one secret to creating a smarter wealth transfer plan
Holding a family meeting to share your intentions is a critical step too often skipped. Here are some tips from Bank of America for getting the conversation started.
When you set up an estate plan, signing the paperwork is the easy part. What comes before that making oftendifficult decisions about who gets what when and sharing your plans with your family can be an emotional minefield. After all, you are talking about your mortality. No wonder many people keep their plans under wraps.
But the price of silence can be steep: Not sharing your estate plans can create family quarrels later or make it harder for your heirs to manage their inheritance. Hosting a family meeting to communicate your plans is crucial to successful wealth planning.
Your financial advisor and estate attorney or tax professional can help you think through how to structure your estate. Then your advisor can attend your family meeting having an objective advisor present to lead the conversation and answer questions can help family members talk freely about their feelings.
These four tips can help you have a productive conversation:
Come prepared. Before you involve family members in an estate planning discussion, you and your spouse, if you are married, need to agree on what you hope to leave to your kids and other family members and what you would like those assets to help them achieve.
Gather information about your account balances and other assets your advisor can help. Having those numbers in mind can help your family members understand how an inheritance might affect their own financial plans. Think, too, about whether you want to pass on your legacy while you are still living or after you are gone.
Finally, sharing an agenda in advance will allow family members to prepare for a thoughtful and open conversation and not get caught off guard.
Share the ground rules. For a matter as important and potentially fraught as your estate plan, it can be a good idea to set up a series of discussions. They do not have to take place face to face. Virtual meetings can be easier to schedule, and the physical distance can help remove some of the emotion.
Make clear that you want people to be candid but respectful. The idea is to forge consensus. Instead of talking about numbers for the first meeting or two, start by sharing your thoughts about what the assets you have accumulated have meant to you. Then you can talk about the impact you hope your money can have on the next generation.
Set a positive tone. Emphasize a “we are all in this together” approach. Estate planning is a collective responsibility requiring a collective solution. To encourage feedback, offer discussion points as questions, such as “Do you feel the estate plan gives you the help you may need?”
Explain that your heirs will be better able to manage their financial plans based on realistic expectations and point out that everyone in the family might feel more at ease knowing where to find your estate planning paperwork and which advisors or estate attorneys they should turn to in the event of your passing.
Leave with an action plan. As you work together to create an estate plan, your advisor can help with practical strategies for many complex situations. These may involve financial documents such as wills, trusts and life insurance policies. Say you are considering passing on part of your estate while you are alive but wonder whether your children are prepared to handle it. Your advisor can help you implement a “test drive” approach in which you periodically give financial gifts through a trust.
Then there is the question of estate taxes. During your family meeting, your advisor can help make sure everyone understands the implications of their inheritances and can work with your estate attorney or tax professional to see whether there might be ways to lessen their potential tax burden.
Even after all the paperwork is done, think of this as an ongoing conversation. As your family’s needs change through divorce, marriage or a new grandchild, for instance you will want to revisit your plan. And each time you do, it should come closer to capturing your vision for empowering the next generation.
For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor Andrew Neal in the Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303.689.8043 or andrew.neal@ml.com.
Neither Bank of America nor any of its affiliates, provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.
Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
This material does not take into account a client’s particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor.
Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). Bank of America, N.A. makes available The H.S.A. for Life® Health Savings Account.
Bank of America is a marketing name for the Retirement Services business of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America N.A., Member FDIC. Please consult your tax or legal advisor regarding specific use of Health Savings Accounts. Investments can lose money. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.
Brokerage services are provided by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Banking products such as checking accounts and certificates of deposit are FDIC insured to the maximum allowed by law and are offered through Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA.: Are
Cherry Creek School District only K-12 public school district awarded
On Nov. 12 the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) was recognized as one of the top 100 most impactful, innovative programs in the world and one of the top ten in the United States. As the only K12 public school district awarded, this distinction from HundrED further sets CCIC and CCSD apart for its forward-looking vision and commitment to preparing students for success in the workforce today and into the future.
“Being recognized as a global leader in education is a testament to the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and the dedication of our
educators and community,” said Christopher Smith, Superintendent of the Cherry Creek School District. “This honor reflects our commitment to providing innovative, real-world learning experiences that prepares students for their Pathway of Purpose in college, career and beyond.”
HundrED is an international organization dedicated to improving the access and quality of education through recognizing impactful and scalable innovations. CCIC was identified out of more than 3,000 programs reviewed.
CCIC merges excellence in education with the inno-
vation of industry. Courses include Aviation, Automotive, Business, Hospitality, IT, Manufacturing, Construction, and Healthcare. The classrooms are the intersection of industry credentials, college credit, professional skills, and industry-grade equipment and standards. By doing this it connects student interests with labor needs to serve the community.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this international recognition
which highlights the vision, passion, and hard work of the entire Cherry Creek community. We are redefining what education looks like and are committed to preparing students with the skills, experience, and confidence they need to excel in the modern world,” said Steve Day, principal of CCIC.
This recognition joins a list of recognitions CCIC has received since opening in 2019, including two Grand Prize winners
of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, Manufacturing Workforce Innovator Award from Colorado Manufacturing Network, and the Quantum Computing Tech Hub K-12 Initiative.
The CCIC provides transformative educational experiences for high school students in 10th through 12th grades throughout the Cherry Creek School District. Recently, the CCSD community approved a mill and bond measure which seeks to double the size and impact of the CCIC in the coming years.
THANK YOU!
November is National Adoption Month
Arapahoe County would like to send a big thank you to all the families who have opened up their hearts and homes to adoption. You can thank them too! Offer a kind word of support, a simple note to say thank you, a small gesture to show how much you appreciate the adoptive families in your community.
BY BOB SWEENEY
As the giving season kicks off, let’s remember all the goodness and assistance nonprofits provide to our communities. These nonprofits could not exist or operate without your kind and generous donations. See pages 6 -10 for just a few of the nonprofits to make a donation. Thanks to ALL nonprofits for what you lovingly do!
Why the number of dollars
“Individuals do not want a greater amount of money in their pockets, rather they want greater purchasing power.”
The supply of money (number of dollars in circulation) is probably the least understood, and most powerful aspect of the economy.
When the Fed Reserve began printing dollars in 2008, they broke the mold and unleashed massive inflation on every citizen by devaluing the purchasing power of each dollar. They enacted Modern Monetary Theory without debate, without regard to the devastation they would unleash. It took a decade, but that devastation is obvious in the inflation we feel today; in other words, in the devaluation in purchasing power of every dollar. This devaluation is the inevitable outcome of the Federal Reserve printing US Dollars. But the story gets worse.
In order to balance the excess dollars the Fed printed (QE), Treasury Department issued treasury bonds. These bonds are debt on every citizen. So, not only did the Federal Reserve devalue every dollar in circulation, the Treasury Department burdened generations with crushing debt. This is our government at work. So much for protecting the individual…
We need to question why our government would do such terrible things. Why put every citizen into crushing debt and why reduce the purchasing power of every dollar that citizens have earned and saved.
The answer is simple: To allow Congress and the President to spend this funny money on entitlements, welfare, student loan forgiveness (debt transfer) and illegal immigrants. To get re-elected so they can reman in a job
in circulation is important
that amasses power to them.
I think we should view the issue of federal action (laws, regulations, taxes, fines and the Administrative State) through the lease of the Constitution. According to the Constitution, only those who must stand for election are allowed to assess fines, regulation, laws and taxes against their fellow citizens.
This Constitutional feedback loop (only politicians who must stand the election process, can asses tax on citizens) is the ultimate method for control of government by the citizen in every election. Control and restrictions on the government is the entire reason for the Constitution. This profound document was created to protect the individual from our own government.
So the regulator, bureaucrat, politician may have good intentions, but he is not allowed, in the Constitution, to exercise any control over the individual. And when he does, his actions are illegal.
Individuals, in order to have freedom, must also take responsibility. Abdicating that personal responsibility to another is a dark spiral to control by another entity. Freedom is not free.
Next time we ask an agency of our government for help, we might want to think about it first. Just maybe the government is not the right place for solutions. The solutions to problems resides within each citizen.
It is fascinating that rational and deep thinkers, over 300 years ago, would have the foresight to provide today’s solution.
Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank. He is a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. He believes there is a direct connection between individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.
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follow FREDA
I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college. I am a 9-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.
BY FREDA MIKLIN
State Sen. Chris Hansen to resign just after being re-elected
Denver SD31 State Sen. Chris Hansen has made what everyone interested already knew, official. He will resign his seat in the general assembly on January 9, 2025, one day after the 2025 legislative session begins.
His new job, CEO of La Plata Electric Association in Durango, was made public by his new employer immediately after Hansen won re-election on November 5 in SD31 by a margin of 84% to 16% over his only opponent, a Libertarian. Republicans didn’t even field a candidate to challenge Hansen in his bid for re-election to a second four-year term that he will serve for exactly one day.
The 75,769 Coloradans who voted for him will be represented by a person chosen by a Democratic vacancy committee
comprised of party officers and precinct captains from SD31, that includes Capitol Hill, Washington Park, Lowry and Cherry Creek. The vacancy committee is reported to be a group of “around 120 people.”
9News’ political reporter Marshall Zelinger recently shared that only four other states, Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota, and New Jersey, choose replacements for general assembly members who resign during their term, as does Colorado. In this state, a vacancy committee composed of party leaders from the resigned member’s former district meets (usually in private) and chooses a replacement to serve out the balance of the term, regardless of its length.
In an interview, Greenwood Village Democratic State Sen. Jeff Bridges, who was appointed to his seat just as the 2019
Democrats lose supermajority in State House, but does it matter?
After the last of cured (those with an unclear signature, date, etc. when received, subsequently clarified) ballots for state legislators were tallied at the November 14 deadline, Democrats held 43 seats in the Colorado House and the Republicans held 22, a net change of +3 for the GOP. Mathematically, it means that when the 2025 session of the general assembly gets underway on January 8, 2025, the Democrats will hold one seat less than the two-thirds of the total number of seats that constitute a supermajority.
Those totals assume that State House winners are unchanged after legally required recounts in two of the 22 districts won by the GOP, due to the small margins
that separate the candidates.
In El Paso County House District 16, Republican challenger Rebecca Keltie bested incumbent Democrat Steph Vigil by seven (0.02%) votes out of 41,273 cast. In Boulder and Weld County House District 19, Republican Dan Woog beat Democrat Jillaire McMillan by 123 votes (0.22%) out of 56,711 cast. McMillan was selected to run in HD19 by a vacancy committee on August 8 following one-term incumbent Democrat Jennifer Parenti’s announcement that she would not run for re-election in HD19 three weeks earlier.
Although the GOP is well-entitled to take credit for adding three House seats to its total in a state where Republicans have
session of the general assembly was about to begin, when State. Sen. Daniel Kagan resigned, pointed out to Zelinger that organizing and holding a special election to fill a seat of a legislator who resigns at the start of a session in January could result in the district not being represented throughout the entire session, which ends in early May. Bridges was elected to his seat representing SD26 in 2020 and re-elected over his GOP opponent on November 5 by a margin of 62% to 36%.
Colorado Politics (CP) reported early this year that 28 seats out of 100 in the 2024 Colorado general assembly were then held by legislators who were appointed to their position by vacancy committees.
CP also reported that in 2019, a vacancy
struggled to get elected to major offices since 2018, Democrats will still control that chamber, and no longer having a supermajority will change little about the operation of the general assembly overall. That is because Democrats did not previously and still don’t have a supermajority in the State Senate. There, the number of seats held by the two major party remains unchanged at 23-12, in favor of the Democrats, after the November 5 election. 23 seats out of 35 is 65.7%, therefore one fewer than the number needed (66.67%) to constitute a supermajority.
The only technical advantage of a supermajority in the general assembly is that it can override a gubernatorial veto because it constitutes a two-thirds vote. Democrats were one seat short of having two-thirds of the State Senate before this election and they are still one seat short of that number. In other words, they couldn’t
Denver approves $29 million bond issue to aid in converting office building in southeast Denver to residential
On November 4, the City and County of Denver voted to move forward with issuing $29 million in tax-exempt Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to help finance Shea Properties’ conversion of a four-story office building at 4340 S. Monaco Street, in the Southmoor Park neighborhood of Denver, to affordable housing.
The Villager reported on March 21, 2024 that Shea had begun the process to acquire this property for this purpose. The City and County of Denver approved rezoning it from office use to multifamily
residential in August.
Shea plans to convert the building into 23 studio apartments, 89 one-bedroom units, three three-bedroom units, and three four-bedroom units, along with a fitness center, game room, laundry room, and storage facilities. All the units will be considered affordable housing, available to tenants who earn between 30% and 70% of AMI (area median income).
The structure, built in 2001 and last occupied as an office building over five years ago, has 124,000 square feet and sits
on 13 acres. Few changes are being planned to the outside of the building. Efforts are focused on converting the inside from offices to residential apartments
committee comprised of six members appointed Republican State Rep. Perry Will to fill the seat representing HD57, which was vacated when then State Rep. Bob Rankin was appointed to the State Senate. Will received four votes, all he needed from the six-member vacancy committee. Will was elected to that House seat as an incumbent in 2020 but lost his re-election bid for HD57 in 2022, only to be appointed to the State Senate weeks later by another vacancy committee when Sen. Rankin resigned one day after the beginning of the 2023 legislative term. Will became a senator by receiving 17 votes from the 19-member vacancy committee. He did not seek re-election to the seat on November 5, 2024.
override the governor’s veto before this election and they still can’t. They would have to have two-thirds of both chambers to do so and that hasn’t happened. The difference is that they had enough votes in the State House prior to November 5. Now they are one seat short in the State House, along with being one seat short in the State Senate, to constitute a supermajority, assuming results in HD16 and HD19 remain unchanged after the legally required recounts are completed.
We tried to find out the last time a governor’s veto was overridden in Colorado. The only source we could locate was Ballotpedia, which reports that 34 bills were vetoed in Colorado between 2010 and 2020 and exactly one was overridden in that ten-year period. Governor Polis vetoed six bills passed by the general assembly in 2024 alone. No attempt was made to override any of those vetoes.
with reasonable amenities.
Colorado still lacks much needed affordable child care
On October 31, Common Sense Institute (CSI) hosted a special briefing outlining how “access to and affordability of quality child care continues to be a pressing concern in Colorado, hampering many parents from entering the workforce or remaining fully or consistently employed.”
CSI Coors Economic Mobility Fellow Tamra Ryan hosted the program. Ms. Ryan is CEO of Women’s Bean Project, a Colorado 501 (c)(3) organization that provides transitional employment and job skills to women who have struggled to obtain and maintain employment.
Panelists Nicole Riehl, president and CEO of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and Kami Welch,
president of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, shared that Colorado has a licensed child care deficit of 88,464 slots. As a result, nearly one in every five of the state’s 330,000 moms with children under the age of six want to work but do not participate in the labor force until their child goes to school full-time because they are unable to obtain workable child care.
CSI estimates the wages these moms would earn if they had available, affordable child care at $769 million annually. They estimate that if these moms worked, it could have a positive impact of nearly five times that amount on Colorado’s overall GDP.
A report prepared by CSI on this topic recommends expanding the utilization of
local tax incentives to foster child care centers, noting that just three of the anticipated 56 child care centers have utilized the enhanced property tax exemption provided by HB22-1006 Child Care Property Tax Exemption. Under that law, any real or personal property, including a part of a building, used by a tenant or subtenant to operate a child care center, is eligible for a property tax exemption, as long as the operation of the child care center is strictly for charitable purposes. The portion of a building not used for charitable purposes would not quality for the exemption.
CSI also recommends that cities provide tax incentives to encourage child care centers and that state legislation be expanded to include greater opportunity
In addition to the $29 million in housing bonds, Shea also received $6 million in private activity bonds from the Denver Department of Housing Stability, it was reported in March. Private Activity Bonds are issued through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing. Eligible activities include new construction or acquisition/rehabilitation of housing for low-to moderate-income people.
The revamp of the building is expected to begin in early February.
for private contributions to offset the cost of building new child care facilities.
Consistent with CSI’s findings, the Denver Business Journal just reported that, “Colorado’s child care challenges are slowing business growth.”
While pointing out the benefit of employers providing on-site child care, they noted it is uncommon, agreeing with CSI that child care is generally not reasonably attainable or affordable in metro Denver, noting that availability is uneven in different counties.
DBJ cites data from Economic Policy Institute, ranking our state the 8th most expensive in the country for child care, with an average annual cost of $15,325. The least expensive states are listed as Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, according to Care.com.
State Sen. Chris Hansen
4340 S. Monaco Street in Denver Photo courtesy City and County of Denver
COLORADO GIVES DAY
& OUR LOYAL SUBSCRIBERS HAVE BEEN GENEROUS SUPPORTERS OF NONPROFITS FOR THE PAST 43 YEARS
Our look has changed, our work hasn't. The Gathering Place provides low-barrier, trauma-informed care to women, gender-diverse people, and their children seeking refuge due to homelessness or instability. We provide a place where they can find respite, resources, and a path to stability. Members have access to a variety of essential services, such as meals, showers, and clothing as well as stability services, such as case management and health-focused programming.
“They give us comfort and the opportunity to grow and feel like a part of the population again — like we’re human beings." - Member Tiffany.
This year, we have recorded over 40,000 visits to our drop-in shelter and opened a tiny home community for women and gender-diverse adults. We anticipate the community need for our programs will grow in the coming year. With your support, we can continue to provide much-needed services and hope for individuals navigating the path ahead. To donate and find other ways to help your unhoused neighbors, visit TGPDenver.org.
coloradogives.org/organization/coloradouplift
“A sanctuary full of compassion and love. Providing a lifelong home for elderly dogs during their Good Days, Bad Days, and Last Days.”
FRIENDS OF NURSING
Your gift provides spay/neuter surgery for homeless & free-roaming cats, while also taking young kittens off the streets and placing them into adoptive homes. www.TheFelineFix.org
Research is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus.
Colorado’s most vulnerable populations need your help. Your donation to Volunteers of America Colorado creates ripples that spread hope and restores lives. voacolorado.org/one_act
Friends of Nursing awards scholarships to high achieving nursing students through nine Colorado Schools of Nursing. Donations go directly to nursing scholarships, benefitting health care throughout our Colorado communities. To Give: www.coloradogives.org/donate/fon or www.friendsofnursing.org/donate and click on PayPal
Be an Angel this Season and donate
Freedom Service Dogs transforms lives by partnering people with custom-trained assistance dogs, free of charge. Your gift on Colorado Gives Day helps fuel our mission. freedomservicedogs.org/cgd
FullCircle is a lifeline for Colorado’s youth and families facing substance use, mental health, and behavioral struggles. We provide no-cost support, creating spaces for healing and hope.
https://fullcircleprogram.com/donations
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Colorado UpLift transforms lives by building lifechanging relationships with underserved youth, empowering them to succeed through mentorship, education, and leadership programs. Join us in inspiring futures this Colorado Gives Day! www.coloradogives.org/organization/ coloradouplift
Please give the gift of life today to homeless pets. Your gift will be doubled up to $47,200! They’re counting on you!
CLC is a unique all-volunteer nonprofi. 100% of your donation funds ground-breaking cancer research and cancer-related services in Colorado. www.cancerleague.org
begins with you. Support The Nature Conservancy’s work in Colorado to create real change for our planet, together. https://www.coloradogives.org/ organization/Nature-Co
Ignite your curiosity for History Colorado to help us invest in rural prosperity, strengthen through education, and share the diverse stories of Colorado.
Zuma’s mission is to provide life-saving rehabilitation and sanctuary to homeless animals and pair them with troubled humans in an animal-assisted therapy setting. http://coloradogives.org/ZumasRescueRanch
BRRC is dedicated to providing the resources, education and advocacy needed to stop bullying and stem the long-term effets bullying has on its targets.
Every dollar donated is graciously appreciated. Thank you.
Located in Littleton, Doctors Care provides affodable, high-quality health care and services that promote overall health and wellness for those in need. www.doctorscare.org/donate
At Nourish, our recipes always include hope and warmth. Your support shares food and friendship with older adults by delivering 230,000 nutritious meals this year!
The Gathering Place provides low-barrier, traumainformed care to women, gender-diverse people, and children experiencing homelessness. Your gift provides essential needs and support as they navigate the path ahead. www.coloradogives.org/organization/ Thegatheringplace
Through your support and partnership, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain students can write their own stories and sign their names with confidene, dignity, and determination. https://www.coloradogives.org/ organization/jarockymountain
WINGS OF HOPE for Pancreatic Cancer
Anschutz Medical Campus. An all-volunteer organization,
donation received goes directly toward funding seed research projects at the CU Cancer Center. This enables many of the grant recipients to go on to qualify for major grants from such entities as the National Cancer Institute.
Maureen Shul founded WINGS OF HOPE for Pancreatic Cancer Research in 2012 after losing her brother and mother to the disease. "When you experience something that devastating, you need to find some purpose and meaning in it all in order to move forward," Shul stated. "For me, starting WINGS OF HOPE to fund the research that would improve patient outcomes and survival rates was the only thing I could think of doing to honor my family and all those impacted by this disease."
Research funding comes from donations received throughout the year and their 2 signature events, "Evening of Hope" and the Kingsbury Open.
This year's "Evening of Hope" featured Miss America Madison Marsh, who moved the crowd with the story of losing her mother to pancreatic cancer while in her teens, and the impact that had on her life.
The Kingsbury Open, founded by Lisa Goodman in memory of her father who died from pancreatic cancer in 2007, has become a premier Colorado golf event, with all proceeds going to fund pancreatic cancer research through their partnership with WINGS OF HOPE. This year the Kingsbury Open raised $50k for pancreatic cancer research.
To date WINGS OF HOPE has given approximately $2 million to the CU Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer research, which over the years has resulted in several clinical trials being brought to CU Cancer Center.
COLORADO GIVES is a special and unique way for people to donate to the nonprofits they support and believe in. We invite you to join this effort to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Coloradogives.org/organization/wingsofhopeforpancreaticcancerresearch www.wingsofhopepcr.org
FullCircle is a lifeline for Colorado’s youth and families facing substance use, mental health, and behavioral struggles. We provide no-cost support, creating spaces for healing and hope.
In Colorado, 7 lives are lost each day to overdose and suicide, many of them young people. FullCircle offers no-cost support to youth and families facing substance use, mental health, and behavioral struggles. Your donation helps expand our reach, providing sober events, family groups, and peer-led support. Together, we can change lives and ensure no family faces these challenges alone. Help us build brighter futures—donate today.
https://fullcircleprogram.com/donations https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/fullcircleprogram
Since 1985, II has provided research resulting in changes in law and policy. We put our ideas into action through litigation, coalition building, ballot initiatives, new media, and investigative reporting. We fight for freedom on paper, in the statehouse, in the media, and on the ballot.
Oh what fun it is... to Shop!
Thursday to Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday 12 to 4 pm Arapahoe & University, 242 East Commons Ave, Centennial, north side of the street near theatre Nestled in the heart of Centennial is a vibrant co-op art gallery showcasing the remarkable talents of 13 local artists.
Come in now to discover Unique, Memorial Holiday Gifts We can’t wait to welcome you into our artistic community!
Karen Moser Painter
Oh what fun it is... to Shop!
Nix makes bid to win Hindsight QB Game
Let’s play a little game. Call it Hindsight Quarterback.
In this game, Broncos fans get to choose—with the benefit of hindsight—the quarterback they would have picked to lead Denver in 2024 and beyond from among the six selected within the top 12 places in last April’s National Football League Draft.
Given what these six have done so far in their rookie seasons, would you dump Bo Nix (the last of the six drafted) for Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels (1-2)?
Eleven weeks into each 2024 draftee’s debut season, here’s what he’s done:
Bay, he led the Commanders to four straight victories—and was dynamic doing it.
Since then, Washington is 3-3 and on a two-game losing streak. Still, 7-4 is terrific for a team that went 4-13 last season.
Caleb Williams, USC, 1st pick, Chicago: 4-6 as a starter. 61.8% completion percentage, 2,016 passing yards, 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions; 49 carries for 306 yards and no TDs (6.2 per carry)
Or Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr., who all were drafted ahed of Denver’s pick?
Or do you like what you’ve seen of Bo and think the Broncos got the best of the bunch despite being left with the last of the those six?
The six first-round quarterbacks in ’24 tied the record set in 1983, when John Elway was first overall. Of that year’s half-dozen picks, four took teams to the Super Bowl and three are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
But as successful as they were, it took 27 picks—far from 12—before the last, Dan Marino, who’s one of the HOFers—was chosen.
Will this year’s crop even approach, much less match or exceed, their total glory? And if so, which will do it?
Jayden Daniels, LSU, 2nd, Washington: 7-4 as a starter, 68.7% completion percentage, 2,338 passing yards, 10 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions; 92 carries for 482 yards and 4 TDs (5.2 per carry)
Drake Maye, UNC, 3rd, New England: 2-4 as a starter, 61.6% completion percentage, 1,236 passing yards, 9 touchdown passes and six interceptions; 28 carries for 260 yards (9.3 per carry)
Michael Penix Jr., Washington, 8th, Atlanta: has played 20 snaps. 3-for-5 passing for 38 yards; no carries
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan, 10th, Las Vegas: torn meniscus in first preseason game, season-ending surgery August 10; passed for 188 yards and two touchdowns in 30 plays against Minnesota in only preseason action.
It’s fair to say that through the first month of this season, Washington’s Daniels was the runaway choice among the six fledgling QBs. After a season-opening loss to Tampa
Caleb Williams got off to a good start, leading the Bears to a 4-2 record through six games. But he’s lost four straight, including last Sunday when the Packers blocked the Bears’ attempt at a game-winning field goal on the last snap of play. (Sound familiar?)
After Sunday’s 38-6 blowout of Atlanta, it’s now not surprising that Bo Nix might be viewed favorably. That’s how hindsight works.
After losing his fist two starts, Bo reminded some Broncos fans of a dozen other guys who tried to succeed Peyton Manning, without success.
But he’s been growing each week, and he blossomed against the Chiefs—even though a blocked field goal on the last play sent Denver to its second straight loss against a Super Bowl contender and evened its record at 5-5.
Against the Falcons last Sunday, Nix completed 28 of 33 passes for 307 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. It was the first game of his career in which he threw for 300-plus yards. His passer rating was 145.0.
He even had the guys on the Fox telecast saying he could wind up winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Through 11 games, he has completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,275 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also run 63 times for 295 yards, a 4.7-yard average.
He leads the Hindsight Six in TD passes with those 14, and he’s second to Daniels in completion percentage. He’s also the only one who has caught a TD pass, too.
So, if you had known then what you know after 11 weeks, which quarterback would you have wanted Sean Payton to pick if he’d picked first last April?
In other words, who’s your Hindsight Quarterback?
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 16 books, nine of them sports-related. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast. net
Try Them All! 500,000 Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
Whatever else happens this Thanksgiving, you can count on a few things: There will be football. There will be a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And there will be leftovers.
As the head chef at my house, it’s not only my job to make the Thanksgiving meal, it’s my job to manipulate my husband into eating the inevitable leftovers. In preparation for this year’s effort, I went to that great recipe book in the sky: the internet. As a public service, I’ll share what I learned so that you too can use up your Thanksgiving leftovers by Christmas. Let’s start with the star of the meal: Turkey: According to my research, you should eat or freeze turkey within four
days. The same goes for stuffing. Also for pumpkin pie, though I’m not sure there’s ever been tested.
An internet search for “how to use leftover turkey” came up with a whopping 532,000 results. I’ll just mention a few since you probably won’t have enough leftover turkey to try them all.
Along with the usual casseroles, pot pies, tetrazzinis and ala kings, you’ll find some unusual suggestions, for example turkey gumbo, turkey calzones and turkey gouda frittata, all of which sound…uh…gouda. I’ll probably stick with my old favorite, turkey noodle soup. Honestly if it weren’t for turkey noodle soup, I’d serve prime rib on Thanksgiv-
ing. Mashed potatoes: Apparently extra spuds are safe for five days. But it’s going to take you longer than that to try all 3,730,000 of the results I got when I did an internet search for ways to use them. You might need more potatoes too.
I suggest trying those with the potential to reach the highest achievement of a leftover: being disguised so well that your family doesn’t know they’re eating leftovers. Sure you can make potato pancakes or shepherd’s pie. But to really trick the family, try cinnamon rolls, brownies or candy made with leftover mashed potatoes. Then bring some to my house.
Gravy: Mashed potatoes and gravy are truly a “mash” made in heaven. They go together like peanut butter and jelly, turkey and dressing and potato chips and cottage
cheese. Trust me. They go together.
But making the right amount of gravy is challenging. Some people just put it on their potatoes. Some put it on their turkey or their stuffing or both. And some get on the gravy train and put it on all three. What’s a cook to do? Take a survey before dinner? Besides some years my gravy doesn’t turn out so well. It should come as no surprise that I have more of it left over those years. I’m not sure it’s wise to reincarnate bad gravy in other forms, but good or bad, it can be added to soup or used as a sauce on pasta or meatballs. If it’s a particularly unsuccessful gravy year, you can do what I do: freeze it to throw away later.
Stuffing or dressing: I don’t make stuffing—the stuff that cooks in the bird. I make dressing—the stuff that comes from a box. Don’t judge me.
I like it. If you wind up with leftovers of either one, there are many uses for it, including stuffed peppers, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs, casserole and more, which I think you’ll agree is much ado about stuffing.
Cranberries: There’s an easy way to avoid having leftover cranberries: Don’t serve them. And I wouldn’t except that one of my guests thinks turkey goes with cranberries like potato chips go with cottage cheese.
He’s the only one of my usual guests that thinks that though, so I always have leftover cranberries. There are plenty of recipes for using them, including treats like cookies, bars and cakes. But we always have plenty of other desserts on Thanksgiving. So I do the next best thing: I send our leftover cranberries home with my one guest who likes them.
Because the public has a right to know
1st place - 2018, 2nd place - 2023
COURTS
1st place - 2018
DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO
7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado (303) 645-6600 Telephone
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner,
In the Interest of:
BABY GIRL ANDRADE, Child, and concerning,
ANASTASIA ANDRADE, and STEPHEN GUERRA, Respondents.
Kiley Schaumleffel, Esq., Reg. #46107
Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 636-1308 Fax: (303) 636-1889
NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT CONCERNING RESPONDENT MOTHER, ANASTASIA ANDRADE
Case No: 24JV208 Division: 22
To The Respondents:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT MOTHER, ANASTASIA ANDRADE, is set for December 2, 2024, at the hour of 11:30 a.m., in Division 22, at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings;
SPECIAL DISTRICTS
NOTICE CONCERNING PROPOSED BUDGET OF BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Bennett Fire Protection District for the ensuing year of 2025; that a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the District at 355 4th Street, Bennett, Colorado, where the same is open for public inspection; and that such proposed budget will be considered at a public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held at 355 4th Steet, Bennett, Colorado on December 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, inspect the budget and file or register any objections thereto.
BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
By: /s/ Royce
D. Pindell President
Published in The Villager Published: November 21, 2024 Legal # 11668
NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT
Notice is hereby given that at 12:00 p.m., on or after November 29, 2024, Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District will make final settlement with C&L Water Solutions, located at 12249 Mead Way, Littleton CO 80125, in connection with payment for all services rendered, materials furnished, and for all labor performed in and for construction of the Valentia Street Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation, Jewell Avenue to Evans Avenue Capital Project
1. Any person, co-partnership, association, or corporations who has unpaid claim against the said project or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provision, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any of his subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claims.
2. All such claims shall be filed with the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, 2325 S. Wabash Street, Denver, CO 80231, on or before the above-mentioned time and date of final settlement.
3. Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District from any and all liability for such claim.
Published in The Villager
First Publication: November 21, 2024
Last Publication: November 28, 2024 Legal # 11669
if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the children, dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.
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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AS TO AMENDED 2024 BUDGET AND PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed 2025 budget has been submitted to the EAST VALLEY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, for the fiscal year 2025. A copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of Erb Law, LLC, located at 8480 E. Orchard Road, Suite 3650, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, where same is open for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered at a special meeting of the East Valley Metropolitan District to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 7425 South Peoria Street, Englewood, CO 80111. If necessary, an amended 2024 budget will be filed in the office of the accountant and open for public inspection for consideration at the special meeting of the Board. Any interested elector of the East Valley Metropolitan District may inspect the amended and proposed budgets and file or register any objections at any time prior to the final adoption of the proposed 2025 budget and 2024 amended budget.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
EAST VALLEY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
By: /s/ ERB LAW, LLC
Attorneys for the District
Published in The Villager
Published: November 21, 2024 Legal # 11670
NOTICE OF VACANCY
PURSUANT to Section 32-1-808(2)(a)(I), C.R.S., notice is hereby given that a vacancy does exist on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Public Improvement Metropolitan District, City and County of Denver, Arapahoe and Douglas, Colorado and the Board of the District may fill said vacancy 10 days after the date hereof.
Dated: November 11, 2024
By:/s/Ronald L. Fano Legal Counsel
Published in The Villager
Published: November 21, 2024 Legal # 11671
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).
PUBLIC HEARING Town of Foxfield
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Trustees of the Town of Foxfield will hold a public hearing and shall be held virtually and in person at the South Metro Fire Protection District Station #42, 7320 South Parker Road, Foxfield, Colorado, regarding the 2025 budget on December 12, 2024, at 6:30 P.M. or as soon as possible thereafter.
The Proposed Budget is available for inspection on the Town of Foxfield website at townoffoxfield. colorado.gov.
Public comment will be heard at the hearing or written communication regarding the budget may be submitted to the Town Clerk, P.O. Box 461450, Foxfield, CO 80046, or via e-mail to clerk@townoffoxfield.com, no later than December 8, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Further information is available by calling (303) 680-1544. All interested persons may attend.
YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to appear before the Court at said time and place, either in person, virtually, or by phone. If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse a half hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
Dated: November 14, 2024 Kiley Schaumleffel, Esq., Reg. #46107 Assistant County Attorney Attorney for the Petitioner
Published in The Villager Published: November 21, 2024 Legal # 11666
Published in The Villager Published: November 21, 2024 Legal # 11667 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Town of Foxfield
The Board of Trustees of the Town of Foxfield hereby gives notice that a public hearing shall be held virtually and in person at the South Metro Fire Protection District Station #42, 7320 South Parker Road, Foxfield, Colorado, at 6:30
HOLIDAY POP UP
NOV. 19-24 10 a.m. -5 p.m. DEC.
2-8, 10a.m. -5 p.m.
Handmade Treasures. Discover oneof-a-kind jewelry, art, and gifts, all crafted by hand. Belleview Square (Former Starbucks Space) 4920 S. Yosemite St., Suite C7, Greenwood Village
CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO HOLIDAY SHOPPING NIGHT
WED., NOV. 20, 4-8 p.m.
Glenmoor Country Club, 110 Glenmoor Dr., Cherry Hills Village. Live entertainment, Signature Cocktails, Tantalizing Appetizers and Delicious Desserts. Entry ticket - $10.
THE POLAR EXPRESS20TH ANNIVERSARY
NOV. 22 TO JAN. 1, 2025 at Gaylord Rockies Resort. Carved from 300-pound blocks of ice to fill 17,000 s.f. frozen attraction with the temperature maintained at 9 degrees. Coats provided for the tour. The ice artisans are from Harbin, China where they will carve 2 million pounds of ice to recreate the classic Holiday event in Colorado’s largest indoor frozen attraction. Starting with 6,000 massive ice blocks, the carvers work approximately six weeks- more than 12,000 man-hours. Some of the events: Cirque: Frost; Festival of Trees, Mistletoe Mile Scavenger hunt, Gingerbread Decorating Corner; Build-A-Bear Workshop; Photos with Santa; Elf Training Academy; Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions; Yuletide Street Marker and Cozy Comfort at Relate Spa. Visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com
48TH ANNUAL L’ESPRIT de NOËL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR BENEFITING
CENTRAL CITY OPERA GUILD
NOV. 22 & 23 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day. Home tour in Crestmoor Park Neighborhood of Denver. Non-Guild Member Tickets $50, Guild Member Tickets $40. Purchase tickets at www. lespritdenoel.org/buy-tickets
FACES OF JFS COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY
WED. DEC. 4, 5:30-9:30 p.m. The Cable Center, adjacent to the Univ. of Denver campus. Program to honor Dr. Richard Sanders with the Yana Vishnitsky Leadership Award and Dr. Nancy Reichman with the Joyce and Cal Zell Humanitarian award. Tickets: jewishfamilyservice.org/faces
TABLES EXTRAORDINAIRE
AT SAINT CATHERINE GREEK ORTHODOX
CHURCH
DEC. 5, 12-4 p.m.; Dec. 6, 9-4
p.m. and DEC. 7 9-Noon. Visit 30 holiday table and receive a free Greek pastry favor! $20. Tickets available in advance using the QR code in the Nov. 7 Villager ad. TEA: DEC. 4 & 5. Tray of Sweet Treats and tour of 30 Holiday Tables. $45. Three seating times. . BAKERY: DEC. 4-7. Handmade Greek pastries. Preorder by NOV. 15 or purchase on site. Info: https:/ www.stcatherinechurch.orgtables Info: https:/www.stcatherinechurch. orgtables
CENTENNIAL JIMGLE JAM
SAT., DEC. 7, 1-4 P.M., Centennial Center Park. Local elementary, middle and high school choirs perform holiday songs in Centennial Center Park, 13050 E. Peakview Ave. Free event. Free cookies, cocoa and cider, family-friendly activities. Food trucks and community vendors. Santa will even make an appearance.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
SAT., DEC. 7. Looking for Volunteers to supposes the familyfriendly Visit The Village at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Operate the free hot chocolate station, fill treat bags at the makeyour-own “reindeer food” station and help with craft activities. Receive a free T-shirt when you volunteer. Details: arapahoe.gov/ volunteer
GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
SAT. DEC. 7. Arapahoe County fairgrounds. Meet Santa, horses-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, make-and-take crafts, petting farm, local craft vendors, food trucks and more.
FRIENDS OF NURSING’S CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Friends of Nursing’s Christmas Luncheon will be DECEMBER 7 at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Restaurant in Greenwood Village. The program, “Nurses Make a Difference” will include reflections of Randy Gradishar and his wife Beth, who IS a nurse. Their fireside chat will describe the influence of nursing in their lives. Rick Crandall will introduce soprano Christie Conover to entertain with Christmas music. For information, please call 720/891-3412
THIRD ANNUAL LATKES
AND LIGHTS HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
SUN. DEC. 15, 10 a.m. Hosted by Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC Denver).Two latke competitions, craft fair, live music, Hanukkah games and more. All ages invited. Tickets limited at https:/ www.jccd DEenver.org/portfolioitems/latkes-and-lights/
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW PARADE
JAN. 9 12 noon. Downtown Denver.
SOUTH SUBURBAN GOLF COURSE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
7900 S Colo. Blvd., Centennial. Five leagues have joined together to raise funds for “Nourish Meals on Wheels” this month. Nourish delivered more than 200,000 meals and groceries in 2023 to those in need. Concerts and karaoke nights throughout the year. Info: 303-70-5500.
DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-313-9741.
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 p/m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-377-7682.
WHAT’S NEW? MURAL UNDER ARAPAHOE BRIDGE IS COMPLETE
The Centennial Arts & Cultural Foundation recently celebrated the completion of the City’s first public mural project, located along Big Dry Creek under the Arapahoe Road Bridge.
WHAT’S NEW?
Carla’s is decorated for the Holidays! SHOP LOCAL! Unique & festive holidays decor from vintage to modern. A magical experience for 29 years. The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Ste., 233, Centennial.
WHAT’S NEW?
- BRIA BLAIR CREATIVE NOW OPEN!
The Streets at Southglenn, 6853 S. York St., 123. (Across
the street from Carlas.) Open Monday by appointment or Tuesday-Sat. 10-5 p.m.
WHAT’S NEW? - ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING EVENTS
Upscale dining, engaging events and activities, indoor pool, pet friendly. Call 72-684-5913 to schedule a tour and enjoy lunch on the Village. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.
