12-5-24 Villager by The Villager

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BY FREDA MIKLIN

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

Nearly 10% of State Senate seats in 2025 will be newly filled by partisan vacancy committees instead of

As the number of Colorado state legislators who got their seats via appointment by a partisan vacancy committee has grown to nearly a third of the 100-member general assembly in recent years, more and more Coloradans are questioning the process. It is an open secret that appointed legislators enjoy the benefit of running as incumbents in subsequent elections and they win most of the time.

One of those concerned about ever-increasing vacancy appointments is Shad Murib, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, who recently said, “The growing number of senators and representatives of both parties serving in office as a result of vacancy committee selections and not traditional elections should concern every Coloradan, and it certainly concerns me. The time is now to consider ways to make this process better.”

Douglas County Democratic State Rep. Bob Marshall introduced a measure last year, HCR24-1004, that would have asked Colorado voters to adopt a constitutional amendment prohibiting an appointed state senator or representative from running for the office to which he or she was appointed in the general election immediately following their appointment. It failed to pass the House thus was never even heard in the Senate.

Three of the 35 members of the Colorado state senate, two Democrats and

one Republican, announced in the days following the November 5 election, that they plan to resign their seats one day after the beginning of the 2025 legislative session. That will result in their replacements, selected by partisan vacancy committees, serving until the candidate elected to that seat on November 3, 2026, is sworn in during the first week of January 2027.

We reported on November 21 that Denver state Sen. Chris Hansen had announced he planned to give up the senate seat to which he had just been re-elected, on January 9, 2025, one day after the start of the 2025 legislative session. Hansen began his service in the state senate in 2020 when he was appointed by a vacancy committee to complete the term of Sen. Lois Court after she resigned.

On November 21, Aurora state Sen. Janet Buckner announced that she, too, would step down on January 9. Buckner began her service in the general assembly in 2015, when she was appointed by a

voters

vacancy committee to complete the term of her late husband, HD40 state Rep. John Buckner. She was subsequently elected to that seat in 2016 and again in 2018, then ran for State Senate in 2020, winning by 26 points. On November 5, 2024, she was re-elected to the state Senate without opposition.

A third legislator resigning his seat January 9 is Douglas County Republican Sen. Kevin Van Winkle, who successfully ran for Douglas County Commissioner on November 5.

Like the others, Van Winkle’s partisan vacancy committee-selected replacement will serve for two full years.

As a senator, Van Winkle earned $44,000/year. A Douglas County commissioner earns between $127,000 and $131,000 annually. It is understandable that he ran for the position being vacated by Lora Thomas, who was term-limited. It is also understandable that he did not resign his senate seat early enough that someone else could have run for it in November, even though Van Winkle was open about his plans to run for county commissioner. By not resigning earlier, had he lost the election for county commissioner, he would have still been a senator for two more years..

In discussing the situation with a reporter, Hansen pointed to the low salary of legislators as one of the reasons he accepted a position as CEO of La Plata Electric Association when it was offered to

him. He recommended the state look into reasons elected officials resign as part of reforming the process of filling vacancies.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 25 states fill legislative vacancies via special elections. In 11 states, including Utah, Kansas, and Nebraska, the governor appoints a replacement. The Board of County Commissioners chooses a replacement for a resigned legislator in eight states, including Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona. Only four states besides Colorado--Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and North Dakota— employ vacancy committees, a process whereby the political party establishment of the resigned legislator chooses his or her replacement. Generally, a group of under 100 party members comprises a vacancy committee. A majority of that group selects a person to complete the unexpired term. In the case of a state senator, the person chosen will represent approximately 168,000 people, often for two full years. That is the case with the three state senators who just announced their resignations.

A memo from the nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff dated January 4, 2023, confirms that state legislators appointed by vacancy committees serve until the next general election, which is two years away, if they resign right after a general election, as is the case with Senators Hansen, Buckner, and Van Winkle, whose vacancy committee-selected replacements will serve until the first week of January 2027, unless they are subsequently elected to the seats to which they were appointed. In that case, they will be eligible to serve in those seats until January 2035.

Outgoing state Sen. Chris Hansen Outgoing state Sen. Janet Buckner

Outgoing state Sen. Kevin Van Winkle

RCI closing Cherry Creek Food Hall in Greenwood Village

BY DON IRELAND

SPECIAL FOR THE VILLAGER

The Cherry Creek Food Hall in Greenwood Village has closed by owner RCI Hospitality Holdings on Sunday, Nov. 30.

RCI CEO & President Eric Langan told The Villager on Sunday, “The food hall was just not making the return for the investment. Labor costs were very high there and it was very hard to keep business consistent.”

Among the closing restaurants in the complex was one of RCI’s Bombshells’ locations, which featured “made from scratch” chicken wings, salads and other menu options. It was frequently compared to competitors, including Hooters and Twin Peaks.

The announcement came almost exactly two years after RCI (Nasdaq: RICK) announced the acquisition of the food hall –formerly called The Grange – at 6575 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard. It was purchased from wellknown Denver restauranter Troy Guard for $5.2 million, consisting of $1.85 million in cash and a five-year, 6.67% bank financing note with a 25-year amortization. The 12,500-square-foot location included a microbrewery, bar and arcade area in addition to several food vendors that offered dishes ranging from sushi, artisan sandwiches, Korean dumplings, charcutiers, Mexican dishes, pizza, ramen and other specialties.

Langan said RCI is continuing to move ahead and open its military-themed, Bombshells restaurant at the corner of 14th and Arapahoe Streets in downtown Denver sometime in January. The adult-entertainment company also owns and operates five strip clubs or cabarets in the metro Denver area, including the Diamond Cabaret and a Rick’s Cabaret location near the Colorado Convention Center.

While RCI’s primary business is adult cabarets and strip clubs in 13 states, it also expanded into the restaurant business with its Bombshells locations. However, in November, RCI announced it planned to sell two of its Texas locations and sell a third in Pflugerville, TX. The closings were attributed to “underperforming” locations, the company said in a release several weeks ago.

In addition, Langan said RCI is continuing to move ahead with plans for a springtime opening for one of its

City, Gilpin County. Originally, the company wanted to open two casinos – one under the Rick’s brand and other a Bombshell’s casino-restaurant in Central City - but withdrew their request for Colorado gaming licenses in May. However, Langan has moved forward toward open the

Rick’s location, featuring women wearing see-through latex outfits that gives them the appearance of being topless.

Currently, RCI and Central City are tangled in a federal lawsuit involving permits over the location. It is unknown when the case will be heard.

The Optimist Club of Monaco South is once again offering Christmas trees for sale. Located near the northwest corner of Monaco & Iliff on the grounds of the Villa Monaco Shopping Center, the Tree Lot is open seven days a week from 10-8.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, it will operate through Christmas Eve or until the last tree is sold, if sooner.

This annual fundraiser is a local 45-year tradition. The net proceeds enable the Optimist Club to continue its nearly half-century history of serving youth and the community.

On weekends Santa Claus is in residence at the Tree Lot’s heated Santa Haus, to visit with the young and not so young. There’s no charge or purchase obligation, and you can take photos with Santa, too!

In addition to several varieties and sizes of trees and wreaths, also available are fresh garland, pine boughs, and tree accessories for holiday decorating.

Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse locations in Central

RCI Hospitality Holdings’ Cherry Creek Food Hall, formerly The Grange, in Greenwood Village. (file photo)

It Just Wasn’t My Time to Go…

Readers of this newspaper are aware that I grew up on a real old-time cattle ranch in far N.W Colorado. I like to describe what life was like living without indoor plumbing, electricity, television, and phone service; with cooking and heating from a wood and coal stove. I’ll dwell on more of those stories in 2025. At this moment I am glad that I will be around to write about more future subjects. 2025 is going to be a dynamic year with a new administration and ongoing challenges at the federal, state, county and city administrations.

BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER

President Trump will be hard challenged to keep the ship of state afloat and headed in the best direction for all citizens. I’m optimistic that the nation will move forward and many of the challenges of today will be memories by the end of 2025. Immigration is going to be a very demanding work in progress to protect our nation’s borders. Ending the wars will be another challenge and my belief is that they will come to an end soon. Then the question arises how to rise from the ashes of war?

It will be a very exciting year, both locally and nationally, and we’ll be doing our best to keep readers informed on news close to home. Good government begins at the local level where new leadership emerges along with new ideas to make life better for everyone.

I am very thankful to be a part of the news coverage with a recent health challenge that I was lucky to survive. Before my bedtime on Sunday evening, Nov. 3, my wife Gerri had gone to bed, and I was sitting in my recliner catching the late hour news and football scores.

With no warning I experienced a sudden pain, like getting shot in the stomach; my major aorta leading down from my heart ruptured, along with two other major arteries. I’m told that is described as a “Triple A” emergency where one can internally bleed to death, quickly.

As I struggled to bed, my wife called 911, with a fire station located a few miles from our home. I remember two firemen lifting me up and arriving on a stretcher at Parker Adventist Hospital. I recall seeing the lights from a CAT scan. My next memory was riding in

an ambulance to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood where two vascular surgeons were on duty and were able to save my life. They describe me as an “anomaly.” That began a month-long recovery between the hospital and the Suites at Holly Creek Care Center. I was discharged Dec 1 and made it back home Sunday afternoon, able to walk with a walker and no cognitive damages. My wife, three daughters, son, two sons-in-law and a niece, who is an RN, are all my heroes.

Our newspaper crew never missed a step with Gerri and daughter Susan, keeping the newspapers on schedule through the election with the professional veterans who produce this newspaper every week.

I have never been in a hospital overnight, so this was quite an experience. I entered a world of very caring and professional health care workers from the top down to the bed pan experiences. Not much vanity left in a hospital stay. It has truly been a painful journey, but I’m overjoyed to be alive. My apologies to all of you who have called and left messages and get-well cards. I had to turn my phone off for many days and just get well. I feel very lucky to be alive and thankful to God for sparing me once again in my life’s incredible journey.

Got Debt? Try Some Fiscal Federalism - WSJ

From the by John F. Cogan of the Wall Street Journal:“My analysis of federal budget data shows that the chronic federal budget deficits since the 1950s are due to the federal government’s failure to raise tax revenues required to finance its spending on state and local activities.”

The basic premise of this article is faulty. Therefore, the conclusions are false. The authors mind-set, his false premise, is based on increasing tax revenue to support government spending.

The opposite is true. Gov-

ernment should restricts its spending to a number less than its tax revenue. And the savings from lowered spending should be used to pay down the debt.

The author used static economic formulae to arrive at his conclusions: higher taxes equals higher tax revenue. The problem is that the tax payer will react negatively to increased taxes.

A dynamic model better suits the reality, it accounts for the effects, both seen and

Our Mission is to Give Colorado Children a Magical Holiday

The Village Toy Drive is Collecting New Toys for Volunteers of America Colorado this Holiday Season

unseen, of tax hikes. For instance, Trump’s tax rate curs actually increased federal revenues. That is due to increase economic activity in the private economy.

Economics is the study of human nature. Denying the obvious reality is not any way to run monetary or fiscal policy. Economists like this haven’t learned a single lesson from the total failure of MMT (Modern Monetary Theory) over the past 16 years.

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.

The article can be found here: https://www.wsj.com/ opinion/drowning-in-debt-trysome-fiscal-federalism-policyspending-8700e0c7?mod=Mo rningEditorialReport&mod=dj emMER_h

DONATE NEW TOYS (AGES 0–18)

Drop off at First American State Bank 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy, Suite 100 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

DONATE ONLINE

Make cash donations directly to Volunteers of America at voacolorado.org/the-village-toy-drive/ or scan the QR code

DEADLINE TO DONATE

Deadline for donations is Friday, December 13, 2024

PUBLISHER

Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

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

LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com

NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com

GOVERNMENTAL

FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Tom McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com

Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388 cogambler@mac.com

Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Gerri 303-773-8313

EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com

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BY FREDA MIKLIN

Residents come out to say CHV should wait to expand Brave Academy until traffic issues in the area are addressed

On November 19, dozens of Cherry Hills Village residents, most of whom live in the area around Brave Church at 3800 E. Hampden Avenue, came to testify at a public hearing at which the church sought city council approval to expand their school, Brave Academy (BA), to allow up to 208 students in grades K-12. The meeting lasted nearly seven hours, ending at 1:15 a.m.

Before testimony began, The Villager interviewed Jake Clay, Head of Education and Interim Head of School. He told us that BA currently has less than 30 students, mostly in the lower grades. In response to our question about BA’s accreditation, Clay shared that the school is in the process of getting accredited by the Society of Classical Learning (SCL). SCL’s website describes it as “the leader in the classical Christian education movement,” and lists five schools around the country which it has accredited, recognizing them as being “able to apply the most effective means to establish a rigorous, prevailing quality standard for classical Christian schools.” Clay also told us that tuition at BA is $10,500/year.

City staff presented BA’s request to increase its enrollment to 208, and potentially 416 later, with city council approval and evidence that traffic was not a problem. Staff stated that they believed the request to expand to 208 students met applicable CHV criteria and recommended that the city council approve it.

Tye Ragsdale, pastor and chief operating officer, talked about the church’s ethics and Christian ministry, noting that BA is an integral part of Brave Church, not a separate entity. He emphasized their desire to be good neighbors and be transparent, consistent with their Christian values of honesty and integrity.

He was followed by a representative of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, who prepared the traffic study that was an integral part of the request. He answered city council questions about the study.

61 CHV residents, many of whom live in the single-family Covington neighborhood just west of the Brave Church campus, submitted letters to the city prior to the meeting, asking the city to delay approving BA’s plan until traffic patterns in the nearby area were

addressed. Many of the letters pointed to vehicles frequently backed up on Colorado Blvd. in both directions, near Hampden Avenue, due to traffic to and from Kent Denver School, noting that BA was in that exact location, thus adding significantly more traffic there could exacerbate the situation. They also noted that northbound Mansfield Avenue headed toward Colorado Boulevard during the morning and after school, was a current problem. Many letters identified significant traffic backups on northbound Colorado Blvd. at Hampden Avenue because the intersection lacks a separate right turn lane for motorists headed east toward I-25, separating them from those going north, across Hampden Avenue, on Colorado Blvd.

A couple who lives across Colorado Blvd. from Brave Church, wrote, “Increasing student enrollment will create horrendous traffic conditions twice every weekday, to add to the weekend church traffic that already exists there. This will be on top of the heavy traffic that now crowds Colorado Boulevard as parents deliver students to Kent and Cherry Hills Elementary.”

Nevertheless, both BA’s traffic engineers and CHV’s consulting traffic engineers concluded that, “The proposed development will not result in unreasonable traffic congestion or create a safety hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic and adequate provisions will be provided to manage any traffic-related issues.”

Many residents who wrote in pointed to some statements in the city’s written analysis of the project as evidence of the disconnect between residents’ experience of current and potential future traffic in the area, and city staff’s belief that BA’s request could be reasonable accommodated. Those statements included:

• “The impacts of traffic at the Colorado Boulevard and E. Hampden Avenue intersection were considered in BRAVE’s study, although the intersection itself was not independently studied, because the intersection was analyzed, and traffic conditions taken, as part of a recent multi-jurisdictional effort (that) identified some short-term and long-range improvements at the Hampden/Colorado intersection…That study did not recommend improvements for the northbound Colorado Boulevard approach, but did identify the need for a more focused feasibility study to identify innovative intersection configuration alternatives.”

• “Per the City’s consultant, “major” intersections generally consist of multilane, high speed, and/or high -volume facilities connecting a variety of land uses. The Colorado/Mansfield intersection was not included in the study because it is not signalized and is considered a minor intersection.”

• “The City does not have its own guidelines for traffic impact studies. Therefore, the City’s consultant referenced the Arapahoe County Traffic Impact Study.”

During the meeting, the city’s traffic consultant acknowledged that the intersection of Hampden and Colorado Boulevard “is approaching capacity and failure,” and short and long-term improvements were needed that would impact the BA project.

Citizen testimony began at 10:20 pm, nearly four hours into the meeting. It lasted until midnight, despite Mayor Brown carefully limiting speakers to three minutes each.

Several citizens pointed to concerns they had regarding safety of children on bicycles and pedestrians in the area,

Recounts are pending in two State House districts

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has ordered official recounts in State House Districts 16 and 19. Recounts are required by law when candidates’ vote totals are less than 0.5% apart.

In El Paso County HD16, Republican challenger Rebecca Keltie received six more votes than Democratic incumbent Stephanie Vigil, out of 41,276 cast, constituting a margin of 0.1454%. A difference of 206 votes or less would have been sufficient to trigger the legally mandated recount.

resulting from frustrated motorists failing to observe traffic rules.

Tara Bailey, an attorney with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Shreck, testified that she represented a group of homeowners who live near BA. Bailey emphasized that her clients were “not in opposition to this project. They are in opposition to the inadequacy of this traffic study, its proposed circulation plan and mitigation measures, which they feel are inadequate.” She also noted that, when it heard this case, CHV’s Planning & Zoning Commission, “initially voted to recommend denial of the application, then went into executaive session, and changed the vote to approve the application,” which caused the homeowners to be “concerned and confused by this vote swap, understandably.”

Bailey went on, sharing her opinion that BA’s application “did not meet all the Code’s criteria of approval,” specifically criterion one, requiring consistency with the Master Plan, as well as preservation of the semi-rural character of this city, along with portions of criterion five, which requires that it not create unreasonable traffic congestion or a safety hazard to pedestrians or motorists.

Covington resident Richard Abels spoke to recommend that the city council “put this (project) on pause, to get more information, to do more studies, and get a better understanding of a very serious nature.” He continued, addressing the council, “BA’s growth is allowed. It’s encouraged. Your job is to make sure it’s done in harmony with the needs of the greater community.” Abels concluded that managing traffic at the intersections of Colorado Blvd. & Hampden Avenue, as well as Colorado Blvd. and Quincy Avenue, should be addressed before BA’s request to expand is considered.

After public testimony ended at midnight, the city council deliberated for 45 minutes before deciding to continue the case for the expansion of BA to its final meeting of 2024, on December 11, noting the importance of voting on the question at that date, to avoid having to begin the case anew when three members of the council leave and are replaced by newly elected representatives in January.

2020. After the 2021 statewide redistricting, he was no longer in HD63. He was in HD19, for which he ran in 2022, losing to Democrat Parenti by 3%. A rematch of that contest was on track for November 5, 2024, until Parenti dropped out and was replaced by McMillan.

On November 5, Woog received 109 more votes than did McMillan, out of 56,729 cast, constituting a margin of 0.192%. A recount would have been legally mandated by any difference of 283 votes or less.

In HD19, which encompasses parts of Boulder and Weld County, including the

towns of Dacono, Frederick, Eric, and Firestone, the seat became open when incumbent Democratic Rep. Jennifer Parenti changed her mind about running for re-election in late July. Since the time for a primary had passed, it was left

to a Democratic vacancy committee to select a replacement. On August 7, the 31-member committee chose Jillaire McMillan to oppose Republican Dan Woog. Woog was elected to the state House from HD63 by a 24-point margin in

If the recounts in HD16 and HD19 do not alter the outcome of either election, Democrats will hold 43 seats and Republicans will hold 22 in the state House for the next two years. Any change would affect those totals.

Both recounts are required to be completed by December 6.

Brave Academy Interim Head of School Jake Clay

Rebecca Keltie Stephanie Vigil Dan Woog

Jillaire McMillan

CHV residents filled the city council chamber to share their concerns about the proposed expansion of Brave Academy. Photo by Freda Miklin

LAUNCHING THE HOLIDAYS WITH CHEER FOR GREAT CAUSES!

Cancer League hosts Holiday Shopping Night at Glenmoor Country Club

Cancer League of Colorado secured an exciting and varied array of vendors for its annual holiday shopping night out. There were libations and nibbles along the way as loyal

supporters found treasures to fill their bags and raise funds. The all-volunteer nonprofit has raised and awarded over $24 million for cancer research and patient care since 1969.

Tap & Burger at Belleview Station helps launch 11th Annual Village Toy Drive

What a wonderful discovery – exceptional food and beverage right in the neighborhood! Greg Lewis and Ryan Terry were enthusiastically accommodating - reserving the Tap & Burger establishment at Belleview Station to host this season’s launch of the 11th Annual Village Toy Drive.

The Village Toy Drive benefits Volunteers of America with a mission to give every Colorado child a magical holiday. Over 200 guests generously donated unwrapped toys to be placed under the tree at

First American State Bank where a wrapping party is scheduled for December 12. It was a very family-friendly evening with a special play

area designated for children. A delectable buffet of the restaurant’s fun food offerings added to the festivities. Gracious sponsor partners were:

“It truly takes a village and we wouldn’t be able to supply thousands of toys each year without our sponsors and community partners!”

Tap & Burger, Mile High Spirits, Erik and Mollie Helen, First American State Bank and Gruber Commercial Real Estate.

The Village Toy Drive Founder and First American State Bank VP Michelle Gruber and her husband Russell Gruber of Gruber Commercial Real Estate (sponsor)

Photo by Scottie Iverson

Volunteers of America staff in attendance: Gerry Rasel, Lynn Hubert, Jim Nix, Jan Otteman, Faustine Curry and Michael James. Photo courtesy of VOA

– Michelle Gruber

Supporters Laura Shipman, Rosalina Diecidue, Annabel Bowlen and Edie Marks

Shoppers Lyn Drake and Nancy Hemstad

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Cherry Hills Village resident Betsy Baltzer at her unique and inviting Literati Spirits display

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

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

“Empowering all youth across Colorado through leadership, outdoor skills, and community service. Scouting Colorado fosters character development and prepares future leaders https://www.coloradogives.org/ Scoutingcolorado

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 https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/ fullcircleprogram

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 nonprofit. 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.

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

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

Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of the economy and jobs.

The Nathan Yip Foundation works to close the educational opportunity gap between rural and urban schools by providing grants to teachers and schools in the 147 rural schools districts throughout Colorado.

Independence Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit, free market think tank that educates citizens, legislators, and opinion makers about policies that enhance personal and economic freedom. i2i.org/CGD

BRRC is dedicated to providing the resources, education and advocacy needed to stop bullying and stem the long-term effects bullying has on its targets.

Help A Precious Child empower over 50,000 kids with essential support—diapers, clothing, food, holiday gifts and more. Donate today to make an impact: coloradogives.org/organization/ APreciousChild

Located in Littleton, Doctors Care provides affordable, 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 confidence, dignity, and determination. https://www.coloradogives.org/ organization/jarockymountain

“A sanctuary full of compassion and love. Providing a lifelong home for elderly dogs during their Good Days, Bad Days, and Last Days.”

WINGS OF HOPE for Pancreatic Cancer Research is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center,

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

PLEASE SUPPORT US ON COLORADO GIVES DAY

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.

FON

Friends of nursing is making a difference in the lives of

nursing students and the lives of people needing medical care in our Colorado communities

By providing nursing scholarships, Friends of Nursing is helping the next generation of nurses who are earning their baccalaureate or higher degree through nine Colorado Schools of Nursing.

Colorado is experiencing a serious nursing shortage. Some projections suggest that our state will need more than 10,000 new nurses over the next decade. As the demand for quality patient care continues to rise, so does the demand for qualified and dedicated nurses. The Colorado Workforce Development Council projects a shortage of 56,000 entry-level and mid-level healthcare workers by 2026.

The recipients of Friends of Nursing scholarships show exemplary skill and passion for their chosen career path. With few overhead costs and

a 100% volunteer board, donations to Friends of Nursing go directly to the scholarship fund. Students receiving the Friends of Nursing scholarships express sincere gratitude when they receive their awards because education costs are high, and even when working one or two jobs while in school, students still struggle with the cost of their educations.

In 1981, co-founders Greta Pollard and Janet Pirkey established Friends of Nursing

of the University of Denver as a non-profit scholarship support group for the school’s nursing program. After DU phased out its nursing program in 1985, the organization was renamed Friends of Nursing (FON) and broadened the scope of Colorado college and university nursing programs it supported. Funds are raised through memberships, special events, and donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

To Give, please go to www.coloradogives. org/donate/fon or to www.friendsofnursing. org/donate and click on PayPal. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank you for your support!

Colorado Lions have Lions-associated organizations participating in Colorado Gives Day on December 10

These organizations below conduct a wide range of activities that can use your help.

Please donate to one or more.

Your donation increases with the addition of Gives Day funds.

• Denver Lions Foundation

• Colorado Lions Camp

• Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank

• Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation

• Savio House

To make donations, go to this link to Colorado Gives Day: https://www.colorado gives.org/search. On this page, you can search for the

Lion organization. You do not have to wait until December 10th to donate, as you can schedule donations early. But not after December 10th.

Colorado Gives Day

Join one of the largest oneday giving movements in the country.

Each December, Coloradans come together with the common goal of strengthening the community by helping to power nonprofits. Community First Foundation and FirstBank partner to make this day rewarding for givers, nonprofits, and the community.

Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 10, and

features a $1.6 Million Incentive Fund. Every nonprofit receiving a donation on Colorado Gives Day receives a portion of the fund, increasing the impact and the value of every dollar donated. Colorado Gives Day has grown to be Colorado's largest one-day online giving event, raising more than $419 million since it began in 2010.

Scholarship winners from 2024

Will CU keep Prime? Many ‘pros’ to weigh

Will he, or won’t he?

After the Colorado Buffaloes missed the Big 12 Conference championship game and a possible berth in the National Championship Playoff because they went 0-for-Kansas, there’s an elephant in the room as they prepare for their consolation bowl game.

Will Coach Prime follow his sons out of Boulder and into the National Football League?

attract players from other universities.

• But can they top what he brought with him from Jackson State two years ago and harvested from the transfer portal thereafter?

head coach of the Dallas Cowboys has, by far, the most glamorous ring for a man who’s yet to find a spotlight too big or too bright.

Pro football distinction awaits.

Or will he remain in the shadow of The Flatirons and build on his first two seasons as CU’s charismatic head football coach?

There are arguments in support of “yes” to both questions, enough to lie awake nights pondering the pros of both.

As for staying:

• There’s unfinished business.

• The 9-3 record and a national ranking represents major progress from last year’s 4-8 and dead-last finish in the moribund Pac 12.

• But there still are mountaintops to reach.

• Another challenge awaits, as well: winning without Shedeur at quarterback and Travis Hunter everywhere.

• Coach Prime’s incoming recruiting class is highly regarded—No. 2 in the Big 12, some say. And he’s demonstrated his ability to

• This is his chance to show the doubters.

• Personal happiness is also a factor. Coach Prime has said he loves it in Boulder and Colorado.

As for leaving:

• Currently, there are three head coaching vacancies in the National Football League: Bears, Saints and Jets. And others likely to come, maybe including Dallas, where Mike McCarthy is on the hot seat with a 5-7 record.

• Sanders played in five NFL cities: Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington and Baltimore across 14 seasons (interrupted by a three-year retirement after 12).

• Demonstrating Hunter-like two-way ability, Neon Deion in 1996 caught 36 passes for 475 yards, intercepted two passes and recovered three fumbles, and scored twice, once receiving and once returning a fumble. (In his career, he scored nine times on defense!)

Of his five former teams,

Among the 378 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame through 2024, only a handful have done what Sanders would be able to say he did if he becomes a head coach in the NFL. That is, play and coach at that level.

He’d join a short list that includes George Halas, Curly Lambeau, Jim Thorpe, Fritz Pollard and Ernie Nevers. (Deion was inducted as a player in 2011.)

As if he isn’t raking in enough money already, coaching the Dallas Cowboys likely would mean even bigger paydays for Coach Prime.

But there’s at least one unknown.

“I don’t just coach these young men,” he said after Senior Day at CU last Friday. “I love these young men like they’re family, and I just want them to soar, not just from the football aspect, but as young men in life.”

A lot of coaches say something like that, and to a point probably mean it. But it’s more than schtick with Coach Prime. His investment in his players at the college level seems genuine.

And therein lies the unknown.

How would pros respond to that sentiment from their coach?

Would the coach have to become more businesslike?

Sanders certainly knows the professional environment after starring at that level for more than a decade.

But could he change his style? Would he want to?

There IS another possibility: Tallahasse, Florida, home of the Florida State Seminoles, where Deion was a three-time All-American.

That job’s filled right now, and likely won’t be vacant this time around, despite a more-than-disappointing season under Mike Norvell.

Coming off a 13-0 regular season in 2023 that earned Norvell various awards, FSU was ranked in the top 10 when the ’24 season began. But a 2421 upset loss to Georgia Tech in Dublin to open the season was a sign of things to come. The Seminoles went 2-10, their worst season since 1974.

My bet is that Coach Prime will remain in Boulder for now. But keep an eye on the university where he excelled in the mid-‘80s.

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

THE

POLAR

EXPRESS - 20TH 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; BuildA-Bear Workshop; Photos with Santa; Elf

Training Academy; Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions; Yuletide Street Marker and Cozy Comfort at Relate Spa. Visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com

TABLES EXTRAORDINAIRE AT SAINT CATHERINE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

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. Tray of Sweet Treats and tour of 30 Holiday Tables. $45. Three seating times. BAKERY: DEC. 4-7. Handmade Greek pastries. 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 family-friendly Visit The Village at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Operate the free hot chocolate station, fill treat bags at the make-your-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 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Friends of Nursing 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

CHERRY CREEK REPUBLICAN WOMEN CELEBRATE CCRW’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY

TUESDAY, DEC. 10, 11:00 a.m. Holiday Luncheon. Double Tree by Hilton DTC, 7801 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village. Free Parking. RSVP by Dec. 3. $36.00 charge. Entertainment by Kerry Edwards (Former of Tony Davids Wildfire.) Now. Two’s Company. Preregistration required. Call Marcia 303-475-9148.

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/portfolio-items/latkesand-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: 30370-5500.

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 720377-7682.

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.

Oh what fun it is... to Shop!

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 Christmas Gifts!! We can’t wait to welcome you into our artistic community!

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